Manfrotto’s Nitrotech N12 Fluid Video Head
Following their Nitrotech N8 launch, Manfrotto’s new offering features adjustable and continuous counterbalance to 26.4 lbs.
The latest entry in this line offers adjustable and continuous counterbalance for cameras up to 26.4lbs.
With variable fluidity adjustment for both pan and tilt, the Nitrotech fluid video heads from Manfrotto — first announced at NAB in April of 2017 — sport a new piston design for a continuous counterbalance system that can be precisely aligned, thanks to 55mm of camera plate travel. With standard 3/8" thread, the previous Nitrotech N8 heads can be used to support up to 17.6 lbs aboard tripods, cranes and sliders or rigs. The new Nitrotech N12 head will support of up to 26.4 lbs.
To keep the weight of peripherals off of cameras, Manfrotto’s Nitrotech heads have 3/8" Easy Link connection with fast anti-rotation lockdown switch to add external monitors or other accessories like flags or lights. Starting the system, the $449 Nitrotech N8 Video Head is available in a few different configurations. At $949, the Nitrotech N8 and 546GB Twin MS kit comes with padded carrying bag and a middle spreader (hence “MS”). With tilt of -70 degrees / +90 degrees, it offers minimum and maximum heights of 11.8" and 60.6", respectively. There is 44 lbs. load capacity on the two-stage Manfrotto 546B aluminum legs.
Also available at $949, the Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 with 546GB legs includes ground-level spreader for 12.8" to 62.4" of travel. Bumping up to $1,179 list, the Nitrotech N8 is also available with the more lightweight, three-section 535 single-tube carbon-fiber legs. The 535 legs can also be set independently of each other in three steps at 23 degrees, 50 degrees and 70 degrees. Height is adjustable from 10.6" to 67". For $599, the Nitrotech N12 fluid video head supports smaller systems from 8.8 lbs. all the way up to 26.4 lbs. Building on the design of the Nitrotech N8, the Nitrotech N12 adds a side knob for adjusting the counterbalance.
At $1,099, the Nitrotech N12 is available with two-stage aluminum 545GB legs (including a ground spreader) or 545B legs (with mid-level spreader). Each offers 11" to 60" of range and weigh only 8 lbs., but can support up to 55 lbs. An included flat-base-to-half-bowl adapter will allow the 75mm flat base head to be used with 100mm bowl on both tripods. With three leg stages, the Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 with 536 carbon-fiber tripod weighs 7 lbs. with 10" to 80" of give. No is spreader required for this more sturdy — yet lighter — leg system, which also has the same independent leg angle specs as the Manfrotto 535, mentioned above. The Nitrotech N12 with 536 carbon fiber tripod is available at $1,479.
Each of these systems will also attach to several Manfrotto dolly and slider systems. Manfrotto makes a number of video and photographer products and accessories, including lights, support systems and bags.
