Manfrotto 503HDV vs. Vinten Pro-6HDV

M

meauounji

Well-known member
So, I'm looking to get a tripod head and legs, and I was considering these two:

1. Manfrotto 503HDV
2. Vinten Pro-6HDV

For just the head (emphasis on just) the price difference is about a $100. The question is: is it worth it? I understand that the Pro-6HDV is essentially a re-badged and modified 503HDV, but is the difference worth the extra money?

Speaking of money (isn't it always the issue, it seems?) the 503HDV starts to become more attractive price wise when you consider that a kit with the 535 single-tube carbon fiber legs and a padded bag can be had for $720 (with a $50 mail in rebate taking it down to $670) While the Vinten kit is about $880 for the floor-spreader model and goes up from there. If I get just the Vinten head ($470) it's going to be around another $390 for the same manfrotto 535 legs, or I can spring for the Miller Solo Aluminum for about $470, bringing the total for just the legs and head with no bag up to around $930... which is now just as much as the Vinten kit, except I don't get the bag (but I do prefer single-tube tripods)

Having said all that, here's another thing about money. $200-$300 difference is a lot, but it's not that big of a deal. In the long run, I'd rather spend a bit extra and get what will last and won't make me feel like I have to upgrade next year. I've found that it actually costs you less in the long haul if you would just cough up the extra up front as opposed to cheaping out.

So here's the question: Is the Vinten Pro-6HDV worth the $300 or so difference over the 503HDV when considered as a kit? Can anyone who's used both extensively comment on the differences between the two?

Oh, one more thing. I'm using a 7D on rails with a mattebox and a 7" LCD monitor.
 
david_p said:
if im correct isnt the Vinten just a re-badged manfrotto? basically the same thing with the vinten name on it? i might be mistaken though!
Click to expand...

Well, the way I understood it is that that statement is about 80% true. They took the 503HDV, gave it a new shell and added a couple of features. So it's not like they just took the 503HDV, scratched off the Manfrotto logo and wrote Vinten on it, that much is obvious just by looking at the two, even if the engineering underneath share the same basics. What I find interesting is that the 503HDV is rated for 17.6lbs while the Pro-6HDV is rated for 13.2lbs... either Manfrotto is overstating or Vinten is understating (or maybe both)

A review by DVuser.co.uk said pretty nice things about the Vinten, but it doesn't have a review for the 503HDV for comparison... a little frustrating. I don't like to compare reviews from two sites (or even two reviewers) since they're not likely to judge by the same standards.
 
The thing is, the 503HDV is a very basic, very stripped down version of a tripod head. The weight load is 17.6 lbs but its counterbalance range is only 8.6 lbs, meaning that anymore than that and your rig is liable to take a nose time. I wasn't too impressed with its fluid drag control either, everything seemed too loose even at the highest setting (and this was with a bare HVX). It's just not a tripod head that grows with you. If I was looking for something that would last, the Bogen 516 is the minimum I would go for in the Bogen line-up, or maybe the Libec LS38. The 516 is still missing features like variable counterbalance and a numbered fluid drag adjustment, but it's a solid head with very smooth movement. I started out using it with just a bare XH-A1, then gradually added accessories and 35mm adapter and monitors over the years and it still holds up well.

Vinten's lower end tripods aren't really that remarkable, no need to pay more for the name. There was a shoot a while back when I had my 516 and the Vinten Vision 3 (their pro line of tripod head) side by side and from what I can tell the Vision 3 aren't much better than the 516.

BTW, if you're interested I am selling my 516 tripod setup. After 2 years I finally got the nerve (and the cash) to step up to a Sachtler :)
 
I actually would be interested in your 516 if it weren't for the stuck 100mm bowl. Thanks for the offer, though.
 
So, having done a bit more "research" (actually more like aimless internet wandering) I think I've now come up with another choice: the Libec LS-55 with the H-55 head... although I haven't completely ruled out the H38 head either. It's just that having no drag adjustments at all on the H38 is kinda freaking me out.

I'm just so hung up on that single-tube style legs! I'm a one-man-band kind of shooter at least in the foreseeably near future so having versatile legs that are fast to prop up without having to mess with a spreader is an important factor.

I'm even considering a H38+Miller Solo combo... pricier and doesn't have a bag, but at least I know the legs will last long term. I'm pretty much over the Vinten Pro-6HDV, though. I'm just too unsure about it to take the plunge on what is potentially a minor upgrade over the 503HDV
 
meauounji said:
Well, the way I understood it is that that statement is about 80% true. They took the 503HDV, gave it a new shell and added a couple of features. So it's not like they just took the 503HDV, scratched off the Manfrotto logo and wrote Vinten on it, that much is obvious just by looking at the two, even if the engineering underneath share the same basics. What I find interesting is that the 503HDV is rated for 17.6lbs while the Pro-6HDV is rated for 13.2lbs... either Manfrotto is overstating or Vinten is understating (or maybe both)

A review by DVuser.co.uk said pretty nice things about the Vinten, but it doesn't have a review for the 503HDV for comparison... a little frustrating. I don't like to compare reviews from two sites (or even two reviewers) since they're not likely to judge by the same standards.
Click to expand...

