Video head for R5

[cortlander1]

Good Afternoon!

I need recommendations for a video head for my R5, and an L plate. Good quality, but does not have to be the best.

The lenses are heavy:
RF 100-500L
RF 28-70L
EF 11-24L
EF 100/2.8L Macro

I have a light carbon fiber tripod (2.5 lbs
Feisol CT-3442 w. center col

Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Review: My favorite tripod - Improve Photography

Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Review: My favorite tripod. The Feisol Tournament CT-3442 is the best tripod ever made--at least in my opinion. I've owned about a

improvephotography.com

And a Photo Clam ball head

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1448433-REG/photo_clam_pro46nsbl_pro_46ns_with_lever_lock.html?msclkid=6a46a5c7cb4116dafc80c5933ae96be4

I am a hobbyist and my equipment use is light. I do photograph everything - Birds, landscape and portraits under strobes. I do try to do hand held when I can - age is catching up.

Best,

 

[davejp]

I recently did a deep dive with similar interests as you. The thing is, for flipping between stills and video on a tripod while shooting birds and stuff, you don't really need a "video head". Your ball head is already of sturdy quality.

Anyway, my 13 or 14 year old Manfrotto ball head is very similar to yours. I ordered a Flexshooter Pro ball head this week which also is kind of a hybrid gimbal by design. Some good YouTube reviews out there. Great for birding and landscapes, but with some unique quirks you can easily adjust too. This head isn't cheap, but it's not a Really Wrong Price either.

If you want to do quality video beyond stationary tripod mount, a handheld gimbal stabilizer like the Weebill-S is all the rage right now. If I do have a need to shoot serious video off the tri/monopod, that's what I would get. Not applicable for long lens shooting though. A true gimbal head on a tripod would work and you'd probably enjoy that for birding as well.

There are a ton of affordable L-brackets and cages out there. Plates, brackets and gages are generally not pieces of equipment that you need to pay a lot money for. They either work or they don't. I got this L-bracket for easier switching to vertical composition on the arca compatible head I linked above.

 

[cortlander1]

I recently did a deep dive with similar interests as you. The thing is, for flipping between stills and video on a tripod while shooting birds and stuff, you don't really need a "video head". Your ball head is already of sturdy quality.

Anyway, my 13 or 14 year old Manfrotto ball head is very similar to yours. I ordered a Flexshooter Pro ball head this week which also is kind of a hybrid gimbal by design. Some good YouTube reviews out there. Great for birding and landscapes, but with some unique quirks you can easily adjust too. This head isn't cheap, but it's not a Really Wrong Price either.

If you want to do quality video beyond stationary tripod mount, a handheld gimbal stabilizer like the Weebill-S is all the rage right now. If I do have a need to shoot serious video off the tri/monopod, that's what I would get. Not applicable for long lens shooting though. A true gimbal head on a tripod would work and you'd probably enjoy that for birding as well.

There are a ton of affordable L-brackets and cages out there. Plates, brackets and gages are generally not pieces of equipment that you need to pay a lot money for. They either work or they don't. I got this L-bracketfor easier switching to vertical composition on the arca compatible head I linked above.

This is very helpful advice. I think I will get the L-bracket that you have suggested. The Flexshooter looks cool. The Weebill looks good - I am just wondering if it will support the heavy lenses

Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed response.

Best,

 

[NickZ2016]

Stills heads are intended to be locked down and stay locked down. Video is about movement. If you expect to pan (up/down/right/left doesn't matter) a nice fluid video head will make life easier .

Plenty of heavy video gear out there so weight isn't an issue. The Manfrotto 612 for example is rated for 12kg. You can find even bigger stuff but I'd expect it to be aimed at video tripods with a bowl and not a normal stills tripod.

 

[Photofrankenstein]

If you are not making professional videos on a daily basis, I think most basic manfrotto video heads like the 502AH is all you ever need. They are inexpensive and well made. Check out Hudson Henry's videos on why he uses video head for stills too. He uses a sunwayphoto plate adapter to use L plate on manfrotto head for both stills and videos.

 

[cortlander1]

Thank you gentlemen, this has been very helpful. I did watch the Hudson Henry videos as you suggested. Seems like Manfrotto 502 AH could serve my needs.

Once again, I appreciate all the help.

Best

 

[cortlander1]

If you want to do quality video beyond stationary tripod mount, a handheld gimbal stabilizer like the Weebill-S is all the rage right now. If I do have a need to shoot serious video off the tri/monopod, that's what I would get. Not applicable for long lens shooting though. A true gimbal head on a tripod would work and you'd probably enjoy that for birding as well.

The Weebill is on sale and seems very attractive at $339. What basic accessories do I need to order for this? Will the RF 100-500 fit on it?

Thanks,

cortlander

 

[cortlander1]

This too seems attractive at $499?

 

[davejp]

The Weebill is on sale and seems very attractive at $339. What basic accessories do I need to order for this? Will the RF 100-500 fit on it?

