GEAR
SPOTLIGHT ON TRIPODS
A PROFESSIONAL PICK
When it comes to the tripod used by most well-heeled production companies and lusted after by pretty much all filmmakers, the Sachtler Flowtech is it. Available in a range of sizes, a popular option is the Sachtler Flowtech 75 MS with Aktiv8T head, which costs £2909/$3250 and is the most award-winning tripod of recent years. The lightweight, carbon-fibre Flowtech 75 MS legs and Aktiv8T head are quick to set up, yet the legs fold flat, making it ideal to carry on the shoulder. The head mounts to the legs using a single lever lock, rather than needing to be screwed on and locked down with a safety screw. The camera goes on a quick-release plate that clicks into place. There are 15 steps of counterbalance and seven steps of pan and tilt drag adjustment. The Sachtler Flowtech 75 MS with Aktiv8T head kit weighs 6.7kg/14.11lb and has a payload of 12kg/26.5lb. For a different option of head to fit either the
N-ICE CHOICE The Ace head (right) fits on any 75mm tripod, including the Flowtech (below)
adjustments and five-steps of fast counterbalance, the Mark II systems include an aluminium tripod with carry handle and choice of spreader. The £574/$655 Ace XL Mark II is for heavier digital cine cameras. It supports payloads up to 8kg/17.6lb with an extra four steps of counterbalance for larger rigs. The Ace XL features an illuminated level bubble plus a removable threaded stud to easily swap from a tripod to a slider. sachtler.com
The Ace M Mark II is only available as part of a system and offers broadcast- quality camera support in a lightweight and simple system. With a Sachtler 75/2 Mark II tripod, the
Flowtech 75 or any 75mm bowl, the Ace M Mark II and Ace XL Mark II feature smooth drag and multi- step counterbalance for larger cameras.
kit costs £746/$820. Weighing 4.4kg/9.7lb and able to support payloads of 4kg/8.8lb with smooth drag
FOR JAPANESE QUALITY
FOR THE ALL-ROUNDER
Japanese brand Libec uses high-end design and engineering to build some incredible tripods that work well and can take the rough handling doled out by many working professionals. The brand’s £1272/$921 NX-300MC is a lightweight tripod system with a fluid video head and carbon legs to reduce weight. The NH30 head supports 10kg/22lb, with a multi-step counterbalance for different camera set-ups. Its advanced drag system ensures smooth starts, improved backlash control and increased rigidity. On the side of the head are 1/4in and 3/8in screw holes to allow attachment of an accessory arm with a monitor or light. This means the total payload capacity, centre of gravity and
Kenro’s Karoo 3-in-1 Photo & Video Tripod is the most affordable option here at just £80. It’s lightweight, useful for both stills and video and can convert into a monopod. The video-style head offers fluid panning and tilting, with a quick-release plate and a platform that adjusts vertically up to 90°. It features flip-lock legs
for quick set-up, and the removable centre column transforms into a four-section monopod, extending to 137cm/54in. The centre column can also be fastened horizontally for overhead shots, with a hook underneath to attach weights for improved balance. Made from aluminium and some
front-rear balance are not affected. When attached to the carbon legs, this makes the total weight just under 4kg/1.8kg. Libec has paid attention to the details and shaved the weight down wherever possible to ensure it remains lightweight and reliable, without risking its usability and durability. libec-global.com
plastic parts, it extends to 185cm/72.8in, folds down to 64cm/25.2in and weighs 1.88kg/4.1lb. The tripod kit also includes a travel bag. kenro.co.uk
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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