The Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball is an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and a half ball for precise leveling on a corresponding tripod. The 502A comes in two versions—the "A" ball-base version such as this one, and the "AH" flat-base version which is separately available.

Featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads), the 502A is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras. The weight limit is 15.43 lb and counterbalance supports up to 8.8 lb. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads that might be due to matte boxes or exotic DSLR rig configurations.

The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set, but also protected against knocks. There are independent locks for pan and tilt, and drag for both is selectable in a continuous range from zero to the max level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.

502A Pro Video Head with 755 Half Ball    546GB Tripod with Ground Spreader    Red & Black Tripod Carry Bag    22 lb Payload, 8.8 lb Counterbalance    62" Max Height

For video tripods with 75mm half balls

75mm half ball connects to the corresponding bowl in a tripod

Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level

Sliding quick release plate secured by secondary safety system

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. does the center column come up and out to the side?

A: The center column does come up, but not out to the side.

Q: 2. Does the Manfrotto 577 Rapid Connect fit and work with Canon DSLR cameras?

A: Yup! I've used it with Canon 6D, 5D Mark III, and SOny Mirrorless bodies.

Q: 3. Does the fluid head have fluid in it if so then when does it freeze

A: This product does have a fluid head, however the Temperature Range is -4 to 104 F. You would need to be in extremely harsh conditions before it stopped working properly or froze.

Q: 4. Is this tripod compatible with Manfrotto 501PL quick release plates ?

A: yes

Q: 5. Can take this head and use it on a slider? Does it disconnect from the part that fits in the bowl?

A: You will be able to remove the included MVH502A Fluid head from this tripod. However it has a 75mm ball connection, not something commonly found on sliders. You may need a Hi-Hat Style Riser for your slider in order for it to accept this head.

Q: 6. Is it compatible with NikonP1000?

A: Yes, you will be able to use this tripod with a Nikon P1000.

Q: 7. There must be a simple way to flip a DSLR from a horizontal to vertical orientation on this tripod although I have not found it yet... is there an add on bit that I'm missing? Any other suggestions?

A: If you are not using very heavy setups, the Edelkrone FlexTILT Head could do the trick - BH #ED81655

Q: 8. On the Spec section, it says "Minimum Working Height 3.5" / 8.9 cm", is this true? If so, how does that work?

A: Yes, the specs are correct.

Q: 9. Does this kit have a quick leveling head?

A: This kit does not but you can add a product such as the Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head for faster leveling on the flat base.

Q: 10. Will this tripod fit inside this case? B&H # NATP0729

A: yes.