i have a Vinten Vision 3 on the Miller Solo VJ legs. i like the head but i could see me replacing it in the next year or two for a Sachtler. there were a couple of reasons i didnt buy the Sachtler over the Vinten at the time.

interestly though...i just ordered the 503HDV today for use on a Kessler Pocket Dolly (camera: EX1, HMC150, 5DmkII). you cant use a ball head on this. it has to be the simple screw on type like the 510,530,516 etc. i also order the 75mm ball adaptor for the head to fit in onto some Libec legs i have that my son uses. ill let you know what i think of the head. ill have it wednesday.

i thought seriously about the 516 for the pocket dolly but didnt want to spend for it since id rather ugrade my Vinten Vision 3 in the future.

im hoping i can live with the 503 HDV for the purposes im using it for.

david
www.davidprobst.com
 
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The differences are....

The differences are....

Hi all


The key differences between the Manfrotto branded 503HDV system and the Vinten branded Pro-6HDV system are as follows:
  1. The Pro-6HDV head has a quick release camera plate
  2. The Pro-6HDV head has a permanent 75mm ball base
  3. The Pro-6HDV is supplied with a standard build Pozi-Loc tripod (Vinten only make one quality of tripod)
  4. All Pro-6HDV systems are supplied in a Protouch branded Petrol system case
Hope this clears up any confusion

Peter Harman
Product Manager, Vinten
 
Peter,

Doesn't the 503HDV also have a quick release plate using the 501PL? I'm a little disappointed to see that the only real difference in the head (not the tripod) is the permanent 75mm ball base. Thanks for chiming in, though.
 
Hi, allow me to chime in one more time please:

The camera plate on the 503HDV is a simple "V" plate ie it slides in and out from one end. The system used on the Pro-6HDV is a simple drop in and pull out from above. The operational benefit of this system is that its fast, reliable and simple to operate in any situation.

Having a permanent ball base as opposed to a removable base is that it remains stable all the time ie these bases often work loose and if youre lucky, you get the oportunity to tighten it when its convenient. If youre unlucky, you discover its loose on shot and it either ruins the shot or you have to edit out the "uncontrolled" bit.

Peter Harman
Product Manager, Vinten
 
meauounji, you mentioned Libec, and though the LS38 has no drag adjustment the factory set drag is so spot on and the head is so positive and without drift, it simply doesn't matter at this price range. I know the Libec is better to use than the 503 - I have no experience with the Vinten. I think you would be well served with the LS38 head and the Miller legs, again in that price range. Anyhow, give all of em a try.
 
Perter,

Thanks for clearing that up on more time.


damonb,

Also thanks for chiming in. Based on what you're saying, I'm guessing that you've used both the H38/LS38 and the 503HDV?

Decisions, decisions...

The H38+Miller Solo is like $830
The LS38 system is $540 (after bing cashback and my ebaybucks coupon)
The 503HDV + 535 legs is $562 (after bing cashback, ebaybucks coupon and rebate)

Do I care that much about single tube legs?....
 
ok, i just got the 503HDV today for use with the Pocket Dolly. needed to have screw in type of head since you cant use a ball type on the PD.

my points of reference are...
Vinten Vision 3 head / Miller Solo VJ sticks
Libec H22DV head with the Libec T58 sticks

on the PD a video head expands the capabilities of the PD by a large factor. the options now are very broad to have a video head vs just a locked down scenario.

i am pretty impressed with the variables of the 503HDV. no its not my Vision 3 but its well worth its money.

it performs best when both the drag adjustments are torqued down somewhat rather than mostly loose. is this a head id like to use in general? no, not compared to my Vinten but otherwise i think its pretty good.

even my cheapo Libec H22dv is a pretty smooth head but...there are no adjustments for anything. i suspect the the LS38 is probably a pretty nice head but i have to ask...how can people live with the lack of adjustments? ive never used one so i cant say, but the Libec H22 doesnt fare well once i get a heavy EX1 on it. it was pretty balanced for the DVX100a that i used to use though.

i will say that just the fact that the 503HDV can be torqued down a lot makes it worth it to me. i put it on my cheap Libec sticks and i thought the overall experience with pretty nice.

to the OP...if you ever get yourself a slider you will wish you had one of the Manfrotto heads. with the PD on their Hercules head with the 503 is offering some pretty diverse options all of a sudden.

to the OP... YES on the Solo legs. these are great! the Solo VJ though really offer the most flexibility because of the extreme height. there is rarely any fear going into an event and worrying about getting up over a crowd.

david
www.davidprobst.com
latest music video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4sQfHD_b_E
 
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meauounji said:
I'm guessing that you've used both the H38/LS38 and the 503HDV?
Click to expand...

Yes. So many people put the Manfrotto forward, and the 503 ain't crap. I suspect that's so because that's what so many people have used. But the Libec is the lurking bargain that punches above its class. Here's the review that put me on to the LS38 specifically:

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150

But again, if you can, take your camera or rig and go try them out in the shop. Good luck.
 
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