Manfrotto News Report News & Deals  ►

Manfrotto US (a Vitec Group company) has posted the following warning to its site:

Buy only from US AUTHORIZED DEALERS and get the benefits of our WARRANTY program.
 
If you buy from an unauthorized dealer you will not receive any US warranty or technical support. View full list of NON-AUTHORIZED DEALERS.

In the warranty section of Manfrotto's site, the company provides a supplemental warning:

Additionally, if you purchase any Manfrotto product from an unauthorized dealer via Fulfilled By Amazon you will not receive any U.S. warranty or technical support.

Third-party lens manufacturers have adopted similar policies in the past (e.g., Tamron), but what's unique about Manfrotto's warning is that they specifically list unauthorized retailers in addition to the usually-provided authorized retailers.
 
While the authorized retailer warning isn't necessarily included on their other brands' websites, a Vitec Group representative I spoke with clarified the policy. I was told that the authorized retailer requirement for warranty claims / technical support applies to all the Vitec Group brands, including:
 

• Avenger
• Bowens
• FeiyuTech
• Gitzo
• Gossen
• Joby
• Lastolite
• Lowepro
• Manfrotto
• Metz
• National Geographic

So, if you want warranty protection, make sure you only purchase from authorized retailers.
 
Vitec Group US Authorized Retailers: B&H | Adorama | Amazon US (3rd party sales excluded)

Product Highlights
 

• Holds 2 Pro DSLRs, 4 Lenses, 17" Laptop
• Holds a DSLR & Attached 400 f/2.8 Lens
• Front Zip Lid Closure with Hinge
• Exterior Zip Pockets
• Zippered Interior Lid Pockets
• Padded Touch-Fastening Dividers
• Side/Top Grip Handles & Tripod Attach
• 2 Rear Transport Wheels
• Built-In TSA Combination Zipper Lock
• Water-Repellent Fabric & Rain Protector

B&H has the Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Air-55 available for preorder.

From Manfrotto:
 
Upper Saddle River, NJ – September 18, 2018 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, videography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, has expanded its video tripod range with two new twin-leg video tripods made of carbon fiber.
 
The two brand-new, twin-leg video tripod models are the perfect solution for professional videographers looking for robust, rigid and lightweight support. A 50% increase in rigidity* is achieved thanks to the combination of carbon-fiber tubes and a new patent-pending internal leg lock mechanism.
 
Manfrotto’s two new twin-leg carbon-fiber video tripods are available in two models: middle spreader and ground spreader and both feature:
 

• 100mm bowl with a 75mm aluminum adapter for compatibility with a wide range of video heads.
• Fully adjustable & removable spreader allowing for precise positioning based upon the creators needs.
• Rubber feet with spiked option making them adaptable based on location.

All Manfrotto video tripods are engineered with a focus on quality and dedication to continuous innovation. These products are the perfect solution for all videographers looking for a great support for their video shooting. Both twin-leg carbon-fiber tripods are available in combination with Manfrotto Nitrotech N12, N8 and 504 video heads.
 
Manfrotto Twin Carbon Fiber Video Tripods and Kits are available now at select Manfrotto Authorized Dealers.
 

Description	Price
Carbon Fiber Twin Middle Spreader Tripod 100/75mm	$699.99
Carbon Fiber Twin Ground Spreader Tripod 100/75mm	$699.99
KIT: Manfrotto 504 Video Head with Carbon Fiber Twin Middle Spreader	$949.99
KIT: Manfrotto 504 Video Head with Carbon Fiber Twin Ground Spreader	$949.99
KIT: Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 with Carbon Fiber Twin Middle Spreader	$1,059.99
KIT: Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 with Carbon Fiber Twin Ground Spreader	$1,059.99
KIT: Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 with Carbon Fiber Twin Middle Spreade	$1,199.99
KIT: Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 with Carbon Fiber Twin Ground Spreader	$1,199.99

B&H has the Twin Carbon Fiber Video Tripods and Kits available for preorder (links above).

