MANFROTTO TR I POD | USER REVI EW
MANFROTTO 545B TWIN MS WITH NITROTECH N12 HEAD PRICE £1160/$1199 A fresh twist on Manfrotto’s well-loved tripod brings new flexibility to film-making
WORDS & PICTURES ADAM DUCKWORTH
anfrotto’s traditional twin-tube aluminium video tripod with mid- level spreader, teamed
SPECI F I CAT IONS HEAD FITTING: 100MM HALF BOWL WITH 75MM ADAPTER COUNTERBALANCE: VARIABLE CONTINUOUS 4-12KG/8.8-26.46KG 75-169CM/29.5-66.5IN MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 12KG/26.4LB SPREADER TYPE: MID-LEVEL HEAD TYPE: NITROTECH N12 WEIGHT: 5.16KG/11.39LB LEG SECTIONS: 2 CARBON FIBRE HEIGHT RANGE:
with the firm’s 504 fluid head, has long been the go-to set of sticks for filmmakers around the globe who demand performance and value. And it’s easy to see why – sturdy but not too heavy, rugged, long-lasting and top value for money. But in the past couple of years there’s been a revolution in tripod and head design and the use of carbon fibre has become more widespread. Manfrotto has swung back in with a carbon fibre version of its twin-tube tripod, now with the N12 Nitrotech head, which makes it suitable for camera payloads up to 12kg/26.4lb. Our sister publication Pro Movie Maker raved about the aluminium version of the 545, fitted with the N12 head. Well now the carbon version is available, and Manfrotto claims there is a 50% increase in rigidity thanks to the combination of the carbon fibre tubes and a new internal leg lock mechanism. That’s impressive, especially considering the whole kit weights 840g/1.85lb less than the aluminium version and costs only a little more at £1160/$1199. A bargain for such a high-tech bit of kit. The new legs look stunning thanks to the carbon fibre weave, and are as fast and easy to set up, plus more resistant to twisting or bending. Carbon has better damping qualities so vibration is reduced, although you’d need to compare the two closely to spot the difference. The legs have quick-release rubber feet which expose spikes that are ideal for outdoor use. You can also buy a version with a ground- level spreader.
The minimalist N12 head is quick and easy to balance for lots of different cameras and lenses, and is beautifully damped for pans and tilts without any snatching at the start of the move or bounce-back at the end. The head uses a nitrogen-charged piston to control counterbalancing, with a knob on the side to dial in the right amount of balance. It’s adjustable for most cameras and the supplied long camera plate makes it easy to dial in. A quick-release system means the camera clicks in firmly when lowered into place. We thought the aluminium version of this kit was better than anything Manfrotto has offered before. The carbon version is lighter, more rigid and doesn’t cost much more, making it an even better buy.
RIGHT Metric markings on the camera plate help make set-up consistent.
“THE HEAD USES A NITROGEN-CHARGED PISTON TO CONTROL COUNTERBALANCING”
JANUARY 20 1 9 | DEF I N I T ION 59
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