Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Video Head

Comments about Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Video Head:

I was recommended this head by a professional photographer for wild life shots - birds in particular, due to it's very smooth action and quick adjustment.

I have found with my 50-500mm Sigma zoom lens, the weight is such that the screws for pan and tilt adjustment have to be done up very tight otherwise it slips out of position, making adjustment that much more difficult. With lighter weight lenses it's fine.

My main quibble with this head is lack of being able to use it in portrait mode, although to be fair, it does say this in the specification. I have "solved" this problem, by mounting the lens at 90 degrees to the head, thus putting the camera in permanent portrait mode - usually what you need when photgraphing birds. This is only possible on large lenses that feature a tripod mount; but you could argue that with smaller lenses you could hand hold anyway.

All in all, this is the best head in a reasonable price range for what I want to do at the moment, but there could be improvements.

Comments about Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Video Head:

Like many of us I know stills work thoroughly (I have earned a living from it for many years), video I'm early on the learning curve (hence the semi-pro description) and needing to start cheap and effective. This head integrates well with the 055B legs from Manfrotto. The movements are easy to make and easy to lock. You have to accept it for what it is, a cheap entry-level head that does remarkably well for the price. In an ideal world you would have adjustable friction and a spirit level, but that would come at a price with increased bulk. You can add a small level - available from Warehouse Express of course - and that will do the job. It's light cheap and easy, and simply works. Did I say it's cheap ?! Thoroughly recommended at the inteded level, if you want or need more bells and whistles, you'll have to up the budget !