Thanks,

cortlander

RF 100-500 is too large. Also, even wide angle zooms have limited support because of limited space and especially the whole setup is done via precise balancing on each axis before you start using it. Zoom lenses extend, thus will throw off balance beyond what the device can correct. Think wide angle and motion and changing common video perspectives which lean wide angle.

Here is the slightly dated Weebill-S camera and lens compatibility list. I suggest you watch some of the various YouTube videos for usage examples too. It's all about video usage. While intrigued, I can't think of a frequent enough use case for it yet. I did spot this deal for $305 via a coupon code with 3p seller on Amazon... tempted.

I have not used such a device myself yet. The common accessory for this one is the wireless transmitter. It will stream 1080p to your phone. It allows you to also control the motion of this motorized gimbal from your phone. So if you mounted say an 85mm prime and walked away into the bushes, you could probably use remote control to capture some easily spooked wildlife as one non-typical example. Otherwise, if you aren't in need of walk around video very often, parties, events, skateboarders at the park... you probably wouldn't end up using this gimbal much! (That's probably my case too, for now)

 

[cortlander1]

RF 100-500 is too large. Also, even wide angle zooms have limited support because of limited space and especially the whole setup is done via precise balancing on each axis before you start using it. Zoom lenses extend, thus will throw off balance beyond what the device can correct. Think wide angle and motion and changing common video perspectives which lean wide angle.

Here is the slightly dated Weebill-S camera and lens compatibility list. I suggest you watch some of the various YouTube videos for usage examples too. It's all about video usage. While intrigued, I can't think of a frequent enough use case for it yet. I did spot this deal for $305 via a coupon code with 3p seller on Amazon... tempted.

I have not used such a device myself yet. The common accessory for this one is the wireless transmitter. It will stream 1080p to your phone. It allows you to also control the motion of this motorized gimbal from your phone. So if you mounted say an 85mm prime and walked away into the bushes, you could probably use remote control to capture some easily spooked wildlife as one non-typical example. Otherwise, if you aren't in need of walk around video very often, parties, events, skateboarders at the park... you probably wouldn't end up using this gimbal much! (That's probably my case too, for now)

Thanks Davejp, you saved me from a bad move. As you suggested, I saw the use cases and could not see myself chasing anything video in hand. I am too old to do that. It is either the birds in the backyard, or driving to a good spot.

So it is back to a fluid head. I was just eyeing the Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 for $489. Seems a bit heavy, but I may probably need it for the lenses that I have. Any views on this one?

 

[cortlander1]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

Thanks.

--
cortlander
http://www.photoshah.com

 

[G Dickson]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

Thanks.

You shouldn't really need anything as you should be able to mount the manfrotto quick release video plate to the bottom of the smallrig cage. However depending on your needs and setup and how much tied into arca swiss compatibility you are, then you might think about something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haoge-Convertor-Manfrotto-Sachtler-Compatible/dp/B07RKW77RP/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=sirui+fluid+head&qid=1618671083&sr=8-12-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOUJIU09MNFdERkpSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzAyNjUyMjY1TkszRkczN09FUSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzY3NjgyMzdTNklGQ1FDNVNKQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

In my case I am also looking to get a decent video head fairly soon (I have an old manfrotto, but I am not happy with it) but I have three cameras all rigged with arca plates and then three tripods and heads also all using the arca swiss style. So a fluid head with a manfrotto plate is going to throw a spanner in my system. The plate that I have linked will solve that. For heavier rigs with say my canon 100-400 I will just put a standard manfrotto plate on the lens foot and do it that way.

 

[cortlander1]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

Thanks.

You shouldn't really need anything as you should be able to mount the manfrotto quick release video plate to the bottom of the smallrig cage. However depending on your needs and setup and how much tied into arca swiss compatibility you are, then you might think about something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haoge-Conv...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

In my case I am also looking to get a decent video head fairly soon (I have an old manfrotto, but I am not happy with it) but I have three cameras all rigged with arca plates and then three tripods and heads also all using the arca swiss style. So a fluid head with a manfrotto plate is going to throw a spanner in my system. The plate that I have linked will solve that. For heavier rigs with say my canon 100-400 I will just put a standard manfrotto plate on the lens foot and do it that way.

Perfect. I just ordered it. I used the original plate to attach to a RF 100-500, and so this will work nicely with the other lens.

Thank you so much for your help. At first impression the 608 feels great. But it is heavy - something I will have to live with.

Have a great day, Dickson.

 

[G Dickson]

1. cortlander1 wrote:

G Dickson wrote:

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

Thanks.

You shouldn't really need anything as you should be able to mount the manfrotto quick release video plate to the bottom of the smallrig cage. However depending on your needs and setup and how much tied into arca swiss compatibility you are, then you might think about something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haoge-Conv...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

In my case I am also looking to get a decent video head fairly soon (I have an old manfrotto, but I am not happy with it) but I have three cameras all rigged with arca plates and then three tripods and heads also all using the arca swiss style. So a fluid head with a manfrotto plate is going to throw a spanner in my system. The plate that I have linked will solve that. For heavier rigs with say my canon 100-400 I will just put a standard manfrotto plate on the lens foot and do it that way.

