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The ONE show Manfrotto’s ONE range has grown to three models, each aimed at a different creator
anfrotto’s ONE Hybrid tripod is a clever support system for creators who regularly switch between photography and
allowing the camera to be levelled without repeatedly adjusting the leg lengths. Just release the large lever at the top, level using the spirit level and lock down. This is the same system that was successfully used on the Hybrid and we like it. Adjustable leg angles and modular feet make it suitable for a variety of locations, while Easy Link mounting points allow accessories to be attached directly. The design is all about getting the camera positioned, levelled and ready to roll as quickly as possible. Perhaps the most significant decision when buying is which fluid head to choose. The more compact 500X is already familiar from the ONE Hybrid. Designed primarily for mirrorless cameras, it provides fluid- damped pan and tilt movements, plus a counterbalance system optimised for a 2.4kg camera. The kit costs £399/$520. Its cleverest trick is a hinged camera plate that allows the camera to switch between horizontal and vertical shooting without rearrangement of accessories. The ONE Video also introduces the 502X at £469/$599 when bought as a kit. With support for camera systems up to 8kg, it’s better suited to larger, fully rigged cameras carrying substantial lenses, monitors, wireless receivers and other accessories. More importantly, it offers continuously variable fluid drag on both pan and tilt axes. Rather than accepting a predetermined resistance, movement can be fine-tuned to suit the shot. There’s a counterbalance system optimised for a 4.4kg payload, helping control the camera’s weight during tilts. These details matter. Both heads use Manfrotto’s side-lock plate arrangement for rapid mounting and balancing. For lightweight mirrorless productions and vertical content, the 500X makes plenty of sense. But for more substantial cinema rigs and operators who value fine control over movement, the 502X is the more compelling choice. The all-rounder The original ONE Hybrid remains the model designed for creators who refuse to choose between stills and motion. Its versatile centre column can be raised, tilted or repositioned for unusual camera angles, overhead filming and low-level work. Combine that with rapid-levelling XTEND legs and the 500X Fluid Video Head and it becomes an impressively adaptable system.
filmmaking or simply want more ways to configure their kit. It’s so impressive, it won our Gear of the Year Award for best tripod. But any multifunction device inevitably has some compromises, so now the Italian manufacturer has expanded the range with two more models. The ONE Photo strips things back for dedicated stills shooters, while the latest ONE Video concentrates on serious filmmaking. All three share the same DNA. The legs have a slightly ovalised rather than round profile to increase rigidity. The Hybrid is also available with lighter carbon-fibre legs. There’s also the XTEND system, one of the best features. Instead of individually releasing and tightening a succession of clamps on each leg section, one large lever operates all the sections of that leg at once. Open the three levers, extend the legs to the desired height and lock them again. It’s a great solution when working alone and constantly repositioning the camera. The XCHANGE quick-release system allows heads, sliders and other parts to be swapped without tools, making the ONE less a fixed tripod and more a support platform that changes as a production develops. But there are a few key differences. We put these newcomers alongside the Hybrid to discover if three really is the magic number. ONE for the movies The ONE Video is built for motion and has a dedicated integrated levelling system,
We put these newcomers alongside the Hybrid to discover whether three really is the magic number ONE vision The new Video tripod has a fast- levelling lever (top) and the 502X head has a counterbalance knob (above). Legs on all the tripods (below left) have an ovalised section for strength and are quick to adjust
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November/December 2026
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