“Fluid” head for use on a monopod

[Joseph W. bourke]

Here’s one which gets good ratings on Cheesycam and is favorable graded on the B&H website:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/152289-REG/Velbon_PH_368_PH_368_2_Way_Panhead.html

I have almost the identical one on a Pearstone tripod – a small cheapy I bought from B&H for fast portability, and I must say that the fluid head works very smoothly, without any grabs or jumps. The only thing missing on the one I have with the model on B&H is the drag adjustment. For 29 bucks, I don’t think you can go wrong – I’m close to buying one for my slider/roller and my monopod.

Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com

[Stephanie Joan]

Not sure if you’ve already got the monopod, but I adore this monopod/fluid head combo:

https://amzn.to/JgWus4

The head is very smooth while still being compact. Not sure if Manfrotto sells the head on its own, though.

—————
Stephanie
https://www.theculinarylife.com

[Steve Crow]

I’ve heard that the head is the Manfrotto 701HDV (special version) which can be purchased separately

Steve Crow
Crow Digital Media
http://www.CrowDigitalMedia.com

[Joseph W. bourke]

Here’s a comparison of the Manfrotto to the above-mentioned Cheesycam pick:

https://cheesycam.com/cheap-velbon-video-fluid-head-review/

The second video down shows a size comparison, but focuses on the Velbon for functionality. Looking on the B&H website, I notice that the Manfrotto gets terrible points for the smoothness of the head, while the waay cheaper Velbon gets great reviews. Maybe the owners don’t know how to adjust drag.

As I said above, I have a version of the Velbon head on a Pearstone tripod, just for fast setups and smooth pans – I also have a massive Manfrotto 3051 with tripod with a set of dolly wheels for my jib setup. I’d give the Velbon head a shot – for 30 bucks you can use it as a paperweight if you don’t like it. It’s a perfect pick for a slider, small dolly, etc..

Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com

[Phil Balsdon]

You’re correct Steve it is the 701 HDV. I purchased the 701 head separately to use on my Manfrotto Monopod and Konova slider. It moves easily between the two. I don’t have any problems with the pan it’s quite sufficient for the price. (I’m probably more inclined to twist the monopod leg itself when panning though).

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Tony Connoly]

I believe that there is an HDV version of the 501 now as well.

Do you like the Konova slider?