A few things... Unless I missed it, you never mention the model Manfrotto head in the video. I see it in the description, but you should actually say the model number. The other things, is that after a video like this, it should be noted if you ever contacted Manfrotto about this problem, maybe they fixed it, who knows. Last, most can't disagree with your experience and they are very valid reasons not to get this head, but in the interest of teaching, you should recommend what you use now instead of this or at least an alternative to this. For those looking for a suitable head, we go back in search of one with less options than before. Good video, thank you for sharing!
I've been using this head for over 2 years and haven't had any of the problems you've mentioned. Especially your 3rd point - there's something wrong with your unit as mine is solid. Not replacing mine any time soon.
I am glad that you didn't make the same mistake that I did. Geared heads are a really good idea but sadly this one is not built well. We live, we learn.
I had to return my X-pro 3 way head with retractable leavers because no matter how much i locked it down, it had waay too much slop. And that was out of the box.
I just bought it. Even after this review. I don’t think this is how the head will be. I feel that it’s a fault with your one. I am surprised you couldn’t get a warranty repair within the warranty period. Sounds like you spoke to some AH who had a bad day. I have used Manfrotto for years and trust the stability. I hope you got sorted in the end. I’m sure it was not a global issue 🙏
Thank you very much for the cristal clear description of the problems associated with this head because it saved me 200€ I will go for the 410 for my nightscape shots
I have a really old (15 yrs +) pan and tilt, and although its use is now limited to macro and working in water, it has never let me down. I bought this second hand with the stand off my photography teacher and I can't find a number on it or I would post it. But possibly the way forward may be to buy second hand, but I wouldn't do this off the 'net as you need to know if there is any play at all in the gears. Such a shame because Manfrotto has always been synonymous with quality for me, thanks for the heads up.
Me too, as well as the 410, which I need for super precision jobs, I have an old-ass Manfrotto pan+tilt head I picked up for 20 bucks, used. It's rock solid. There's nothing "pro" about this new "XPRO".
Thanks for watching. I know its a lot more expensive but its rock solid, the Arch Swiss d4 is an amazing thing. Although I have not personally used the 410 or 405 Manfrotto geared head I have heard good things about them. In either case, a geared head for Arch photography is the way to go for sure. So easy to light up and get square.
Hi Jake, I noticed you did not really understand that the other metal in this head is in the gears. All the play you have introduced into the head gear system is due to the fact that you have used it for 3 months without lubrication. A tiny bit of white grease (Lubriplate) will solve your problem, keeping the gears running smoothly and not introducing excessive wear or play. Also, knowing the gears must be completely engaged after using the macro movement should have been learned the first time it happened. Simply make sure it didn't happen again. This only leaves your first point of the unit being made out of "plastic". Modern molded composite materials are not without their benefits and it is noted that you really did not have any criticisms other that the use of the word "cheap" or "plastic". 3 strikes, you're out. For the price, this is a very good unit. I use mine for Astronomy with a very heavy pair of large binoculars. Quick field-of-find, finite adjustment, accuracy, and stability are required.
The Manfrotto 405 is the king in this. There is also a cheaper 410 Junior edition. I do not have experience with either. But I have talked to professional photographers that have the 405 and they love it.
I'm not having any of the problems you are with mine. I'm sure you've talked to Manfrotto about this. My only complaint is having to mount it backwards to shoot high vertical shots.
Yes. We have reached out to Manfrotto. They acknowledged my issue and said they are aware of the problems. They wanted me to pay to have it repaired to which I said "forget it". I don't feel it right that I should have to pay to have these issues fixed especially because I was within the warranty period.
Backflip Photo , Wow one would think a company like Manfrotto would be jumping on this to avoid the bad publicity.. I think you should have a legal leg to stand on about paying for it. I can go along with paying shipping one way but warranty should cover service and repair barring any damages caused by the consumer. Crazy, I feel bad for you.
Thank you, this the one from a few option that I am considering to buy, the only reason I don't like it is it can't work with the L-Plate because I don't my Camera hanging on the side when I shoot vertical. Now it's more reason to think about.
