I'm think on buy one of these two heads on the used market but I'm having a hard time deciding on which one to get because I'm having a hard time finding any info that directly compares the two. From what I've read the 505 and 1380 are the exact same head with different paint jobs. Can anyone confirm this? I'm finding that the 505 sell for a bit cheaper on the used market and if the 505 performs exactly like the 1380 then I see no reason to spend the extra money to get the Gitzo just to get the fancy paint job. Anybody care to share any info of the subject?

They are indeed one and the same except for the Gitzo silver paint. I have a 1380, not without its problems. Make sure you get the full set of springs if you buy one. Each spring is for a different head loading, and you may wish to play around a bit with different springs in order to get one that suits.

Gitzo, Manfrotto, Sachtler, Vinten are all part of the same group, Vitec plc (as are Kata and I don't know who else).

I must admit that my Sachtler DVS6 head is in a different league to the 1380 albeit somewhat more pricey.


Ron

Thanks for the info Ron! I think I'm leaning towards the 505 then. Sachtler would be nice but it's a tad bit out of my price range at this present time.