Manfrotto 526- what do you think?

[Rome Will]

Redusers,I've seen a lot of talk on here about the 509 from Manfrotto (which I owned for a couple months)...but I haven't heard too much about the 526. It has a much higher playload capacity, and is supposedly a much better build than the 509. I know Vincent (a big time blogger- he also did a tour about cinema motion) has used the head and likes it, but like most, have upgraded to the O'Connor heads (1030 in particular). I considered getting the 1030, but figured I could just rent for the days I have to a lot of shooting on sticks. For quick shots and setups that don't require a lot of pan/tilts, I figured I would be just fine with a Manfrotto 526...right? I imagine my Epic will be on a gimbal (Ronin) a lot. Is the O'Connor 1030 THAT much better than a 526? Has anyone used the 526 and the 1030 and have some thoughts on the differences? Also, my payload is a little over 30 lbs with a good size zoom...so I would likely need the 1030Ds. Thanks for anyone's review or experiences. I'm looking to buy another head soon, so this is very timely information, and very helpful!

 

[J. Andrés Cardona]

I used to own the 526 and I now own the 1030DS. Being able to dial in your counterbalance is HUGE.

Since you have a heavier payload, I think the 526'll be great for the money. It was alway fighting me a bit too much with lighter setups. Great head overall, but longevity is questionable - plastic parts, had to have it serviced and replace knobs once or twice. Also, no quick release.

The O'Connor is a much better investment, will last longer, be less finicky, and will have much better resale value. If you could get a 526 for a good price though, it should perform well for ya. If ya have the cash, definitely go O'Connor.

 

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I own an OConnor 1030 HDs. You can dial in the precise counterbalance so that when you pan or tilt you shots will not fight back. With cheaper heads the start and stop of the pans used to be a problem. If your output is going to be viewed in larger screens then you need to focus on these small things. The OConnor will immediately hurt your pocket. However, it will last for a lifetime and hence would be good value for money.

If your shots are locked ie no pans or tilts, then you can lock your manfrotto 526 and the shots would come fine. And any movement can be attempted with the Ronin.

 

[Rome Will]

I used to own the 526 and I now own the 1030DS. Being able to dial in your counterbalance is HUGE.

Since you have a heavier payload, I think the 526'll be great for the money. It was alway fighting me a bit too much with lighter setups. Great head overall, but longevity is questionable - plastic parts, had to have it serviced and replace knobs once or twice. Also, no quick release.

The O'Connor is a much better investment, will last longer, be less finicky, and will have much better resale value. If you could get a 526 for a good price though, it should perform well for ya. If ya have the cash, definitely go O'Connor.

Andres,

Thanks. I'm pretty sure I'll use the O'connor on major shoots that involve a lot of movement on the sticks...but for simple shots that don't require a lot of activity, I'm thinking this Manfrotto will do. I can always upgrade down the line, but dropping +$6k for a head right now is tough. I just wanted to know if the 526 will hold up in a professional environment...if anyone has any experience using it on a paying shoot or a indie feature and can speak to how it performed. It seems like from your experience, not to well. It sounds like it did the job, but having to service a $1300 head seems like a stretch (I imagine that each time you had work down it cost around $200...which would mean you're approaching $2k just for a head that might be just mediocre)....

Again, thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Rome Will]

I own an OConnor 1030 HDs. You can dial in the precise counterbalance so that when you pan or tilt you shots will not fight back. With cheaper heads the start and stop of the pans used to be a problem. If your output is going to be viewed in larger screens then you need to focus on these small things. The OConnor will immediately hurt your pocket. However, it will last for a lifetime and hence would be good value for money.

If your shots are locked ie no pans or tilts, then you can lock your manfrotto 526 and the shots would come fine. And any movement can be attempted with the Ronin.

Sabyasachi,

Very good points. Really appreciate your feedback. I wish you had used the 526 so you could give me a direct comparison of the two. I'm hoping that this is a major upgrade over the 509 and it won't have much jerking in it when doing the pan movements...if I decide to come out of a locked position.

Thanks again!

 

[Jon D Kline]

The Manfrotto heads in general wear a lot better than the rest of what Manfrotto makes. I rent a few of their heads out including a 526 and a 516. The 516 must be about 10 years old and has never needed service or parts.

 

[Dan Kanes]

Used oconnor 515 FTW

worth every penny.

 

[Rome Will]

Used oconnor 515 FTW

worth every penny.

Dan!

I value your word sir. I've have your Arrow + set and love it. I use it with around 3 receivers and it works flawlessly...actually looking for one more receiver =)

But I'll take another look at the Oconnor 1030Ds. At this point, I'm just trying to weigh my options as I don't want to spend too much more on gear just to own it vs just renting it to get the job done...this way, I can put that money towards other needs for the production. I just didn't know if the 526 could get the job done for small pan and tilt movements, and was ever used on a indie project with success.