From Manfrotto:
 
New Befree tripod to monopod solution and an additional option for their Befree Live expand the traveler segment.
 
Upper Saddle River, NJ – September 13, 2018 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, videography and imaging equipment and accessories industry, has expanded its travel tripod range with new additions to the Befree Collection.
 
The Manfrotto Befree 2N1 is the most versatile model in the Befree range, with an all-in-one solution that allows the tripod to be converted into a monopod in just a few steps. It offers a secure, easy and fast solution to convert the tripod into a monopod, while retaining the same exceptional stability afforded throughout the Befree collection.
 
The technology behind the safety and stability of the Befree 2N1 is a dedicated locking system that ensures the total absence of play when working both as a tripod and as a monopod. Furthermore, the conjunction cap on the center column of the Befree 2N1 firmly connects the tripod leg to the tripod column, giving shape to a solid travel monopod.
 
The Befree 2N1 is made to enable quick and easy switching from a tripod to a monopod. After a half-turn anticlockwise, a red rubber ring will appear on the tripod leg, providing the user with visual feedback that the tube can be safely removed for use as a monopod.
 
The Befree 2N1 is available in two versions: the Quick Power Lock version with levers, and the M-Lock twist option.
 
Additionally, following the great success of the Befree Live in both aluminum and carbon versions, Manfrotto is releasing the Befree Live with Quick Power Lock, dedicated to independent content creators who prefer the lever lock system.
 
All three models will be available late September at select Authorized Manfrotto Dealers
 
B&H has the Manfrotto Befree 2N1 tripods and Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Lever-Lock Tripod Kit available for preorder.

From Manfrotto:
 
Manfrotto unveils the new Noreg Bags Collection, a totally brand new stylish and functional carrying solution, designed for traveling photographers who use premium mirrorless cameras and enjoy drone photography.
 

• Noreg Camera Backpack-30
• Noreg Camera Messenger-30

In addition, Manfrotto releases two new models of its Manhattan Bags Collection, designed for today’s busy city dwellers and commuters with a passion for street photography, for completing its compelling offer of lifestyle photographic bags.
 
Calling all travelers! The Noreg Collection is designed for people who combine a special passion for photography with the love for travel. Cool colors and design, combined with minimalist shapes and premium textures around a core feature that references the essence of Scandinavian design: modularity.
 

• 3-in-1 modular bags with two detachable components that can be used separately: a shoulder bag and a laptop sleeve.
• Designed for passionate travel photographers who want to escape the ordinary.
• Highly distinguished new personal style through the camouflage texture and the cross-positioned straps.

Manfrotto Manhattan carrying solutions are versatile city bags designed to be highly functional. Manfrotto Manhattan bags transform from photography to media carrier, comfortably holding all the equipment you need around the city.
 
New models include:
 

• Manhattan Camera Backpack Mover-30
• Manhattan Camera Messenger Speedy-30

B&H carries the Manfrotto Noreg Bags and the Manfrotto Manhattan Bags.

From Manfrotto:
 
Three premium models are being added to the award winning traveler collection including: Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber, Befree Live Carbon Fiber and the brand new Befree GT.
 
Upper Saddle River, NJ, June 5, 2018 - Manfrotto, the world leader in the photography, imaging equipment, and accessories adds three new solutions for travel photography and videography. With the release of the carbon fiber versions of the Befree Advanced, the Befree Live, and the new Befree GT family, Manfrotto continues to create for professionals on the go, blending maximum portability and stability.
 