Thanks for your opinion. I looked for someone who wrote that he had similar feelings because even I have been rubbed by this head. Just blow with your mouth and the camera shakes. A real bin.
I am experiencing the no. 3 point. I shoot twilight real estate. Imagine when you spend an hour to shoot the property only to find our some of your shots were blurry or moved. And I have to spend hours to fix those shots
I have the same head. And it is 100% steady. Yours is broken for sure. And im sure u called the manfrotto company and they didnt do anything about it so you'mad. I had exact same story with other manfrotto tripod so i ubderstand u 100%.
Thx for the video, I nearly bought it until I came across your video. I am new in Architectural photography and I will now go for the 405 instead. Cheers and keep up the great work!
I honestly never had a good impression with Manfrotto products, they failed me many times in the past, so if you have other alternative brands, pls let us know!
Yeah definetly go with the 405. A much better choice. I also use a the geared head for architecture. It is so easy to get square with a tool like that. Glad the video helped. Cheers.
I've been using this head on upwards of 15 architectural and real estate shoots every week for over a year now and never had any of the issues you talk about in this video. I get rock solid sharp images every day using it if you put a heavy 70-200 lens on it yes it has some play if you touch it but not enough that wind would have any affect.
I'm glad some people out there got some good versions. I have heard both sides of this story, some of us got terrible versions while others got units that worked without any issues. For my problems though, they are not isolated to a heavier lens. I am a fan of Manfrotto items and my next head will likely be their upgraded versions the 410 head.
@@backflipphoto This is not a reliable locking nut design. Depending on the batch of nylon nuts, some will be good, some not so good. It looks like some users will need to remove the locking nut, apply loctite thread locker, and tighten it back up again. If you use Red thread locker, I guarantee it's never coming loose again. Probably shouldn't use Red in case you ever want to tighten it some more in the future. czcams.com/video/Bujata2pCLc/video.html
I have had no issue with this head whatsoever... I use mine for property photography, very accurate, not loud, does everything you want it too. Sometimes its the user and not the gear that's the issue.
Yesterday I was looking at the xpro vs the 410. I went with the xpro bc of the lower price and nice levers. Last night I was using it with my P1000 to take pics of Saturn and Jupiter. The slop in the way the gear/lever/spring holds it is utter junk and very frustrating, especially at zoom. I exchanged it today for the 410, Night and Day difference. Don't buy the xpro, just go with the 410.
Sorry but also the 410 isn't professional foolproof head. both are good for pro-amateur with normal equipment. 405 is noticeably better as some high-end products from Arca Swiss for example. If you put a reflex plus supertele you have a big cantilever. you cant't PLAY with this set-up like youtubers do. With a P1000 at full focal extension you'll have problems also with a super precise stepper motor, it's not Manfrotto xpro fault.
I’ve never experienced the movement issue once it’s all set and that was with a prime 300mm. And mine don’t squeak either. Try some grease!! However, for what it does, IT’S A CHEAP HEAD!!!! I don’t expect it to be entirely made of metal or feel like an expensive head It’s half the cost and more than a 410 so what do people expect. Is it a great head that I can 100% recommend? No. But for me it’s good enough. If I needed better I’d buy better.
Great, thanks for the warning! Subscribed...! I was just about to buy that for my tiny Leofoto Ranger 223CEX... Do you know of any other really small fluid head, that's not crummy?
Thanks for your review. What do you think is the reason for the cause of wind shaking? Is the construction material (Technopolymer as mentioned in the manufacturer's specification) or other reason?
Hi Frankle, it appears to me that it is coming from their gearing system, there is a lot of play the both the axis of the motion whether it is tilting front to back or side to side. The gears don't lock in solidly and there is an incredible amount of play in the head on both those axis.
Utter junk. Almost made the mistake of buying one, but just 2 minutes hands-on with one changed my mind. Unsuitable for applications where stability and accuracy is crucial, including food, product, landscape, macro, and real estate. Sad you got so many thumbs down. Mass cognitive dissonance on display. People really want to believe they're getting a great product for less cash. Sorry peeps but no. This shit is shit. Get the 410.
