Manfrotto - 504HD,536K - Tripod

I bought this Tripod/ Head/Bag system i would highly reccomend. First of all - Brilliant customer service. As a test, before buying, i always physically call up the store to check out their customer service, efficiency and friendliness - and was reassured by a nice lady who checked to see items in stock and confirmed despatch time - easily located and contactable in Middlesex, LondonIt's good to gauge a real human voice on the end to answer your questions for issues such as despatch and returns, - as opposed to some unapproachable Chinese warehouse in downtown Hong Kong somewhere.The item came within 3 working days - very fast ! It came well boxed and professionally wrapped in it's original Manfrotto packaging - a REALLY heavy item - free delivery. So that's all good for the store, now about the item.First impressions are - it;'s HUGE! I thought ''how am i going to carry this on my shoots". But a novel way around it is to put all my camera accessories, lenses, gear and items in the actual MBAG100PN bag, sling it over my back - and then carry the tripod on my hand. Simple solution.The 536K tripod it'self is a work of art. it looks simply beautiful and space age in it's glistening Carbon Fiber and you can really feel the 'lightness' as well as the strength. The tripod honestly looks like something out of War Of The Worlds - very hi-tech. But when i extended the legs to full height, - got such a shock. It is really, REALLY, tall! - i'm 6ft 2 (188 centimetres) and this thing towers over me! it can almost be used as a crane or jib.The 504HD tripod head is quite sturdy, and feels rock solid. On first impressions, i actually found the Counterbalance knob) a little bit flimsy plastic-wise) and seems it could break with years of agressive knob-turning. Gotta be careful with that knob. Apart from that, it is fine. really easy to setup, does everything it says on the tin.Now i use this with a 1.5 meter dolly slider - a Kessler Pocket Dolly slider, also mounted on top of this slider is a Manfrotto 496RC head and my Canon 5D MK II with (grey) 70-200 EF USM II lens. It carries the weight No problem. It doesn't slide down to one side with the wieght, and the counterbalance system works really well - Locking the tilt direction hard! Just what i needed.THe MBAG100PN is a tough solid affair. Big and well padded, with functional zips and an inside compartment zip pocket. It fits both the tripod and tripod head easily and zips snugly. But if i'm carrying too much stuff with me, i find it easier to actually put my camera gear, lenses and accessories IN this padded bag, sling it over my shoulder, and carry the tripod in my hand.Overall, a really good prosumer item. It looks the business in it's futuristic red/black design , and you will certainly get some admiring stares from people out on your shoot.Highly recommended - happy shooting !

Very impressed with this tripod and head, it produces smooth pans and tilts, in the right hands. There is just one small problem with the head, the damping seems to fail a little if you stop in the middle of a pan and then carry on. It might just be mine that does that. Having said that, I look forward to setting up the tripod as it is always a quick and effortless experience.

Great pair of legs... Light weight considering there size.. Very tall extension .. Great fluid head... Also perfect for centre mount sliders such as the Eldekrone