
Manfrotto
Manfrotto MH804-3W Tripod Head with Quick Release Plates
★★★★★
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
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
What is the maximum weight this tripod head can support?
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.
What quick-release plate system does this head use?
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.
What does the spring-assisted tilt feature actually do?
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.
Are the control levers fixed or can they be folded for transport?
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.
Is this head made of metal or plastic?
It is constructed from Manfrotto's Adapto technical polymer, which is a durable, lightweight engineered plastic designed to reduce weight while maintaining structural rigidity.