GEAR MINI TESTS
MANFROTTO 545B TWIN MS WITH NITROTECH N12 HEAD £1160/$1199 Manfrotto.com
Manfrotto’s traditional twin-tube aluminium video tripod withmid-level spreader, teamed 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, nowwith the N12 Nitrotech head, whichmakes it suitable for camera payloads up to 12kg/26.4lb. In the last we issue we raved about the aluminium version of the 545 tripod, fitted with the N12 head. Well now the carbon version is available, andManfrotto 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 incredible, especially considering the whole kit weights
SPECIFICATIONS Head Fitting: 100mmhalf bowl with 75mmadapter Counterbalance: Variable continuous 4-12kg/8.8-26.46kg Leg Sections: 2 carbon fibre Height range: 75-169cm/29.5-66.5in MaximumPayload: 12kg/26.4lb
Spreader Type: Mid-level Head Type: NitrotechN12 Weight: 5.16kg/11.39lb
840g/1.85lb less than the aluminium version and costs only a litle 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 very 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 nasty 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 cameras of most sizes 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 muchmore, which makes it an even better buy. AD. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 Proven performance, carbon fibre body and fluid head make a great buy Pros: Great price for high-tech kit that works so well Cons: Not as light as some rivals
BELOW Metric markings on the camera plate help make set-up consistent.
THE MISSING LINK!
While lots of camera rigs have threaded holes to mount arms, the beauty of the Easy Link is that it locks in place solidly and can’t rotate. So you’re never going to get a droopy monitor. It’s easy to adjust using the friction knob and locks firmly in place. If you’re a Manfrotto tripod user and want the most solid mount for your accessories, this is a great product to consider.
Lots of Manfrotto’s latest tripods come with the 3/8in Easy Link connector built on the side, ideal for mounting arms to hold external monitors or mics. We tried the 244 Micro Friction Arm Kit, which costs £102/$109 and has a sturdy aluminium Nano clamp at the end to hold onto a whole variety of different accessories. Or you can take the clamp off and use the standard screw thread in the bottom of your monitor.
108 PRO MOVIEMAKER WINTER 2018
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