Manfrotto 502 head opinions

[LauraJ23]

Just wondering if anyone on here has one. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the head. I have been looking at the flat based version for use with my 50-500 and a bird watching telescope.

 

[LauraJ23]

Just a little bump incase anyone has any one.

 

[postcardcv]

I use a 501 which I think is very similar, it is a great head for a spotting scope. It is rock solid and very smooth, ideal if you are digiscoping too. It does work well with a long lens too, though I prefer a gimbal for bird photography.

 

[LauraJ23]

Hi Peter, my dad has a 501 head which I have tried in the past and seemed to be a jerky in places, which was why I was looking at the 502.

 

[bloomen]

The consensus on the 502 is that it's a significant improvement over the 501.

I had a thorough test of one and loved the way it operated. It's definitely smoother than the 501 and feels very solid. Mine should be arriving soon.

It is bigger and heavier than you'd expect though.

If you want to save some money you can get it for about £120 from amazon.de compared to £148 from amazon uk.

 

[LauraJ23]

Thanks for that. Do you know what it's max weight capacity is? I have seen a couple of different figures whilst looking through the net. I am going to have to have another hands on session with my camera and lens.

 

[bloomen]

The max weight is actually less than the 501. It's 8.8 pounds or 4 kilos or so. It certainly felt like it could handle a load more.

The counter balance capacity is higher than the 501 though, right up to 8.8 pounds whereas the 501 only goes to 5.5 pounds.

 

[LauraJ23]

Thanks. Will be going to Rutland Water bird fair in August. I think I will wait a little longer and check it out some more.