Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head

The Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head is a compact fluid tripod head developed specifically to support the latest prosumer and professional lightweight compact HD camcorders, along with MiniDV and small mirrorless video setups. It’s aimed at videographers who need smooth, controlled pan and tilt movement in a small, portable head that pairs well with lightweight camera systems.

The head accommodates payloads up to 8.82 lbs (4kg), with Manfrotto’s more specific recommended maximum payload rated at 5.5 lbs (2.5kg) at a 50mm center-of-gravity height, or 4.4 lbs (2.0kg) at a 75mm CoG height, reflecting the difference between technical load capacity and practical counterbalance performance. Its updated design offers improved ergonomics with locks and knobs for a more solid grip and better control, along with better fluidity thanks to improved internal fluid cartridges compared to earlier Manfrotto mini video heads.

The 701HDV features a fixed counterbalance spring rated for a 1.5kg camera weight, along with fluid cartridge pan and tilt drag for smooth, consistent movement across both axes. Tilt range spans -60° to +90°, with independent, lockable pan and tilt controls and a full 360-degree panoramic rotation. A double pan-bar rosette allows the included pan bar to be mounted on either side of the head for comfortable operation regardless of a videographer’s preferred hand position, and a bigger sliding plate helps optimize camera positioning relative to its center of gravity.

Build quality includes an aluminum construction with a bubble spirit level for accurate leveling, a flat base with a 3/8″ female thread for tripod attachment, and a 1/4″ and 3/8″ screw mount on top for camera attachment. The head uses Manfrotto’s 501PL quick-release sliding plate system, allowing fast camera mounting and dismounting. At approximately 3.7 inches tall and 1.8 lbs, the head remains compact and lightweight, well suited to smaller tripod legs and travel setups.

Key Features
– Compact fluid video head for lightweight camcorders and small cameras
– Load capacity up to 8.82 lbs (4kg); recommended 5.5 lbs at 50mm CoG / 4.4 lbs at 75mm CoG
– Fixed counterbalance spring (1.5kg)
– Fluid cartridge pan and tilt drag
– Tilt range -60°/+90°; 360° pan rotation
– Independent pan and tilt locks
– Double pan-bar rosette (mountable on either side)
– 501PL quick-release sliding camera plate included
– Aluminum construction with bubble spirit level
– 3/8″ female thread base; 1/4″ and 3/8″ top mounting screws
– Compact size (~3.7″ height, ~1.8 lbs weight)The Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head is a compact fluid tripod head developed specifically to support the latest prosumer and professional lightweight compact HD camcorders, along with MiniDV and small mirrorless video setups. It’s aimed at videographers who need smooth, controlled pan and tilt movement in a small, portable head that pairs well with lightweight camera systems.

Key Features
– Compact fluid video head for lightweight camcorders and small cameras
– Load capacity up to 8.82 lbs (4kg); recommended 5.5 lbs at 50mm CoG / 4.4 lbs at 75mm CoG
– Fixed counterbalance spring (1.5kg)
– Fluid cartridge pan and tilt drag
– Tilt range -60°/+90°; 360° pan rotation
– Independent pan and tilt locks
– Double pan-bar rosette (mountable on either side)
– 501PL quick-release sliding camera plate included
– Aluminum construction with bubble spirit level
– 3/8″ female thread base; 1/4″ and 3/8″ top mounting screws
– Compact size (~3.7″ height, ~1.8 lbs weight)