Manfrotto’s Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber travel tripod features carbon fiber legs that ensure best-in-class performance, support, and rigidity. When trekking for miles to get that unique shot, every ounce in your pack matters and the Befree Advanced Carbon delivers top-notch stability while weighing just 2.75lbs. Like the aluminum version, this new model features Manfrotto’s updated 494 Center Ball Head with friction control. Manfrotto’s brand new Befree GT travel tripod, available in aluminum and carbon fiber, meets the highest expectations of professional photographers who want maximum performance even when they are traveling. The ergonomic design, inherited from the Befree Advanced, is the perfect combination of portability and impressive stability, folding down to 17 inches yet ensures flawless operation with up to 22 lbs of equipment. The Befree GT mounts the new Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with fiction control providing higher performance in terms of capacity and precision. Both the Befree Advanced Carbon and the Befree GT models feature the M-lock, the new twist lock developed by Manfrotto that enhances compactness and speed of use, making them the perfect solution to carry in a backpack and quickly set up. Moreover, both tripods feature the ergonomic leg-angle selectors, which can be set to three independent angles and are designed to operate easily with either left or right hand. The lightweight, solid spider features the Easy Link like Manfrotto’s professional 190 & 055 tripods, allowing photographers to boost their creativity by adding accessories such as lights, reflectors, or monitors. These new models mount a unique plate, the 200PL-PRO, which makes them fully compatible with the world’s most widespread standard head attachments: Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-swiss style.
 
Manfrotto’s Befree Live Carbon Fiber completes the range with a solution independent content creators have been eagerly waiting for: a lightweight, ergonomic video travel tripod, built to record amazing video footage using DSLRs, compact system cameras or small camcorders. This model’s small size and minimal weight, just 3lbs, does not compromise sturdiness or image quality. The Befree Live Carbon has the same new tripod legs as the photographic Befree Advanced Carbon with an added feature of a leveling column allowing for a horizontal set up on uneven surfaces. This model features the Befree Live Fluid Head, which has a fluid drag system on pan and tilt and keeps the camera perfectly balanced thanks to its sliding video plate. Easy to use and set up, the Befree Live Fluid Head has two intuitive knobs that lock and unlock the head’s pan and tilt movements separately. This outstanding kit allows videographers to express their creative nature with the confidence of a professional solution they can rely on.
 
Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber, Befree GT Aluminum and Befree GT Carbon Fiber are available at authorized Manfrotto Dealers. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber will be available late June.
 
B&H has the following Manfrotto Tripods in stock:
 

• Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber
• Befree GT Carbon Fiber
• Befree GT Aluminum

 
In the video above, the first line the narrorator says is, "Manfrotto's created the XUME system, a revolutionary way of attaching filters to lenses." The only problem is, the way I see it, they didn't actually create the XUME system. Instead, they acquired the XUME brand in September 2016, which had already been on the market for at least 5 years. And let me be clear, there's nothing wrong with acquiring a company's technologies so that you can market them along with your own product portfolio. However, taking credit for the invention is... a bit tacky, in my opinion.
 
Regardless of who created the system, the now-Manfrotto-branded XUME filter products are quite intriguing, potentially saving you some time and frustration in the field when switching between filters. [Sean]
 
B&H carries Manfrotto XUME products.
 
What are your thoughts? Would it make a difference if Manfrotto hired the inventor of the XUME system when it acquired the company? Let us know in the comments.

From Manfrotto UK:
 
Fast Setup. Perfect shot.
 

• Smart traveller tripods for photographers who want to learn, experiment and travel free
• Lightweight on your shoulders, stable on the ground.
• Essential design ensures instant set up for an enjoyable shooting experience

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, presents Manfrotto Element Carbon. The Manfrotto Element Carbon tripods are the perfect fit for travel photographers who are just starting out and enthusiasts.
 
The two new Element Carbon traveller tripods are reliable, lightweight and easy to carry. Both feature a compact and sturdy carbon fibre construction that makes them strong but still very portable. The three leg-angle positions mean they are highly versatile so they are perfect for experimenting with all kinds of creative shots. The twist lock mechanism enables photographers to get into the right position fast, in a few, easy moves, while the aluminum ball head is designed to deliver the fast movement when framing and a firm lock for setting equipment up exactly as you need it. The ball head mounts an Arca-type quick release plate with a 1/4"-20 camera screw on top that ensures equipment is balanced even when using zoom lenses.
 
In addition, the Element Traveller Carbon Big Tripod features a detachable leg that, when removed and attached to the centre column, becomes a full size lightweight monopod.
 
