Magnus FBVH-500 Video Head with Flat Base

The Magnus FBVH-500 Video Head with Flat Base has been a great addition to my lightweight Oben sticks. I've tested this out with my Red Scarlet W with Sigma 70-200 and shark fin with a couple of v-mounts and this tripod head has held firm. Pan/tilt is smooth and adjustable, and the spring-loaded counterbalance is a nice addition. I had no issues getting the speed and smoothness I was looking for even with a heavier setup. I like being able to snap it in place vs sliding, in certain situations this makes it much easier to attach the camera. The extra 1/4 and 3/8 on the sides are great for storing extra mounting screws. It comes with an extendable pan bar that allows for more control which is expected but it being able to extend out is a nice addition. It's built well and should hold up to some extended abuse. Overall I'm impressed with this tripod head at the price point that it's at.

The Magnus FBVH-500 Video Head, I'll be using it primary for a teleprompter, a B camera or a slider. I've included pictures with this review so you can see the setup I did, shooting an actual commercial with this head. My load: teleprompter + Canon R3 + iPad + a 24-105 lens, pushing the head's 17.6 lb rated Load Capacity to its limits. Of course it would require a bit of gravity balancing and by sliding the tripod plate as forward as it will go, and by extra tightening on the tilt axis locking knob to secure this load. The knob will do the job just fine locking tightly in this scenario, but don't use force. Use common sense. For normal and still heavy loads, such as a Canon 1DXIII + a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens the head will provide smooth pan and tilt and including diagonal (combining pan and tilt together), plus it comes with a long plate for balancing, and will also conveniently fit any Manfrotto head or vice versa. I was VERY happy to see that this head accommodates Manfrotto plates. This is something I demand. I refuse having to switch plates just because of a video head. There's no time to waste on video production and I must move from a tripod to another, or from a tripod to a slider using the same plate type. Now, if I were to get picky, the tilt drag /resistance ADJUSTMENT in this head performs better than the pan, I'll explain: both pan and tilt are smooth to satisfy smooth and professional shots and both match each other for dragging resistance, but when adjusting the pan fluid knob, I didn't feel any difference. If I tighten, it will just feel like I tighten the knob but didn't experience any actual fluidity increase or decrease. On the TILT, yes, the fluidity adjustment knob, I can feel it gradually working + and -. But I here's the thing... I experienced the SAME limitations on the budget line of the many Manfrotto video heads I've owned/tried, therefore, for a head of this price, I can't complaint or remove a star rating. If you want absolute precision, you'll be looking at a Magnus REX VT-6000 tripod head, which I actually own. (#MAVT6000TK) but it will cost you a lot more. The FBVH-500 also comes with a handle capable of extending, which is great when filming long takes, recitals, comfortably, while seating so you don't have to lean forward. In that laidback position, with the handle extended, I can pan and tilt just using the tip my fingers while using the seat to support my elbow. The head's spring loaded counter balance, most cameras, including a mirror less Canon R3, you'll need to slide the plate as forward as it will go so the head won't want to lean back unless you lock it when you're not using the handle. Lastly, as most people are right handed, including myself, the actual tilt locking knob, I would prefer if it was located on the LEFT side of the head, so I wouldn't need to switch hands every time I need to lock and unlock the tilt. The fluid knob is something you'd be adjusting a lot LESS frequently, comparing to the locking knob. For the price, I find it to be a nice tripod head and it provides the most important thing: Fluid and professional shots, including slow pans and tilts. It all depends on your skills as a filmmaker.

I bought into the Manfrotto system and thought that that was the best but then i stumbled onto this bad boy at the store and it blew my mind and my older Manfrotto head out of the window. What a smooth video head and even though I was traveling i decided that extra weight was well worth it. It puts my other video head to shame and at a much better price point. My cinema rig is really under 6 kilos so this 2 kilo video head rocks. Man is it professional. I bought this video head with my own hard earned cash though i wish i was lucky enough to be offered review products. Oh well, money well spent. Well done Magnus!