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BUYERS’ GUIDE TRAVEL BAGS
LEOFOTO MANBA
LIBEC HS-150M KIT £1139/$1009 libec-global.com
£479/$399 leofoto.com
Libec’s HS system uses a simple counterbalancer that even works for lighter mirrorless cameras as well as larger set-ups, and is designed so it is fast to build up and get shooting. The HS-150M kit includes the HS-150 tripod, which is a traditional multi-tube leg set-up, and the new H15 head. The legs have a mid-level spreader and a bowl-style adjuster to get everything level. A standard Manfrotto-fit plate clicks onto the head, then the counterbalance knob is adjusted until the camera stays perfectly still wherever it’s pointed. That’s the sign of a well-built system. Pan and tilt movements have three drag settings, as well as free, plus a lock. The payload is up to 3kg/6.6lb. The kit also comes with rubber feet covers to protect floors, as well as spiked feet for outdoors.
Leofoto might be unknown to many filmmakers, but the Manba LV-284C and BV-5 head aims to change that. It’s the brand’s latest professional-level video tripod and has lots of the build qualities of high-end photo tripods as well as useful innovations. It would make an ideal buy for filmmakers who use mirrorless cameras and want something stripped-back. There is no adjustable counterbalance and the Arca-Swiss plate is not very long to aid balancing. The pan and tilt movements are damped, but don’t offer adjustable drag or free movement for super-speedy whips and tilts. The motion is smooth, but the only way to slow it down is by tightening the locking screws. For self-levelling, the central column is unlocked with a large lever and then swivels around on its own large, hollow aluminium ball that sits in the spider at the top of the legs.
Pros: Smooth head and fast to set up Cons: Not the lightest on test
Pros: Great self-levelling mechanism Cons: Not the best head
MANFROTTO 190X ALUMINIUM WITH 500 HEAD £325/$429 manfrotto.com
MANFROTTO 645 FAST TWIN ALUMINIUM £1285/$1125 manfrotto.com
Manfrotto’s 645 Fast Twin aluminium tripod has a traditional double-tube leg system, but the latest Fast Lever Lock technology for super-quick set-up. On the top is one of Manfrotto’s high-end Nitrotech heads that employs a unique pressurised cartridge damping system. The tripod comes with a two-in- one half ball. There is a 100mm bowl along with a 75mm adapter to enable the use of a wider range of heads. It also features a mid-level spreader, but you can remove it and use the three-angle selectors if you wish. The closure mechanism is between the upper and lower locks, which allow you to control
The Manfrotto 190 is a world-famous tripod that has been used by stills and video shooters for decades. The latest X version has lots of revisions and is teamed up with the 500 Fluid Head and a self-levelling kit to make this a decent, basic system that performs well and is very affordable. The head has a side lock mounting system so the camera plate clicks in from above, which is much faster than lining it up to slide it in from one end. Fluid cartridges on both the pan and tilt movements provide resistance for smooth, controlled motion. The spring- loaded counterbalance is not adjustable, though. The camera plate has 1/4in-20 and 3/8in-16 screws, and the head has a 3/8in-16 tripod mounting thread and a 3/8in-16 Easy Link connector for accessories.
the entire leg with a single lock and get set up quickly. The tripod is a great performer, but you might wish you’d spent extra to get the carbon-fibre version.
Pros: A workhorse performer Cons: No adjustable counterbalance
Pros: Quick to set up Cons: Not as light as carbon
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