The Element Carbon Tripods have a payload of 4kg on the small tripod, and 8kg on the big tripod and feature a branded Manfrotto bag, an additional set of spike feet (big tripod only) and an Allen key to fix and tighten your gear.
 
The Element Carbon Tripods are available from £174.95.
 
Wex Photographic has the Big Element Carbon Tripod in stock and the small version available for preorder.

From the Vitec Group:
 
Market leaders will work together to produce a range of premium products targeted at the professional market
 
Upper Saddle River, N.J. (September 28, 2017) – Vitec Photographic, world leader in the photography and videography, imaging equipment and accessories industry has announced its collaboration with Sony, a leading manufacturer of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. This agreement will consolidate both companies position as the innovation leaders in their respective sectors. The collaboration is announced on the occasion of the Gitzo 100 years anniversary event in Tokyo, which represents the perfect moment for communicating the common values of innovation and premium quality.
 
“We are proud to announce the agreement with Sony”– states Marco Pezzana, CEO Vitec Group Photographic Division – “This collaboration sees our brands Manfrotto and Gitzo, leaders in the market of photo and video accessories, working side by side with the prestigious Sony brand, globally renowned for product excellence and superior technology, with the primary intent of collaborating to the development of even more innovative products for professional content creators, thus further increasing customer satisfaction and future business growth.”
 
The collaboration will begin with a brand new line of products developed for α, Sony’s interchangeable lens camera system, that will be launched in 2018. First to be released will be a special version of the Manfrotto Befree tripod, a world class best seller in the traveller segment and the premium lightweight companion solution for compact system camera, unveiling at PhotoPlus in New York on October 26th. The full range will include new Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods, plates, photo and video heads that are targeted at professionals who demand outmost quality and high performance. A customized version of Digital Director will complement the new range of products that will be showcased at events and tradeshows worldwide throughout 2018.
 
B&H carries Gitzo and Manfrotto products.

From Manfrotto:
 
Performance, Quality & Comfort, Redefined
 
Upper Saddle River, N.J. (June 13, 2017) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, has launched the new Pro Light Bumblebee bags - perfect for professional and amateur photographers and videographers who work outdoors and want a reliable carrying solution. With this collection, users can stay comfortable in the harshest of conditions despite high temperatures, extreme cold or high humidity.
 
The new Pro Light Bumblebee family is an exceptional assortment of high-performance camera backpacks and messenger bags which perfectly embody Manfrotto’s Italian heritage. This family introduces Manfrotto’s unique-to-the-market breathable harness system that greatly reduces photography gear fatigue, allowing image makers to cover more ground and locate the best spots for the perfect shots.
 
Inside, the bags’ innovative designs safeguard the latest professional equipment options. The renowned Camera Protection System (CPS) dividers take extra care of camera bodies and lenses. They are fully adjustable and built to distribute weight evenly and avoid tension to the body.
 
The new Manfrotto Bumblebee backpacks are designed to take stress and heat off the shoulders, neck and lower back and feature Manfrotto’s state-of-the-art AirSupport breathable harness and back panel, adjustable sternum support, shaped hip and waist support systems. A side handle helps users put the pack on or take it off, while elastic side pockets keep water bottles outside the critical gear zone.
 
The removable Manfrotto CPS insert safeguards equipment right at the heart of the pack and keeps it organized with the efficiency of a portable studio:
 

• The Bumblebee-230 PL backpack protects a gripped DSLR with a 70-200/2.8 lens attached and 10 additional lenses or an attached 400/2.8 with five additional lenses. In video configuration, it protects a disassembled modular camcorder like the Canon C100 with numerous lenses & accessories. It also fits a 17” laptop in its own padded compartment.
• The Bumblebee-130 PL backpack keeps a high-end CSC or a DSLR safe with a 70-200/2.8 lens attached and eight additional lenses or an unattached 400/2.8 with three additional lenses. In video configuration, it protects disassembled modular camcorders like a SONY FS-5. It also fits a 15” laptop in its own padded compartment.

