3 way fluid head - Giottos MH5001 or MH5011 or ??

[mau00149]

Looking to get a 3 way fluid head and planning to use it with a Velbon Ultra Rexi L http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-velbon-ultra-rexi-l-tripod/p1525702 for a compact light weight set up that could also be used as an every day set as well. Will be using it with a 550D and 18-55 /55-200 lenses.

Been looking at either Giottos MH5001 or MH5011 http://www.giottos.com/
They look to be the same head with the exception the 5011 is half the weight and has a lower load capacity at 4 kg against 6kg. (Don't think this should be an issue for my camera)

Does anyone know what the other differences are apart from weight? There must be a difference in build quality/materials or some difference in quality of the fluid head movement (thinking of when using it for video)? Also the 5011 sb - cant see any difference between it and the 5011?

Would like to go with the lighter weight one (5011) but wouldn't want to loose any quality if the heavier one was more robust /smoother.

Any thoughts? or suggestions on alternatives?

 

[Andrew H]

Even though this is a relatively old post, I thought I would write a quick reply as I accidentally bought the 5011 and now have both the 5001 and 5011, although the 5011 is currently for sale.

There is a noticable difference in quality between the two. I tested the 5011 with a heavy camera set up and found it slipped on the QR plate, and also generally didn't feel solid enough. The 5001 on the other hand is rock solid and I would have no problem waving it around with camera attached. There is quite a considerable difference in weight, but compared to other kit you may carry it is still pretty light. The screw adjuster grips (not really sure what these are called?!) are a lot better made on the 5001.

Hope this isn't too late and is of some help. Not sure what camera you plan to use with the head, but my advice would be anything heavier than a Leica M# or compact, go for the 5001. There is quite a small difference in price and you will definitely notice the difference in both build quality and stability.

 

[mau00149]

Took the plunge on a 5011 (got it cheap thorugh the Tesco clubcard voucher deal at jessops). As you say the 5001 is definately better built and more solid. Works ok with my 550d and tamron 17-50 for stills. Will hopefully be doing a bit of video with it in the next week and will be able to do a good comparison to my mates 5001 for video. (he has a 7D so bigger head would definately be better for it)