We liked the shorter pole; you can get the camera quite low to the ground. (Before buying parts, note that at some point, the pole design changed from round to slightly hexagonal, so an older tripod bowl won't fit a newer pole, and vice versa.)

Finally, this tripod came wrapped in a custom padded tripod bag, (model MBAG100P). It has a strong lid to protect the head and is sure to wear well.

Manfrotto's 503HDV has the solid support that meets the needs of heavy HD camcorders or those carrying accessories. If you cherish your camcorder, you'll need a tripod that won't lose its load. The 503HDV delivers.

Head Only
Height: 4.53"
Weight: 4.29 lbs.
Max Load: 17.6 lbs.
Balance Control: 4 step from 0 to 8.58 lbs.
Flat Base: 3/8" female thread to mount on 75mm flat top tripod
Pan Handle: Telescopic pan handle
Sliding Quick Release Plate: Supplied with 3/8" and 1/4" camera screw
Leveling Bubble: Illuminated
Tripod (Without Head)
Closed Length: 28.94"
Leg Angles: 23°, 50°, 70°
Leg Sections: 3
Legs Tube Diameter: 34.2mm - 29.2mm - 24.8mm
Load Capacity: 44.09 lbs.
Maximum Height: 67.32"
Minimum Height: 10.63"
Weight: 5.07 lbs.

• Lighted bubble level
• Left side controls
• Extra counterbalance support for larger cameras or those carrying accessories

• Pan drag control sits under camera support plate

Improving on the 503, the 503HDV head accommodates the larger pro camera's weight and girth. A new button design is ergonomic, and the lighted spirit bubble is a fantastic feature.

Jennifer O'Rourke is Videomaker's managing editor.

Bogen Imaging, Inc.
565 E. Crescent Avenue
Ramsey, NJ 07446
www.bogenimaging.us
$365 head alone, $1,053 full kit with bag