The entire internal space is padded to protect camera gear but can be also configured to accommodate accessories and personal gear as well. The main zipper comes with four pullers, which can be divided by a stopper into a top and lower compartment. Just open the top zipper for rapid access to frequently used contents from above.
 
A smart NeverLose tripod connection secures both longer and shorter tripods on the side of the pack. The connection straps are stitched in the side pocket and can be tucked away when not in use for a tidier appearance and to prevent straps getting lost.
 
The bigger Bumblebee-230 PL also features a lens pouch located in the waist belt. When not in use, the pouch can be flattened by tightening the webbing strap. (This feature is not available in Bumblebee-130 PL.)
 
Manfrotto’s new Bumblebee Messengers have significantly raised the bar for their category: a combination of flawless design and reliable performance, they meet all the needs of demanding professionals who travel light and fast. Like the backpacks, the messengers’ body-gripping fit and 3-point AirSupport harness system is breathable and perfect for prolonged outdoor use. The length of the strap can be rapidly adjusted using the EasyGrip buckle.
 
Despite their compact size, they hold a substantial amount of professional gear:
 

• The Bumblebee M-30 PL Messenger protects a DSLR with a 70-200mm/2.8 lens attached and three additional lenses, a handheld gimbal (such as a DJI Osmo) and a 15” laptop in their own padded compartments, with all the necessary accessories.
• The Bumblebee M-10 PL Messenger keeps a CSC/DSLR safe with a 24-70/4 lens attached and two additional lenses (including 70-200/2.8) and a handheld gimbal (such as a DJI Osmo) and a 13” laptop in their own padded compartments, with all the necessary accessories. It can also carry a full set DJI Mavic plus the Osmo gimbal camera.

These bags introduce the XtraSecure handheld gimbal-carrying solution - a stretchable band that holds the gimbal’s moving parts so it can be taken out quickly. The area can also be used as a traditional lens compartment if there is no gimbal in the bag.
 
Manfrotto’s Bumblebee Messengers feature a secure silent quick-access flap. When shooting in quiet environments (e.g. during a ceremony), apply the NoiseFree Velcro silencer to keep a low profile. The broad front organizer keeps everything on hand. There are two bungee cord straps to hang a small tripod, monopod or selfie pole, which are also protected by the front flap. The Bumblebee Messengers can hold a gripped DSLR body when you take out the laptop from its compartment.
 
All the bags of the Bumblebee collection come with a DuoFace sun/rain cover to protect from rain, reflect sunlight and keep the gear cool and dry all day long.
 
Key features:
 

• Breathable design - comfortable carrying solutions for professional and amateur outdoor photography
• Super lightweight construction - carry more lenses and stay comfortable even with prolonged use
• High-performance materials - rip-stop fabric and the Manfrotto Protection System safeguard equipment

The following models are now available nationwide (links below go to B&H):
 

• MB PL-B-230 Bumblebee-230 PL Backpack
• MB PL-B-130 Bumblebee-130 PL Backpack
• MB PL-BM-30 Bumblebee M-30 PL Messenger
• MB PL-BM-10 Bumblebee M-10 PL Messenger

 
From the Manfrotto Imagine More YouTube Channel:
 
Manfrotto’s new Pro Light Bumblebee bags are perfect for professional photographers and videographers who work outdoors and want a reliable carrying solution that lets them stay comfortable in the harshest of conditions, despite high temperatures, extreme cold or high humidity.
 
B&H carries Manfrotto Pro Light Bumblebee camera bags.

Upper Saddle River, N.J. (May 10, 2017) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, announces the launch of two new Lastolite by Manfrotto products: the Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus and the Smoke/Concrete Urban Collapsible Background.
 
Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus - A quick and easy way to create a soft, flattering quality of light from your on-camera flash.
 
The Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus includes Joe’s preferred white interior for a softer/creamier look, as well as a removable internal diffuser and a deep recessed outer diffuser to reduce any unwanted spill of light. The 8.5” x 8.5” mini softbox features a unique, design-patented folding mechanism with an innovative twist lock silicon strap for a quick and secure attachment for your flashgun, making it an ultra-portable, quick assembly softbox.
 