Your individual head is not good. Doesn’t mean all heads are created equal. A reviewer cannot carte Blanche state all heads will be the same. Return it or send for for repair.
LOL I had that thing when starting out. That ball head got loose and shitty after a couple of months. Manfrotto have a lot of good products, and a lot of terrible ones too.
Excellent video. I am looking for a geared head for astronomy photography, with very fine adjusts (az and elev). What do you suggest to check for a reasonable price? Thank you
+Francis Zerbib The problem with three way heads (all geared heads) is that vertical angles are quite limited. You will not be able to look at something 30-45° above you and certainly not directly above you. For astrophotography you best bets are a ball head or a gimbal head.
Ridiculous 'review'. Reason #1 is just silly, if you want serious heavy duty, buy a 400 geared head for $1,000. Reason #2 shows that this guy does not understand how a detent mechanism works. Reason #3 indicates a faulty mechanism. Did he think about contacting Manfrotto? I have a 415 head and I emailed them and got a reply back almost immediately, clear, succinct and solved the problem.
Thank you, for saving me money for Manfrotto Crap, finally i know i really need arca swiss. I do use a clasic not geared had, thas is not woobling but it lacks precizion in product photos, and often it resuls in waste of time :(. i would love a thurdy geared one with arca plate
ça fait 4 ans que j'utilise cette rotule et je n'ai pas trois raisons de ne pas l'utiliser elle est perfectible, elle e est en plastique, elle est parfois énervante (pas la rotule! le système d'attache) mais je ne peut plus utiliser autre chose. alors il y a certainement mieux mais je préfère m'acheter une optique ou un trépied lourd ( www.reflexpro.fr/vanguard-trepied-auctus-plus-283-ct-p-1592.html )par exemple elle n'est pas parfaite mais elle est pratique
Was looking at getting this..... way too much wobble/play... Thanks for the review. The idea behind this head is good... execution looks terrible though
hardhitter0421 their headquarters are in Italy but Vitec group bought them out. They now protect their bottom line and most of their products are made in China now. Side note, Vitec also owns Gitzo the higher end French made tripod.
among the 3 most presigious brands of tripod manfrotto has to be the most overpriced there is, I can't see why they're so succesful, limited arca swiss compatibility, inferior quality at same price levels even wen compared to chinese competition...I really can't explaine it apart from saying that it must be the brand name you're paying for
A few things... Unless I missed it, you never mention the model Manfrotto head in the video. I see it in the description, but you should actually say the model number.
The other things, is that after a video like this, it should be noted if you ever contacted Manfrotto about this problem, maybe they fixed it, who knows.
Last, most can't disagree with your experience and they are very valid reasons not to get this head, but in the interest of teaching, you should recommend what you use now instead of this or at least an alternative to this. For those looking for a suitable head, we go back in search of one with less options than before.
Good video, thank you for sharing!
I've been using this head for over 2 years and haven't had any of the problems you've mentioned. Especially your 3rd point - there's something wrong with your unit as mine is solid. Not replacing mine any time soon.
I have never had any problems with it. I love it it is accurate and brilliant for photography
Thanks man, you saved me money too.... this is exactly what I was looking for..... something that's sturdy, and this one does not fit the bill...
I am glad that you didn't make the same mistake that I did. Geared heads are a really good idea but sadly this one is not built well. We live, we learn.
I totally agree. My New Manfrotto X-PRO 3 Way Head with Retractable Levers and Friction Controls Awesome!
+Martin Benford thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment
I had to return my X-pro 3 way head with retractable leavers because no matter how much i locked it down, it had waay too much slop. And that was out of the box.
Thank you for helping me save money. I was actually looking at this geared head for astrophotography.
My pleasure, there is another head from Manfrotto that is much better if you need a geared option, its in the description of the video above. Cheers.
