Manfrotto XPRO Fluid Video Head (2 Viewers)

[Steve Babbs]

Reading through the threads here the Manfrotto 500 head is clearly very popular but I wondered if anyone had any thoughts on this one, which is slightly lighter and cheaper, compared to the 500? It would be used with a 65mm and 82mm scope.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Tringa45]

I somehow doubt that "technopolymer" can achieve similar stiffness to aluminium.
The now discontinued Gitzo 2180 used something similar and came off rather badly in some tests Jan Meijerink performed many years ago.

John

 

[Steve Babbs]

I think that I may have to bite the bullet and splash out on the Gitzo 2.

 

[Nethero]

I think that I may have to bite the bullet and splash out on the Gitzo 2.

The Manfrotto XPRO is not bad and offers good fluid control and smooth operation but from my memory does not provide a counterbalance. One thing I have found with using scopes is that a counterbalance is quite nice to have because it allows for you to keep the drag/resistance settings lower thus providing smoother panning and tilting actions. Of course you can use a head with no counterbalance but then you have to tighten the up/down resistance more making it not as smooth in operational use.

Both designs are quite useable but one feels more refined.

 

[Steve Babbs]

The Manfrotto XPRO is not bad and offers good fluid control and smooth operation but from my memory does not provide a counterbalance. One thing I have found with using scopes is that a counterbalance is quite nice to have because it allows for you to keep the drag/resistance settings lower thus providing smoother panning and tilting actions. Of course you can use a head with no counterbalance but then you have to tighten the up/down resistance more making it not as smooth in operational use.

Both designs are quite useable but one feels more refined.

I've been using scopes for well over 40 years so I guess I am overdue to upgrade to a head with counter balance. I think I've had my present 128RC head for about 20 years.