Incorporated within the internal folding mechanism are also two magnets that enable quick attachment of the Lastolite by Manfrotto Strobo Honeycomb and Gel Holders for creative control of the light from the flashgun.
 
Key Benefits:
 

• Recessed outer diffuser
• White interior
• Internal diffuser
• Extremely lightweight construction
• Quick to set-up and collapse
• Unique mechanism to attach to a flashgun

Smoke/Concrete Urban Collapsible Background
 
Distinctive vintage style, great for portraits, fashion and product photography.
 
This versatile 5’ x 7’ reversible background provides a timeless hand painted backdrop look that subtly complements the chosen subject. The darker of the two surfaces, Smoke, offers a combination of grey tones with a subtle hint of green and features a dark vignette effect. The reverse surface, Concrete, offers a more evenly distributed grey tone texture. Collapsible to a third of its original size due to the sprung steel band, this background is quick and easy to collapse for ease of use and storage. The background comes with its own carry bag, making the product easy to transport and safely store.
 
Key Benefits:
 

• Extremely versatile with two unique backgrounds in one product
• Quick to set up and collapse with pop-up construction
• Carry bag included for safe transport and storage

The Lastolite by Manfrotto Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus and the Smoke/Concrete Urban Collapsible Background are now available nationwide:
 

Model #	Description	MSRP
LL LS2430JM	Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus	$78.99
LL LB5745	5’x7’ Smoke/Concrete Urban Collapsible Background	$217.99

B&H has the Lastolite by Manfrotto Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus and Concrete Urban Collapsible Background available for preorder.

Manfrotto has introduced a new series of bags – the Manhattan Collection – intended for mirrorless photographers "...who commute and need their essentials to be close at hand to survive the everyday urban life." [Manfrotto]
 
At its introduction, the Manhattan Collection consists of the following:
 
Manfrotto Lifestyle Manhattan Mover-50 Camera Backpack
 

• Holds Mirrorless, 70-200 f/2.8, 4 Lenses
• Padded 15.6" Laptop & 9.7" iPad Pockets
• Top and Rear Access to Camera Gear
• Padded Insert with Movable Dividers
• Front & Side Pockets for Accessories
• Front Pocket with Straps for Tripod
• Padded Shoulder Straps with Connector
• Top Handle, Trolley Strap, & Waist Belt
• Rain Cover Included

Manfrotto Lifestyle Manhattan Speedy-10 Camera Messenger Bag
 

• Holds Mirrorless, 3 Lenses, Accessories
• Padded Compartment for 12" Laptop/iPad
• Front Flap with Buckles and Top Zipper
• Padded, Touch-Fastening Dividers
• Front, Back, and Side Pockets
• External Tripod Connection
• Top Strap Handle
• Adjustable, Padded Shoulder Strap
• Durable, Water-Repellent Ballistic Nylon
• Rain Cover Included

Manfrotto Lifestyle Manhattan Changer-20 3-Way Camera Bag
 

• Holds Mirrorless, 70-200 f/2.8, 2 Lenses
• Padded 15" Laptop & 9.7" iPad Pocket
• Carry as Backpack, Shoulder Bag, or Tote
• Zip Closure Top & Interior Dividers
• Front, Back, & Side Pockets
• External Tripod Connection
• Dual Strap Handles, Shoulder Harness
• Adjustable Shoulder Strap with Pad
• Trolley Strap
• Rain Cover Included

B&H has the Manfrotto Manhattan bags available for preorder.

From Manfrotto:
 
Upper Saddle River, N.J. (April 19, 2017) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, announces the launch of the new Nitrotech Video Head - a revolutionary head that combines the most successful features of Manfrotto’s Video Heads range with the ground-breaking, unique-to-the-market nitrogen piston mechanism which guarantees continuous counterbalance during use.
 
The Nitrotech N8 Video Head securely supports a load up to 17.6 lbs. The new head features a precise, continuous counterbalance system which effortlessly and safely holds and operates a wide array of video camera models. The variable fluidity function on both pan and tilt allows for smooth, judder-free movement. It also features a 3/8” Easy Link equipped with an anti-rotation function that enables an external monitor or other accessories to be mounted.
 

