DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

Search

 

Submit A Story

Manfrotto parent company, Vitec, acquires motion control company Syrp

by 1 Comment

Vitec Imaging Solutions, a division of The Vitec Group, has acquired New Zealand based camera slider and motion control company Syrp. The acquisition actually happened on January 23rd, although it seems to have received very little coverage.

In a press release, Vitec states that “the acquisition of Syrp adds electronics and software features that control cameras to Vitec’s current product portfolio”. A portfolio that includes Manfrotto, Joby, Teradek, SmallHD, Lastolite, Lowepro and many more besides.

[Read More…]

DIYP reviews the Manfrotto Befree Live Twist travel tripod – A great travel companion for video

by Leave a Comment

I’m going to save you all a lot of time and tell you from the start that I really like the Manfrotto Befree Live Twist (BLT – Yes, I’m calling it the BLT) video tripod. If you’ve been on the fence about buying one and wondering whether or not it’s decent… Well, for the most part, I think it is.

In many ways, the BLT a lot like its predecessor, the regular flip lock version of Befree Live. But it has received a couple of significant changes. The flip locks have gone in favour of twist locks (hence the new name), and the adjusters at the top of each leg have had a much-needed redesign. But let’s take a look at how it handles overall.

[Read More…]

Manfrotto beefs up its travel range with 4 new tripods and 2 ball heads

by Leave a Comment

It’s the time of year, at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere where the days are long, and we’re starting to get that travel bug. The sun’s well and truly back, and we want to get out exploring with our cameras. To do this, especially if we want to shoot any long exposures or video, we often need a tripod. But they can be big, heavy, cumbersome things.

Well, Manfrotto’s got your back, with four new tripods, three of which are carbon fibre. There’s a new Befree Advanced CF, a Befree Live Twist CF, and two new Befree GT tripods – one aluminium, one carbon fibre. And there are two new ball heads to go with them.

[Read More…]

DIYP Reviews the Manfrotto Element Carbon – Small but mighty

by 4 Comments

The Manfrotto Element series of aluminum travel tripods have become quite popular since their initial release.  Now they’ve updated the line with the new Element Carbon. I’ve had one for the last few weeks, so here are some of my thoughts.

I’m not typically one to go for small tripods. Well, with the exception of the Manfrotto Pixi, those things are awesome. But sometimes I need my camera a little higher up. On location, when I need it to clear ground clutter or foliage, the little Pixi just doesn’t always cut it.

[Read More…]

First look at Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 video head

by Leave a Comment

Manfrotto recently released two new video heads, the Nitrotech N8, and the Nitrotech N12. Those are high-load video heads which support 0-8kg and 4-12kg respectively.

What is interesting about those heads is their counterbalance mechanism. Unlike lower-end heads, these heads have a nitrogen gas piston for counterbalance. We looked at the Nitrotech N8 and it supports quite a load (up to 8kg). The head provides continuous counterbalance power. This means that when you let go of the handle, the head keeps its position as if it was locked in place.

There are two models in the Nitrotech  family:

[Read More…]

Manfrotto launches new Element Carbon tripods – A photographer’s best travel companion?

by 3 Comments

Manfrotto have just launched a new range of entry level carbon fibre tripods aimed at enthusiast travel photographers. The new Element Carbon range currently features two tripods, Big and Small, which pack up pretty small for easy packing. The Small model handles loads up to 4KG (8.8lbs) while the Big can take a whopping 8KG (17.6lbs).

Each of the carbon fibre legs locks into three positions, and features twist locks to adjust the length. The larger of the two also has a detachable leg, which connects directly to the centre column to create a full size monopod. The ball head also features the popular Arca-style quick release plate rather than the proprietary Manfrotto plate.

[Read More…]

Recent Posts