Manfrotto MVT502AM Video Tripod with Telescopic Twin Legs (Black)

I have a C100 and a Manfrotto head on this set of sticks. Was worried initially about the longevity, but loved the 3 stage legs and the quick release clamps that allow quick up and down settings. I have used these legs for 2+ years and have only had to tighten some of the clamp bolts...nothing has broken or come close. These have been all over and I think they'll be around for many year to come. I come from a local TV news background, so I've seen my share of Millers, Vinten, Gitzo, etc...if I"m latching a 25 lb betacam onto it, I'll need something more substantial. If I'm putting today's smaller, lighter video/still offerings on it, it will do the job very well and not break your back doing so.

I purchase this to pair up with my Manfrotto 502HDV head. I didn't realized the tripod ballhead base is made out of plastic, since I worked with Manfrotto tripods on the regular basis, and all of them were metal (I think), but this seem to affect it's sturdiness or functionality. Quite the opposite! You have a metal ball head rubbing against the plastic base and it does not create friction, like on previous models. The price was also a pleasant surprise, knowing the Manfrotto's mainstream pedigree, and this is due to the fact it's made in China, unlike the previous ones which were forged in Italy. Nevertheless, I am very happy with the purchase!!!

The extension joints on this tripod are very poorly designed. They do not last under heavy production use. But that is why we typically buy $1000 tripod legs instead of $200 legs. In short, If you are doing light use this may work for you, but if you are trying to do heavy workflows with lots of use I would recommend you get something more expensive.

I am using these legs with a Manfrotto MVH502A Video Head with 75mm Half Ball as pictured. The best feature is how light this tripod is. It folds down short enough to fit in my rolling camera case after I take the the video head off. Very easy to move around with my full rig on top, and the bowl allows me to make easy and quick leveling adjustments. Breaks down and sets up fast because of the levers they use. This is a great setup for a run and gun shooter, or traveler.

Nice tripod, The weak link is the mount with the rail attachment that was purchased separately for this tripod. It can be cumbersome to attach and remove larger cameras and accessories. When you are at or close to the max weight for the for the mount and tripod the legs wobble a little bit, and the mount drifts. The actual build quality is pretty good, and better than most of the tripods in this category.

Manfrotto is always quality over quantity and this is why I spend the money on it. Don't get the cheap stuff.

This is pictured as legs, head and bag, but it is only the legs. I was in a hurry and just saw the 502 with legs and the picture. The price was good, but not way out of line for a whole kit so I bought it and had it rushed delivered to make it in time for a shoot. Amazon gave me an instant refund so I could get what I needed. I can't say anything good or bad about the product as I didn't even pull it out of the box before returning it.

Don’t get them, they just kinda suck for every use unless it’s just standing still in one place forever. But then you don’t need a Manfrotto. Spend the money on something better.