I was wondering if anyone knows or has experience with exceeding their tripod's head maximum weight capacity. I have a Manfrotto 503 (non-hdv) head, which can support up to 8kg (about 17.5 pounds). My rig has been growing over time, and now with everything attached (slider/jib, baseplate, FF), it exceeds this number, especially when I use my tripod as a small jib support with counterweights. I tried it with the head, and it still seems fine by me, but I'm afraid I might damage the head if I continuously use it with too much weight. Or does the maximum capacity only mean that the movements will be less smooth? Thanks!
What happens if you exceed your tripod's head maximum weight
- Thread starter redfuse
- Start date
Richard Crowley
Veteran
IME, the suggested limits are related to the smoothness of the movement, which depend on which method of damping, etc. is used. A bit more weight (maybe 110-120%) isn't going to break the head unless it is some cheap plastic toy. To be sure, it may reduce the life span if you have to compensate by using the locks as drags, etc. Note also that it will be less stable the greater the tilt angle because it can't compensate for the weight over its design limit.
OTOH, using a conventional tripod as a jib support seems questionable. Some old-school tripods are built like tanks, but many modern tripods have lots of plastic parts.
OTOH, using a conventional tripod as a jib support seems questionable. Some old-school tripods are built like tanks, but many modern tripods have lots of plastic parts.
Zissou
Well-known member
if its balanced nicely it will hold up with maybe an additional 15-20% weight. i use a 20lb tripod head with 22lbs of balanced weight, for over a year (probably 40 hours plus use) with no issues thus far. ideally i would like to get the rig down 5-7 lbs, which can be done. sometimes we use a second tripod and mount the monitor/battery and HDV recorder on that, and try to use outlet power which saves about 5 lbs. still the mattebox, rails, follow focus, and camera rig comes to almost 17lbs.
youngindiefilms
Well-known member
I have the 503HDV and at times put as much as 12kg load on it, operated smoothly and never any problem so far and I had it for almost 3 years now. I don't have a 12kg load on it all the time though, mostly I'm between 5 and 8kg.
One can assume that the heads by default always can take a bigger load than advertised.
If you feel that with a heavy load you can't get smooth operation anymore you'll know it's too much. A permanent big overload may only manifest itself after a few years use and result in gears worn out faster than normal.
One can assume that the heads by default always can take a bigger load than advertised.
If you feel that with a heavy load you can't get smooth operation anymore you'll know it's too much. A permanent big overload may only manifest itself after a few years use and result in gears worn out faster than normal.