Manfrotto

Manfrotto MH804-3W Tripod Head with Quick Release Plates

4.1 (64 reviews)

The Manfrotto MH804-3W 3-way head delivers precise pan, tilt, and swivel control with a spring-assisted mechanism.

$149.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Manfrotto MH804-3W 3-Way Head is built for photographers and videographers who prefer individual axis control over the free-movement approach of a ball head. Each of the three axes — pan, tilt, and side-to-side swivel — is locked and adjusted independently via its own lever, allowing for precise compositional framing. The standout feature is a built-in spring mechanism on the tilt axis that counterbalances the camera's weight, preventing the head from lurching forward when you release the tilt lock. This is particularly useful when shooting on uneven terrain or working with front-heavy lens setups.

Constructed from Manfrotto's Adapto technical polymer, the MH804-3W weighs just 1.65 lbs (748 g) while supporting loads up to 8.82 lbs (4 kg). The levers retract against the body for transport, reducing the head's footprint inside a camera bag. It ships with the RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter system and includes two replacement quick-release plates, so you can keep a plate permanently attached to a second camera body and swap between them quickly in the field. The head threads onto any standard 3/8-inch tripod mount, making it broadly compatible across Manfrotto and third-party tripod legs.

Specifications

Head Type
3-Way Head
Material
Adapto Technical Polymer
Quick Release System
RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter
Load Capacity
8.82 lbs (4 kg)
Weight
1.65 lbs (748 g)
Features
Retractable Levers, Spring-Assisted Tilt Motion
Included Accessories
2 Replacement RC2 Quick-Release Plates

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Spring-assisted tilt motion prevents sudden drops when adjusting the forward tilt angle under load.
  • Retractable levers fold flat for a compact transport profile that fits easily into camera bags.
  • Includes two extra RC2 quick-release plates, letting you keep plates on multiple camera bodies.
  • Lightweight at just 1.65 lbs (748 g), adding minimal weight to your tripod setup.
  • Independent 3-way axis control allows precise compositional adjustments without affecting other axes.

👎 Cons

  • 4 kg (8.82 lb) load capacity is insufficient for heavy professional cinema cameras or large telephoto lenses.
  • Technical polymer construction feels less rigid than aluminum or magnesium alloy heads under stress.
  • RC2 plate system is not compatible with Arca-Swiss plates without a separate adapter.
  • No fluid damping for video panning, making smooth cinematic movements difficult to achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MH804-3W has a load capacity of 8.82 lbs (4 kg), making it suitable for mid-range DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and compact camcorders with standard lenses.
It uses Manfrotto's RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter system. The package includes two replacement quick-release plates so you can keep plates mounted on multiple cameras.
The built-in spring mechanism counterbalances the weight of your camera during forward tilt movements, preventing the head from dropping abruptly when you loosen the tilt lever.
The MH804-3W features retractable levers that fold down against the head body, reducing its packed profile for easier transport in a bag or case.
It is constructed from Manfrotto's Adapto technical polymer, which is a durable, lightweight engineered plastic designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural rigidity.