NAB 2013: Manfrotto

Interesting design. I like the pull up QR style over the slide out style. My 504HD head is still serving me well though so I won't upgrade. I wonder if there are any new sticks...
 
Thanks for the video. I was looking at the 502 head and now am comparing it with the new 500 head. Any idea if this new head is supposed to replace the 502?
 
It doesn't replace the 502, it's aimed to replace the 701HDV.
Manfrotto is considering it the entry level to the 500 series - so the 502 will stay in the lineup.
 
Does this really have a whole new plate design? I have a lot of QR plates for my 501 for my monopod, shoulder rig, rails and tripod. Would hate to replace all of it.
 
150 for that head? Sold. I have a wonderful pair of legs that are missing a head.
 
Thanks Luis. So you would consider the 502 to be a little bit above the new 500 head? It seems so to me but I am just making an educated guess.
 
That would be my guess as well. I'm wondering if the plate itself is compatible with the other 502 and 504 heads though ; I have a 504 head and was looking at a 502 for a slider but if the 500's QR plate is compatible with the 504 head and vice versa, I'd rather have the lightest head possible on it.
 
I went to the Manfrotto site and did a compare of the 505, 502 & 500 heads. The 504 & 502 use the 504PLong plate where the new 500 head uses the 500PLong plate. I am pretty sure the older 501 head has a different plate as well. Looks like the plates are a source of revenue generation!
 
Bassman2003 said:
I went to the Manfrotto site and did a compare of the 505, 502 & 500 heads. The 504 & 502 use the 504PLong plate where the new 500 head uses the 500PLong plate. I am pretty sure the older 501 head has a different plate as well. Looks like the plates are a source of revenue generation!
Click to expand...

No kidding. Welcome to the ink cartridges of the video stabilization world. I do see the reason to have different heads to a certain degree for weight and size distribution but since this new head is entry level I had hoped it would work with the 501 plates. Oh well. Guess I will hang onto my heads for a bit longer.
 
The new plates have a small groove on one side for the snap-in feature to work.
I'm pretty certain you could use an old plate on the new 500 head, but you wouldn't be able to use the snap in functionality (that's just a guess though).

I do know that the new plates (that include the groove) will work with the older heads....just not 100% that it'll work the other way around.

I have to say, from the bit of time we spent with this head, it feel much smoother than I would expect a $150 head to feel.
I've shot quite a lot of stuff using a 701HDV, and this head feels like it's in a different league (in a good way).
 
Bassman2003 said:
Thanks Luis. So you would consider the 502 to be a little bit above the new 500 head? It seems so to me but I am just making an educated guess.
Click to expand...

I haven't spent much time with the 502, but I would definitely say that at least Manfrotto believe's that would be the case.
I will say I was impressed with the feel, size and weight of the this 500 model though.
Unless you're looking to spend significantly more money Manfrotto seems to remain king of the lower budget head market.
(and I don't mean that as a slam, I've used Manfrotto heads for years).
 
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