I just bought it. Even after this review. I don’t think this is how the head will be. I feel that it’s a fault with your one. I am surprised you couldn’t get a warranty repair within the warranty period. Sounds like you spoke to some AH who had a bad day. I have used Manfrotto for years and trust the stability. I hope you got sorted in the end. I’m sure it was not a global issue 🙏
I've had this geared head for over 2 years and it works great!
Thank you very much for the cristal clear description of the problems associated with this head because it saved me 200€
I will go for the 410 for my nightscape shots
I have a really old (15 yrs +) pan and tilt, and although its use is now limited to macro and working in water, it has never let me down. I bought this second hand with the stand off my photography teacher and I can't find a number on it or I would post it. But possibly the way forward may be to buy second hand, but I wouldn't do this off the 'net as you need to know if there is any play at all in the gears. Such a shame because Manfrotto has always been synonymous with quality for me, thanks for the heads up.
Me too, as well as the 410, which I need for super precision jobs, I have an old-ass Manfrotto pan+tilt head I picked up for 20 bucks, used. It's rock solid. There's nothing "pro" about this new "XPRO".
Thank you for your honest review,i was about to buy this head for my architecture photography
Thanks for watching. I know its a lot more expensive but its rock solid, the Arch Swiss d4 is an amazing thing. Although I have not personally used the 410 or 405 Manfrotto geared head I have heard good things about them. In either case, a geared head for Arch photography is the way to go for sure. So easy to light up and get square.
Hi Jake, I noticed you did not really understand that the other metal in this head is in the gears. All the play you have introduced into the head gear system is due to the fact that you have used it for 3 months without lubrication. A tiny bit of white grease (Lubriplate) will solve your problem, keeping the gears running smoothly and not introducing excessive wear or play. Also, knowing the gears must be completely engaged after using the macro movement should have been learned the first time it happened. Simply make sure it didn't happen again. This only leaves your first point of the unit being made out of "plastic". Modern molded composite materials are not without their benefits and it is noted that you really did not have any criticisms other that the use of the word "cheap" or "plastic". 3 strikes, you're out. For the price, this is a very good unit. I use mine for Astronomy with a very heavy pair of large binoculars. Quick field-of-find, finite adjustment, accuracy, and stability are required.
I almost bought this one. Thank you very much for your time and effort. Please suggest an alternative IF this is not THE ONE.
The Manfrotto 405 is the king in this. There is also a cheaper 410 Junior edition. I do not have experience with either. But I have talked to professional photographers that have the 405 and they love it.
I agree 100% sadly, I bought one, and I can say there are more reasons, sloppy, not tight adjustments, backlash etc...
+portblock I wish I had known. $200 down the drain.
Yay me too, now I just use it for indoor simple stuff, its rarely mounted to my tripods.
I'm not having any of the problems you are with mine. I'm sure you've talked to Manfrotto about this. My only complaint is having to mount it backwards to shoot high vertical shots.
Yes. We have reached out to Manfrotto. They acknowledged my issue and said they are aware of the problems. They wanted me to pay to have it repaired to which I said "forget it". I don't feel it right that I should have to pay to have these issues fixed especially because I was within the warranty period.
It is good to know not all units are defective.
Backflip Photo , Wow one would think a company like Manfrotto would be jumping on this to avoid the bad publicity.. I think you should have a legal leg to stand on about paying for it. I can go along with paying shipping one way but warranty should cover service and repair barring any damages caused by the consumer. Crazy, I feel bad for you.
Thank you, this the one from a few option that I am considering to buy, the only reason I don't like it is it can't work with the L-Plate because I don't my Camera hanging on the side when I shoot vertical. Now it's more reason to think about.
Have you considered signing up for photography course?
Thanks for your opinion. I looked for someone who wrote that he had similar feelings because even I have been rubbed by this head. Just blow with your mouth and the camera shakes.
A real bin.
I am experiencing the no. 3 point. I shoot twilight real estate. Imagine when you spend an hour to shoot the property only to find our some of your shots were blurry or moved. And I have to spend hours to fix those shots
I have the same head. And it is 100% steady. Yours is broken for sure. And im sure u called the manfrotto company and they didnt do anything about it so you'mad. I had exact same story with other manfrotto tripod so i ubderstand u 100%.
