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Flat base versatility
Manfrotto supplies the
flat base version of the
MvH500AH Fluid video
Head, which means it can
be used with a slider or
a jib, making the system
expandable and more
versatile, with a wider range
of movementA photography tripod is fine if you’re just
shooting static video, but if you want to start
panning and tilting the camera, you need a
level base with a solid set of legs and a head
that enables smooth, controlled movements.
The Manfrotto MVK500190XV combines an
MVH500AH fluid video head with 190-series
aluminium legs and a levelling centre column.
With a closed length of 72.2cm and weight of
3.2kg, it couldn’t be described as a travel tripod,
but it’s a relative lightweight in the world of
video tripods. The three-section legs and centre
column also enable a minimum height of 50.3cm
and maximum 173.3cm, which is fine for all but
the very tallest videographers.
The head has a long quick-release plate,
which snaps into the clamp yet can slide
backwards and forwards, giving plenty of scope
to balance the camera and lens. It comes with
the counterbalance set to 2.4kg, but this can
be adjusted, and it’s capable of supporting up
to 5kg. We found we could swap from a short,
light lens to a heavy, long one and have the
camera balanced within a few seconds – it’s a
very simple process. Once that’s done, a few
twists of the paddle-like key fixes it in tight.
Crucially, the sliding plate has a safety catch at
either end, so if you should let go of the camera
while balancing it, or forget to lock the plate in
position, it won’t hit the deck.
A rubber grip at the bottom of the centre
column makes it easy to loosen the levelling unit,
while a bubble-level on the base of the head acts
as a guide while you get it perfectly level.
With the camera balanced and level, you’re
ready to start shooting. The MVH500AH Fluid
Video Head lives up to its name, enabling
smooth movements with no bounce, wobble or
recoil, ensuring professional-quality results. The
friction is also adjustable, so you can tailor it to
your camera and the speed of the movement
you need to make, and you’re never fighting to
get the camera into the correct position.mAnfrOttO
mVk500190XV
This tripod and fluid video head kit is
ideal for small format video cameras
manfrotto.co.uk
£359 / $349Above
Accessory-ready
Helpfully, there’s a 3/8-
inch easy Link connector
built into the collar of
the tripod, and this can
be used to support
an external monitor, a
microphone or other
video accessory close to
the camera
Manfrotto has created a very attractive video
tripod kit for anyone who uses a sub-5kg
DSLR or mirrorless camera system to shoot
movies. The head is especially impressive.Overall
Ease of use
Value for money
Features
Quality of resultsSummary
Accessories