Manfrotto 509?

[Adam Michael Carr]

I use the Manfrotto 504 almost daily for reality tv work. It's totally fine for our hvx's, 7d's, hpx 370's and so on. That being said, I would not use it with my Scarlet. I'm looking to purchase a 100mm head and was considering the 509, but I am concerned it's not a big improvement from the 504. I am also considering the cartoni focus hd. I know there are threads about that head, but not much comparison between the focus hd and the 509. I am interested in this also because they are similarly priced. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

 

[Marcos Montenegro]

Adam:

Get it!

I use the 509HD and the 536 carbon legs with my Scarlet-X and love it!
Also came from the 504HD like you. It's a bigger head all around, longer plate, heavier; feels like a pro head; my 2 cents.

I mainly use it for my Kessler Crane Pocket Jib (100mm head compatible), and it is awesome.

 

[jacob.schwarz]

We use one with our Epic and it works great. Highly recommended.

 

[Adam Michael Carr]

Cool, thanks for the replys. I like the positive feedback on the 509. I also like that Manfrotto's color scheme matches Red's. Not important at all, but cool.

 

[Greg Risley]

The more I use the 509hd/536 combo the more I love it.

 

[Zac Dixon]

Haven't used the 509, but we LOVE our new Cartoni HD. Incredibly fluid movement with our rig. I'm sure the 509 is nice too... but I wouldn't count out the Cartoni.

 

[Ian B. Johnson]

Does anyone's 509 make bubbling sounds when the tilt fluid drag is opened up from full drag to half? I'm not sure this is normal.

 

[Mark B.]

How does the Cartoni Focus HD compare to the Miller Arrow 25?

 

[Adam Michael Carr]

The Arrow 25 would be my dream tripod head, although it is to pricey for me at the moment. I would like to know how these heads compare to that as well.