This new video head also features a side-lock sliding plate mechanism that allows for a safe, quick and easy camera attachment. The Nitrotech head has a flat base mount with a standard 3/8” thread that is highly versatile for different support combinations (tripod, slider, rig or crane).
 
Manfrotto’s game-changing N8 Nitrotech Video Head makes a strong impression at first sight through its distinctive and impactful design, which emphasizes this core breakthrough technology.
 
Key features include:
 

• Breakthrough nitrogen piston technology for precise, continuous counterbalance
• Variable pan & tilt fluidity for smooth and accurate shooting
• Easy link connector with anti-rotation to support off-camera accessories
• Side-lock sliding plate attachment
• Secure 17.6 lb. load capacity
• High-impact, groundbreaking design, superior quality materials

The Nitrotech N8, first model in the Manfrotto Nitrotech line, is also available as a system in the following configurations: MVKN8CUS and MVKN8TWINMUS.
 
B&H carries the Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 Video Head.

Earlier this year, we reported that XUME Adapters had been quietly acquired by Manfrotto. A spokesman for XUME told us at the time:

"XUME is a Manfrotto product as of September 2016. They haven't done a lot of press yet but will be doing an official re-launch soon."

It appears that Manfrotto is now ready to begin actively marketing the XUME adapters alongside its new lens filter lineup.
 
From Manfrotto:
 
Providing precision and ease to capture every shot
 
Upper Saddle River, N.J. (February 7, 2017) – Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, has launched a new, groundbreaking Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite, a combination of Manfrotto’s successful high-quality lens filters and innovative Manfrotto XUME magnetic adapters. The new Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite enables professional and amateur photographers and videographers to avoid the hassle and frustration of changing filters while subjects wander or light slips away. With the Manfrotto Filter Suite, photographers instantly and precisely connect the filter to their lens so that they never miss the perfect shot. The Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite is comprised of a Manfrotto Lens Filter, a Manfrotto XUME Lens Adapter and Filter Holder plus an optional Cap (available only for 77mm diameter). It is the perfect choice for long exposures, wedding photography, macro, architectural photography, fine art photography – any style requiring the use of filters.
 
Manfrotto’s camera lens filters are built to the highest quality standards. They feature flawless multi-coating which minimizes reflection and maximizes light transmission, consistently delivering the effects photographers wish to achieve. Each filter is provided with a practical, reusable storage case, ensuring the highest level of protection off-camera. Depending on the model, Manfrotto filters feature reliable water-repellent, oil-repellent and anti-static characteristics.
 

• UV filters block out UV light, preventing it from entering the lens, reducing blurring, haziness and blue casting.
• Circular Polarizer filters enhance color, contrast and saturation as well as removing undesirable reflections from non-metallic surfaces.
• Neutral Density filters help control exposure times by reducing the amount of light hitting the camera sensor without altering the color of the scene.
• Protect filters provide maximum protection against scratches, oil and moisture, without affecting overall image quality.

Manfrotto XUME Adapters are the revolutionary magnetic solution which securely locks filters onto lenses, quickly and easily. Photography gear stays safe in-use with the filter magnetically secured to the lens. Manfrotto XUME accessories are safe for the lens’ focus mechanism, media cards, drives or other electronics.
 
Unique to the market, Manfrotto’s XUME Adapters:
 

• Install in an instant.
• Are secure; no moving parts and completely safe to use.
• Have very low profile rings and are completely unobtrusive.

Manfrotto XUME Filter Holders and Manfrotto XUME Lens Adapters are now available nationwide in eight sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm; 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm. The Manfrotto XUME CAP is available only for the 77mm size. Manfrotto Filters range in price from $19.99 to $134.99 and Manfrotto Xume Adapters range in price from $10.99 to $34.99.
 
B&H carries the following products:
 

• Manfrotto XUME Filter Holders
• Manfrotto XUME Cap