Avella V501 Video Camera Tripod Fluid Drag Pan Head

I got this to add to a Dolica tripod to support an Athlon spotting scope. It is to replace a shaky ball-head that was difficult to adjust and wouldn't really stay put with a heavy scope. This really did the trick. Easy to replace the original... a 2 minute job at most. I'm getting the hang of it. The change to this head was a very easy with a slight learning curve. It is very smooth and very stable and supports well. I like the abilty with the long handle to pan smoothly and also move vertically with ease and smoothness. So far, so good. Easy on the pocket, and good for what I wanted... a low cost, easy to use scope mount. Edit: I have very much enjoyed learning to use this as a spotting scope mount. I'm getting very quick at getting it set up and it really pans and tilts smoothly. I'm not doing video work with it so I can't speak to that but for a spotting scope mount it is very enjoyable. I did upgrade my tripod to a heavier slik 700dx and that has also made a great deal of difference. A nice head on a shaky tripod wasn't working.

One of the best products I’ve bought at an affordable price. It’s a fluid head; and does it job just fine. The tension is suitable for a smooth pan and tilt. But what inspires me to say it’s one of the best is the design features. The extendable arm that allows for a suitable length in any location or height. The addition of a key to tighten your screws, with a hole to add it to your key ring, and the addition of an hex wrench to give you leverage and tighten beyond the key (definitely handy with heavier cameras). It’s light weight and easy to use. A good addition for a beginners and professionals.

Changing my review to 5*. This is the best quality head you can get in this price range. Everything else is plastic. Still recommend saving/spending more for better quality. Identical to the slightly more expensive Cayer brand head, this video head fulfills the bare minimum of smooth video requirements. Tilt moves are smooth with the occasional hiccup provided the user micromanages the tilt, while pans are almost impossible to perform without jerks. Of course it is under $100, so it can't be expected to perform like a Sachtler or O'Connor. It gets the job done. I was able to get decent footage with the addition of digital stabilization to smooth out the bumps, albeit many takes were necessary to get a usable shot to start with. Locks work wonderfully, the head is solid with the only plastic being the knobs. However the alignments have poor quality control making for wobbly screws, ill-fitting rosettes and scratchy drag design in the pan system. I wanted to like this as a backup, portable head, but I can't rely on it enough to justify keeping it. Not bad for 50 bucks.

I've had a Manfrotto 546b tripod with a 501 head for about 10 years now, but I've got some upcoming project that will require a compact setup for ease of travel...So I bought a Smallrig tripod with a TINY fluid head. The head was impressive for what it was, but there was no way I felt comfortable with supporting the weight of my BMPCC4K, aluminum cage, rod system, follow focus, monitor, and V-Mount battery. Plus, the SmallRig had an Arca Swiss plate, which would require me to switch out regularly when going back and forth between tripods and gimbal. Enter the Avella v501. Compact, lightweight, uses standard Manfrotto plates like all my stuff, and is pretty darn good for what you pay. I'm really impressed with the size and stability. There are a few complaints that I'd read about it having no drag controls for tilt and pan, (just the friction locks,) and that the balance spring is a little bit overpowered. But it's absolutely fine for my needs, as I tend to leave my drag controls fairly loose anyway, and never really walk away from the camera unless it's locked down. Is it as good as my Manfrotto 501 head? It's certainly not as feature rich, but when you compare the footage shot with both, you can't see a difference...and that's where the rubber meets the road. AND it's just a great little tool to have when I need to be a little more portable.

My intended purpose for this Video Camera Tripod Fluid Drag Pan Head was to improve my hobby of video recording missile launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base. After receiving the pan head, I immediately realized I could use it for the rifle that I use for preditor night hunting. As mentioned in other reviews, the pan head 360-degree turning was not smooth and felt a bit jerky. However, I was able to eliminate that problem, and now it is pretty smooth if not perfect. However, I never handled another name brand to compare it with. The 360-degree turning pan head fix. During watching a one-hour TV show, I would tighten the pan locking lever as tight as possible, without feeling I was going to break it, in multiple positions. By the end of the TV show, the jerky feeling was completely gone. I am delighted with my purchase, and I don't think I'd be any better off with a more expensive brand. The Quick Release Plate Locking Lever has been improved. It only requires about 1/4 turn to lock the plate in place. The other feature that came in handy was the inclusion of the 3/8 inch Extended Interface. The threaded mounting hole made it possible to attach a light mounting bracket. I created it to attach my Predator Tactics Coyote Reaper Predator Hunting XXL Rifle Light to. I recommend this product.

I just got it with overnight delivery and installed it on my Manfrotto tripod. It seems pretty heavy and well built. I have a sizable spotting scope on it and it seems to match up well with the weight of the scope. Much heavier than the Manfrotto head that it is replacing. Happy so far. Price was half of the Manfrotto replacement head.

Overall solid fluid head, I would give it 5 stars if the pan were smoother. The one I got is very sticky when moving horizontally. I have to hold my tripod with one hand and move it with strength, otherwise the tripod will move. I returned it.