Thx for the video, I nearly bought it until I came across your video. I am new in Architectural photography and I will now go for the 405 instead. Cheers and keep up the great work!
I honestly never had a good impression with Manfrotto products, they failed me many times in the past, so if you have other alternative brands, pls let us know!
Yeah definetly go with the 405. A much better choice. I also use a the geared head for architecture. It is so easy to get square with a tool like that. Glad the video helped. Cheers.
I do know of one other highly regarded geared head, you probably don't want to drop $1500 though but here you go. amzn.to/2uqUJI5
Henry F hi Henry did you get the 405 head eventually? If so what's your verdict on it?
Thanks
I've been using this head on upwards of 15 architectural and real estate shoots every week for over a year now and never had any of the issues you talk about in this video. I get rock solid sharp images every day using it
if you put a heavy 70-200 lens on it yes it has some play if you touch it but not enough that wind would have any affect.
I'm glad some people out there got some good versions. I have heard both sides of this story, some of us got terrible versions while others got units that worked without any issues. For my problems though, they are not isolated to a heavier lens. I am a fan of Manfrotto items and my next head will likely be their upgraded versions the 410 head.
@@backflipphoto This is not a reliable locking nut design. Depending on the batch of nylon nuts, some will be good, some not so good. It looks like some users will need to remove the locking nut, apply loctite thread locker, and tighten it back up again. If you use Red thread locker, I guarantee it's never coming loose again. Probably shouldn't use Red in case you ever want to tighten it some more in the future. czcams.com/video/Bujata2pCLc/video.html
TY for the review. I have been looking for a geared head and now will look at the 405 and 410.
+dpasek1 glad I could help steer in the right direction
Thank you beard man!
I have had no issue with this head whatsoever... I use mine for property photography, very accurate, not loud, does everything you want it too. Sometimes its the user and not the gear that's the issue.
So wobble is user error? You have got to be kidding me? You work for Manfrotto don't you Troy.
@@backflipphoto Nope, as I've said no issue with mine, I've had it over 6 months, gets used everyday.
Yesterday I was looking at the xpro vs the 410. I went with the xpro bc of the lower price and nice levers. Last night I was using it with my P1000 to take pics of Saturn and Jupiter. The slop in the way the gear/lever/spring holds it is utter junk and very frustrating, especially at zoom. I exchanged it today for the 410, Night and Day difference. Don't buy the xpro, just go with the 410.
Sorry but also the 410 isn't professional foolproof head. both are good for pro-amateur with normal equipment. 405 is noticeably better as some high-end products from Arca Swiss for example. If you put a reflex plus supertele you have a big cantilever. you cant't PLAY with this set-up like youtubers do. With a P1000 at full focal extension you'll have problems also with a super precise stepper motor, it's not Manfrotto xpro fault.
Thank you! You have saved my money!
Awesome. I am glad I could help you avoid this mistake.
I’ve never experienced the movement issue once it’s all set and that was with a prime 300mm. And mine don’t squeak either. Try some grease!!
However, for what it does, IT’S A CHEAP HEAD!!!! I don’t expect it to be entirely made of metal or feel like an expensive head
It’s half the cost and more than a 410 so what do people expect. Is it a great head that I can 100% recommend? No. But for me it’s good enough. If I needed better I’d buy better.
The 410 Head that I have is incredibly stable, I've also heard bad things about the one that you reviewed. Thanks for the info.
Great, thanks for the warning! Subscribed...!
I was just about to buy that for my tiny Leofoto Ranger 223CEX...
Do you know of any other really small fluid head, that's not crummy?
1:30 watching this video and I already know I should not buy this head. Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for your review. What do you think is the reason for the cause of wind shaking? Is the construction material (Technopolymer as mentioned in the manufacturer's specification) or other reason?
Hi Frankle, it appears to me that it is coming from their gearing system, there is a lot of play the both the axis of the motion whether it is tilting front to back or side to side. The gears don't lock in solidly and there is an incredible amount of play in the head on both those axis.
