Help me decide - 503 head with 525MVB legs or 503HDV with 351MBV2
 

I need your advices.

I can buy brand new for about the same price either the original 503 head with a set of 525MVB legs, or the new 503HDV head with a set of 351MBV2.

I will put an XL2 on it.

What do you think? Do you think the new HDV head is so much better that I should take it with the 351MBV2 legs or the changes aren't significants enough and I should go with the original head but a better set of legs (the 525).

Thank you for your help,

Hi, Jean - Philippe
 

At least with the newer 503HDV you have a sporting chance of getting your camera system properly counterbalanced, as the spec's say it is continuously variable from 0 - 3.8 kg.

The older 503 has a fixed spring system, and if your camera system doesn't weigh/ have a COG of 3.125 kg, then it's all over the place like a dogs dinner.

Personnaly I don't really like either of the tripod choices you have available, tho' if push came to shove, the 525 is probably preferable due to it's extra versatility.

So, I think you need the 503HDV and the 525's. I know that's not the deal you're offered, but then, the deal you've been offered is not a good one. Either is a major compromise which I think you will live to regret.

Think you should check out some other retailers (B&H?) to see if you can get a better deal.


CS

Hi Chris,

Yeah, I know the 503HDV and the 525 legs is another option, but at a couple of hundreds more... ;-)

I will certainly consider it too.

Thank you

B&H had a really good price on the 351/503 with mid spreader/padded bag a while back. Don't know if they still have it, but it was a really low price.

B&H doesn't have the original 503 anymore... They sell the 351/503HDV kit for about 640$.

Have you already tried these legs? I was worried by the specs, it can't go really low like the 525.

If someone can suggest a good choice of legs to put along with the 503HDV, go for it. I want to stay bellow 800-900$ for the kit.

Yes, i bought that kit. It isn't for sale anymore, replaced with 503hdv. I like it, for the price a good setup. A little in the heavy side, wich is good or bad when you have to walk.

525/503hdv is better and a lot more expensive, maybe it's even better to go for Vinten instead.

I have the 503hdv/525,very nice.

I have the 503/525 system. The legs are really good for the price, the head is ok considering it is not a real fluid one. Anyway, it is not good enought for my HD200's weight so I bought a Cartoni Focus, it's excelent.