Help: Looking for tips for smooth panning and tilting at DVinfo.net

Paul Cascio · March 5th, 2016, 02:55 PM

I just bought the Manfrotto 502 AH, and it seems like a really good head and a great bargain. However, I seem to get a bit of stutter when starting a pan, also some recoil (reversing) when completing a pan.

I'm pretty sure the problem is me because I've read so many great things about the 502.AH.

I'm wondering, what's the right amount of drag?

What's the best technique for panning? Tilting?

Got any little tricks that might help me?

BTW, I'm using a Panasonic G7. I have a Tascam DR-70 also, but haven't mounted it yet.

Thanks for the help.

Alastair Traill · March 6th, 2016, 06:21 AM

Hi Paul,
I use flexible handles on my tripod heads and mini-boom to make smooth action easier. The idea is a step-up from using a rubber band to drag the handle in the desired direction. The introduction of bit of elasticity makes it much harder to transmit any hand tremor to the head and tripod. It also makes it easier to apply a steady force to the tripod handle. The tapered grey handle shown in the pictures is made from PVC – a terminal spring permits finer control if needed. I have forgotten the name of the white plastic handle used on my mini-boom.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/a...attach/jpg.gif

Karl Walter Keirstead · March 6th, 2016, 10:29 AM

I had a Manfrotto 501DH which was the predecessor to what you have . I found it sticky.

I bought a Libec 25R ($500 at the time, compared to $199 for the Manfrotto) and problem solved - one finger handles the pan, with no static friction at the start or at the end.

I guess you get what you pay for.

For live concert music recording where you have to track fast moving talent across a stage, the Libec is adequate for me.

Payload 6kg / 13.0lb
Counterbalance range: 1.8 to 5kg / 4.0 to 11.0lb
Counterbalance: Continuous
Drag mode: 2Step
Tilt angle +90° / -70°
Temperature range -40°C / -40°F to +60°C / +140°F
Bubble level: Illuminated
Camera plate: Sliding plate
Sliding range +/-40mm / 1.6"
Plate attachment: 1/4" screw with video pin
Spare screw: 1/4" and 3/8" screws

I wish this particular head had one more step on the drag mode.

Rule #1 Never buy any head without trying it out with your camcorder/accessories - I have a Panasonic AG-AC160A with a Rode mic (reference sound). I plan to add a 7 in monitor and hope this will not upset the balance.

March 6th, 2016, 06:21 AM	#2
Alastair Traill Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 626	Re: Help: Looking for tips for smooth panning and tilting Hi Paul, I use flexible handles on my tripod heads and mini-boom to make smooth action easier. The idea is a step-up from using a rubber band to drag the handle in the desired direction. The introduction of bit of elasticity makes it much harder to transmit any hand tremor to the head and tripod. It also makes it easier to apply a steady force to the tripod handle. The tapered grey handle shown in the pictures is made from PVC – a terminal spring permits finer control if needed. I have forgotten the name of the white plastic handle used on my mini-boom. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/a...attach/jpg.gif Attached Thumbnails

March 6th, 2016, 10:29 AM	#3
Karl Walter Keirstead Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 76	Re: Help: Looking for tips for smooth panning and tilting I had a Manfrotto 501DH which was the predecessor to what you have . I found it sticky. I bought a Libec 25R ($500 at the time, compared to $199 for the Manfrotto) and problem solved - one finger handles the pan, with no static friction at the start or at the end. I guess you get what you pay for. For live concert music recording where you have to track fast moving talent across a stage, the Libec is adequate for me. Payload 6kg / 13.0lb Counterbalance range: 1.8 to 5kg / 4.0 to 11.0lb Counterbalance: Continuous Drag mode: 2Step Tilt angle +90° / -70° Temperature range -40°C / -40°F to +60°C / +140°F Bubble level: Illuminated Camera plate: Sliding plate Sliding range +/-40mm / 1.6" Plate attachment: 1/4" screw with video pin Spare screw: 1/4" and 3/8" screws I wish this particular head had one more step on the drag mode. Rule #1 Never buy any head without trying it out with your camcorder/accessories - I have a Panasonic AG-AC160A with a Rode mic (reference sound). I plan to add a 7 in monitor and hope this will not upset the balance.

March 5th, 2016, 02:55 PM	#1
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	Help: Looking for tips for smooth panning and tilting I just bought the Manfrotto 502 AH, and it seems like a really good head and a great bargain. However, I seem to get a bit of stutter when starting a pan, also some recoil (reversing) when completing a pan. I'm pretty sure the problem is me because I've read so many great things about the 502.AH. I'm wondering, what's the right amount of drag? What's the best technique for panning? Tilting? Got any little tricks that might help me? BTW, I'm using a Panasonic G7. I have a Tascam DR-70 also, but haven't mounted it yet. Thanks for the help. __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com