Have you tried the Sunwayfoto GH PRO 2 ! All aluminium and a third the price of an Arca Swiss D4!
Wow this looks very intriguing, the price is amazing compared to the Arca Swiss mounts. Thanks for sharing
I was about to buy one until i saw your video. Going for the 410jr. Thanks mate
Utter junk. Almost made the mistake of buying one, but just 2 minutes hands-on with one changed my mind. Unsuitable for applications where stability and accuracy is crucial, including food, product, landscape, macro, and real estate. Sad you got so many thumbs down. Mass cognitive dissonance on display. People really want to believe they're getting a great product for less cash. Sorry peeps but no. This shit is shit. Get the 410.
Very helpful, thank you
Thank you for the information.
which manfrotto head? the title doesnt include nor do you say it.
Can someone list the problem with this head: I was not able to identify them from this video. Thanks.
It's not very stable. If you need to take more than one exposure especially, you should get a better head such as 410.
Your individual head is not good. Doesn’t mean all heads are created equal. A reviewer cannot carte Blanche state all heads will be the same. Return it or send for for repair.
i had this in my basket 2 mins ago. you've saved me a major mistake!
Not buying a Manfrotto anymore. Bought the Manfrotto BeFree a year back and the tripod ball head has failed with very minimal use.
LOL I had that thing when starting out. That ball head got loose and shitty after a couple of months. Manfrotto have a lot of good products, and a lot of terrible ones too.
Excellent video.
I am looking for a geared head for astronomy photography, with very fine adjusts (az and elev). What do you suggest to check for a reasonable price?
Thank you
+Francis Zerbib The problem with three way heads (all geared heads) is that vertical angles are quite limited. You will not be able to look at something 30-45° above you and certainly not directly above you. For astrophotography you best bets are a ball head or a gimbal head.
Understood. Thank you
this is not a plastic head, wtf are you talking about ?
Ridiculous 'review'. Reason #1 is just silly, if you want serious heavy duty, buy a 400 geared head for $1,000. Reason #2 shows that this guy does not understand how a detent mechanism works. Reason #3 indicates a faulty mechanism. Did he think about contacting Manfrotto? I have a 415 head and I emailed them and got a reply back almost immediately, clear, succinct and solved the problem.
Thanks a lot! You stopped me buying a crap! Is there any good head lighter than 410 junior head?
Not that I know of. The 410 is 1lb heavier than this, the 405 is a 5lb fatty.
I have lovely 804CR2 head
Thank you, for saving me money for Manfrotto Crap, finally i know i really need arca swiss. I do use a clasic not geared had, thas is not woobling but it lacks precizion in product photos, and often it resuls in waste of time :(. i would love a thurdy geared one with arca plate
ça fait 4 ans que j'utilise cette rotule et je n'ai pas trois raisons de ne pas l'utiliser
elle est perfectible, elle e est en plastique, elle est parfois énervante (pas la rotule! le système d'attache) mais je ne peut plus utiliser autre chose.
alors il y a certainement mieux mais je préfère m'acheter une optique ou un trépied lourd ( www.reflexpro.fr/vanguard-trepied-auctus-plus-283-ct-p-1592.html )par exemple
elle n'est pas parfaite mais elle est pratique
That's a terrible head and not really cheap either. Manfrotto should look at it for you as that can't be right what it's doing
Was looking at getting this..... way too much wobble/play... Thanks for the review. The idea behind this head is good... execution looks terrible though
Made in China ?
hardhitter0421 lol. yup, aren't they all?
I think they are made in Italy.
hardhitter0421 their headquarters are in Italy but Vitec group bought them out. They now protect their bottom line and most of their products are made in China now. Side note, Vitec also owns Gitzo the higher end French made tripod.
among the 3 most presigious brands of tripod manfrotto has to be the most overpriced there is, I can't see why they're so succesful, limited arca swiss compatibility, inferior quality at same price levels even wen compared to chinese competition...I really can't explaine it apart from saying that it must be the brand name you're paying for