First look at Manfrotto’s new Nitrotech 600 series fluid video tripod heads

Apr 16, 2019 by John Aldred Add Comment

Manfrotto’s new Nitrotech 608 and Nitrotech 612 fluid video tripod heads represent the latest in Manfrotto’s fluid head technology. Designed to offer the smoothest level of control and movement possible, the two new heads immediately drew our attention at NAB 2019. So, we stopped by the stand to have a chat and find out more.

There are two heads in the Manfrotto Nitrotech 600 series. There’s the 608 and the 612, both of which offer a similar level of performance at different weight handling capacities – and both of them can take a fair amount of weight. The Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 can handle up to 8kg, while the Nitrotech 612 takes camera rigs weighing between 4-12kg.

Both heads use a newly developed fluid system from Manfrotto to provide the maximum level of control and smooth motion when shooting video. There are separate controls for both the pan and tilt movements, and the counterbalance system is now more stable. Both heads also offer a quick release system that is compatible with many of Manfrotto’s existing video tripod plates.

Manfrotto was also showing off a new mode of Lykos LED light at NAB 2019.

It’s coming in two versions, one being daylight and the other a bicolor. The new lights feature built-in Bluetooth for remote smartphone control for up to 13 lights and can be powered by either Canon LP or Sony NPF batteries. It’s also water resistant with a battery cover to slip over the monitor. We wouldn’t recommend taking it swimming, but it should stand up to a little rain.

The Manfrotto Nitrotech 600 series heads will be available to pre-order soon and are expected to ship starting in July. The Nitrotech 608 will cost $449 and the Nitrotech 612 will be $629. The new Lykos LED lights will be available around August with the daylight and bicolor versions costing $249 and $299 respectively.

We would love to send a shoutout to our sponsors who helped bring you this NAB 2019 coverage: Artlist, StoryBlocks Video, SYRP, B&H, Spiffy Gear.

Don’t forget to check out our NAB Giveaway, where we’re offering over $8,500 worth of cinema goodies.

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.