Bogen 516 vs 503

S

SilverWolf

Veteran
Does anybody know if the 516 is better than the 503 and if so why and by how much.
I have read all the specs of both the heads , but I don't really understand some of the specs.
 
It's mainly the maximum load that the head can take (i think it's 13lb vs 22lb if i remember correctly) and more importantly how much weight the head can effectively counterbalance ie: how heavy a load you can tilt and have the spring assist you. That's probably not the best explanation. Maybe someone else can chime in. Oh ya and price! :)
 
So pretty much if i'm understanding correctly the 516 can hold more equipment and potentialy a bigger camera? Is this head smoother than the 503 ?
Thx
 
I don't think it's necessarily smoother. They both offer variable drag with the pan and tilt functions. I own the 503 and for the DVX even with a mattebox and follow focus it works fine.
 
I too have a 503 and it's awsome. If you were using a Mini35 adapter or something, I would suggest a bigger head, but for the DVX, the 503 is uber smooth, counterbalances well, and isn't too spendy. I highly recommend it.
 
OK so if I plan on getting a 35mm adapter and some other heavier equipment on the head then I should get the 516 but for just dvx and some other accessories its fine?
 
Ya for the price point and function the 503 is a great head.

On a side note I wonder if you were to underweight a 516 head (ie: just a stock DVX) would it cause some issues? Like panning a 35mm O'Connor head without any camera on it. It's tough!
 
it probably would want to counteract your movements, especially the pan and tilt actions, causing you to compensate, causing jittery images. Probably not as bad as an O'connor head, but still noticeable.
 
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