Tripod and accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced a new tripod head for stills and video users that it claims provides smooth motion and continuous counterbalance for loads of up to 8kg. The new Nitrotech N8 uses what the company describes as a ‘nitrogen piston mechanism’ to counteract movements of the head and the pull of gravity to produce fluid and controlled motion for video and still photographers. While the new technology has obvious applications in the video market, Manfrotto also suggests the head for still photographers working with long lenses.
Users can adjust the degree of resistance in the pan and tilt axes to suit the shoot, and a side locking mechanism secures a quick release plate that offers 1/4in and 3/8in screws. The head is made from aluminum, features Easy Link threads for attaching accessory arms and an illuminated bubble level is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
The Nitrotech N8 head can be bought on its own for $ 449.95/£449.95, but Manfrotto has also created a number of kits using both carbon fiber and aluminum leg sets.
For more information see the Manfrotto website.
Press release
Manfrotto Introduces Nitrotech New Fluid Video Head
- Breakthrough Nitrogen piston technology for precise, continuous counterbalance
- Variable pan & tilt fluidity for smooth and accurate shooting
- Easy link connector with anti-rotation to support off-camera accessories
- Side-lock sliding plate attachment
- Secure, 8 kg load capacity
- Flawlessly constructed professional video heads for superlative videography
- High-impact, ground breaking design, superior quality materials
Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, presents the new Nitrotech Video Head – a revolutionary head that combines the most successful features of Manfrotto’s Video Heads range with the ground-breaking, unique-to-the-market Nitrogen piston mechanism that guarantees continuous counterbalance.
The new Nitrotech N8 head securely supports a load up to 8 kg. The new head features a precise, continuous counterbalance system that effortlessly and safely holds and operates a wide array of video camera and camera models – in a variety of sizes. The variable fluidity function on both pan and tilt allows smooth, judder-free movement that is perfect for video work and photography work for example: wildlife, long lens, or sports photography. It allows precise control and balance over a heavy telephoto lens or video camera and features a 3/8” Easy Link equipped with an anti-rotation function that enables an external monitor or other accessories to be fitted.
This new head also features a side-lock sliding plate mechanism that allows safe, quick and easy camera attachment. The NITROTECH head has a flat base mount with a standard 3/8” thread that is highly versatile for different support combinations such as a tripod, slider or rig.
Manfrotto’s game-changing N8 Nitrotech Video Head makes a strong impression at first sight through its distinctive, impactful design, which emphasizes this core breakthrough technology. Ideal for both video and photography work, the Nitro head is a revolution in fluid video heads.
For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk
Prices start from £449.95.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)