500X Fluid Head
MVH500XAH
Product features
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Switch easily between landscape and portrait orientation
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Smooth pan and tilt with the Fluid Drag System
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Precise control thanks to counterbalance system
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Compatible with the 60mm Flat Base Xchange
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501PL sliding plate
Designed & made in Italy
Highest protection. Backed by warranty. Learn more
Product overview
Precision and Versatility for Content Creators
The Manfrotto 500X fluid head is designed for mirrorless camera users who demand precision, versatility, and seamless control. As part of Manfrotto’s Bridging Technology range, it delivers the perfect balance of innovation and reliability. Whether capturing cinematic video or social media content, the 500X hinged plate makes it effortless to switch between landscape and portrait formats—giving you the flexibility to shoot the way you want.
Silky-Smooth Motion, Effortless Control
Every movement counts. The Fluid Drag System (FDS) on both pan and tilt ensures buttery-smooth, shake-free footage, so you can capture professional results straight out of the camera. If greater camera control is needed just engage the built-in Counterbalance System (CBS), optimized at 2.4 kg @55mm C.O.G., to keep your camera balanced. With 500X, you’re always in control—no second takes, no wasted time.
Fast, Reliable, and Ready to Create
The 500X head is all about making your creative process seamless. The intuitive 501PL sliding plate with a side-lock mechanism lets you mount your camera from above—securely and in seconds. No more struggling with awkward setups—just click in and start creating.
Seamless Transitions with Xchange
Adapt to any shooting setup effortlessly. The 500X features a 60mm flat base, fully compatible with Manfrotto’s Xchange quick-release system, making transitions between rigs smooth and hassle-free. Switch between tripods, sliders, and other supports without missing a beat, ensuring your workflow remains uninterrupted and efficient.
Perfect for Social Media Creators
Vertical content is more important than ever, and the 500X makes shooting in portrait mode seamless. The head’s innovative design allows for a quick and secure 90-degree tilt, ensuring effortless transitions between traditional and vertical formats—ideal for social media creators, vloggers, and anyone producing mobile-first content.
Perfectly Aligned, Every Time
A built-in leveling bubble helps you achieve flawless framing with precision, so your shots are always balanced and professional. Whether you’re setting up a sweeping pan or a locked-off portrait shot, the 500X delivers consistency and reliability.
Why Choose 500X?
Versatile Shooting: Effortlessly switch between landscape and portrait formats.
Bridging Technology: Part of Manfrotto’s innovative range, blending performance and design.
Fluid Motion: Smooth, controlled pan and tilt with optimized fluid drag.
Quick Setup: Secure, top-loading side-lock system for fast camera attachment.
Seamless Integration: Xchange compatibility for effortless transitions between setups.
Precision at Every Angle: Built-in leveling bubble ensures perfect framing.
Specifications
Downloads
Warranty
Befree, Befree Advanced, 290, 190, 055, Xpro Monopods, Xpro Heads and Manfrotto Tripod heads are covered by a Standard Limited Warranty (six months from date of purchase) and are eligible for a free Standard Limited Warranty Extension, upon online product registration, for an additional nine years, six months - thus up to ten years from date of purchase. For more details or to register your product, please visit: warranty.vitecimagingsolutions.com.
Manfrotto 500X Fluid Head
Smooth Motion. Creative Freedom.
Made for Mirrorless
The 500 series, reimagined for a new generation.
Designed around today’s mirrorless setups, the 500X brings fluid video performance together with the versatility modern creators need to shoot across every format.
Built to Flip and Whip
Want to capture more content from every shoot? With the 500X, you can switch from horizontal to vertical framing in seconds, without re-rigging your camera.
From widescreen video to social-first reels, and smooth pans to controlled tilts, you have the flexibility to adapt at speed and bring more creative ideas to life.
See the key features in action
Built to simplify the way you work, with features that deliver versatility, speed, and control across every kind of shoot.
500X IN ACTION
ONE day, ONE shoot, ONE Hybrid tripod
For director and DoP Alan Stockdale, creative shoots move fast and equipment needs to keep up.
That's where the Manfrotto ONE Hybrid tripod and 500X fluid head come in, supporting everything from high overhead shots to floor-level movement, sliders, top-down and vertical formats for social content.
CREATOR FEEDBACK
Experiences, reactions, and insights from photographers and video creators using XCHANGE every day.
"My favourite head when filming reels or any vertical content without having to rerig the camera"
"The ability to flip the 500X head to shoot verticals with the push of a button is a genuinely practical time-saver."
"The 500X saves me so much time. I still love shooting open gate for flexibility, but it feels better to frame it right there on set."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which plates are compatible with the head?
The 500X is supplied with a 501PL plate but it is also compatible with the following Manfrotto plates: 500PLONG,501PLONG,504PLONG series and 509PLONG.
2. Do I need a tripod with XCHANGE technology to use the head?
No, the 500X is a flat base XCHANGE ready head with a standard 3/8 thread. This means that it can work both with traditional tripods that come with a 3/8 screw or with XCHANGE technology tripods/accessories.
3. Do I always need to use the 60mm adapter?
No, the 60mm base adapter must be inserted into the head's base to enable the anti-rotation feature. This feature is only required when the head is attached to a support, such as a tripod or other accessory, that uses grub screws.
4. Can I use the head on supports other than tripods?
Yes, the 500X is a 60mm flat base XCHANGE ready head with a standard 3/8 thread.
Manfrotto
Standard of Excellence
Up to 10 years warranty
Highest safety standards ensured
Made in Italy with best in class materials