Perfect. I just ordered it. I used the original plate to attach to a RF 100-500, and so this will work nicely with the other lens.

Thank you so much for your help. At first impression the 608 feels great. But it is heavy - something I will have to live with.

Have a great day, Dickson.

 

[Steve Balcombe]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebalcombe/ or
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/stevebalcombe/popular-interesting/

 

[janez]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6.

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebalcombe/ or
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/stevebalcombe/popular-interesting/

I was thinking about attaching two perpendicular Arca Swiss clamps on single (little modified) Manfrotto plate with screws. Do you think that is a good idea?

 

[cortlander1]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

Steve, I attached my 100-500 directly to the included plate. Is there a reason this would not be advisable? As you mentioned it will not work with the L plate due to the orientation.

I had initially bought the promedia gimbal. But the more I researched, I thought the 608 would work better for my needs which lean towards stills.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1298938-REG/promediagear_gkjr_katana_junior_jr_telephoto.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1PSDBhDbARIsAPeTqrd4_u6fz3nWtzmqSeWH4yoVxzQPba1CebLulLqvjywUUBB-xO4NIBkaAi0JEALw_wcB

Thank you so much for the links.

Best,



--
cortlander

http://www.photoshah.com

 

[cortlander1]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6.

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

I was thinking about attaching two perpendicular Arca Swiss clamps on single (little modified) Manfrotto plate with screws. Do you think that is a good idea?

I thought a bit about it, but did not find a reasonably priced one. There was one from Kirk and it was $130-160.

Which product are you using? Sounds interesting.

--
cortlander

http://www.photoshah.com

 

[janez]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6.

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

I was thinking about attaching two perpendicular Arca Swiss clamps on single (little modified) Manfrotto plate with screws. Do you think that is a good idea?

I thought a bit about it, but did not find a reasonably priced one. There was one from Kirk and it was $130-160.

Which product are you using? Sounds interesting.

I am planning to get 608 head and looking for solutions. I have EF100-400 II with replaced foot ( https://www.kirkphoto.com/replacement-lens-foot-for-canon-ef-100-400mm-f-4-5-5-6l-is-ii-usm.html ). Perhaps I could use something like this:

Arca Swiss type conversion 4 Sachtler & Manfrotto 503 501 502 504 3433 3460 • $120.00

ARCA SWISS TYPE conversion 4 Sachtler & Manfrotto 503 501 502 504 3433 3460 - $120.00. FOR SALE! Hejnar Manfrotto Sachtler adapter, F63b clamp, 3433PL Arca-Swiss conversion, 501PLONG adapter plate, 504 long rail, video head quick release upgrade, CNC aluminum dovetail clamp, modular tripod...

picclick.com

... with additional clamp like one Steve suggested.

 

[Steve Balcombe]

I finally ended up with Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head, which just came in.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1470943-REG/manfrotto_mvh608ahus_608_nitrotech_fluid_video.html/

What connector/adapter would be appropriate to connect an R5 that has a SmallRig L Plate attached?

After a good deal of research I bought a 608 a few weeks ago - and immediately had to solve the problem of adapter plates/clamps!

Long lenses always have a longways Arca Swiss plate, so I made up this combination:



The plate is a Smallrig 501PL, and the clamp is this one: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WCVHP2Z/. 1/4" and 3/8" screws are provided with the Smallrig plate and I used both for alignment and security. It works well with my 600 and the RF 100-500.

The problem is, of course, that you can't use this with the L-bracket because the orientation is wrong. For that I mounted an Arca Swiss adjustable lever clamp, which I already had in my odds'n'sods drawer, onto the original Manfrotto plate. I don't have a picture of that one but there's nothing special about it. It does the same job as the Haoge item suggested by G Dickson, but with the handy lever and for zero extra cost as I already had the bits. This is the clamp I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078H2N8J6.

BTW the 608 works really well with the damping set to zero, as a pan/tilt head for stills. It's so close to a gimbal that I'm seriously considering selling my Wimberley.

One last comment. To get the best out of the fluid head you will need a very solid tripod - that may have to be your next purchase!

I was thinking about attaching two perpendicular Arca Swiss clamps on single (little modified) Manfrotto plate with screws. Do you think that is a good idea?

In my case that wouldn't have been possible, because I have a 600 with a replacement foot which is like having a 120 mm long Arca Swiss plate, with the balance position shifting for the 1.4x and again for the 2x, or if I mount accessories such as an external power source or recorder. The crossways clamp would just get in the way. Also I like the arrangement I pictured above because it's impossible for it to twist.

Consequently I haven't tried anything else for the RF 100-500 or EF 100-400 - maybe your idea could work for that.

--
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebalcombe/ or
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/stevebalcombe/popular-interesting/