We at B&H Photo are excited to announce that we are carrying Manfrotto’s newest fluid video head, the Nitrotech N8. This advance in technology expands upon Manfrotto’s already impressive lineup of fluid heads and is available from B&H in four different configurations, which are: N8 fluid head alone, N8 fluid head paired with a 535 carbon fiber tripod, N8 fluid head paired with a set of 546 tripod legs with ground spreader, or the N8 head paired with a set of 546 tripod legs and a mid-level spreader. Most notable about the N8 are its weight range, supporting up to 17.6 pounds, its new nitrogen piston variable counterbalance system, and the layout of the tilt, pan, and counterbalance mechanisms. This layout allows you to adjust with your left hand during the shot, while operating with your right hand.
The nitrogen piston technology allows the counterbalance force applied by the head to be continuously variable, as opposed to the fixed or stepped counterbalance of most video heads in this class. Continuously variable counterbalance means you can tune the N8 precisely to match your camera package, as well as the requirements of the shot you are taking. With the N8, you no longer need to settle for “close as it gets,” which is what stepped counterbalances provide.
To go along with the continuously variable counterbalance, the N8 sports variable fluid drag for pan and tilt, providing you with the control necessary to finesse your settings for a smooth move. The camera platform supports a Manfrotto 504PLong sliding balance plate, enabling you to operate with a wide variety of camera/lens/accessory configurations. An improved Side Lock mechanism now allows you to lock, loosen for adjustment, and unlock the balance plate using just one hand for all three functions. The head features a 75mm flat base, allowing it to work with a wide variety of supports, including sliders. When mounting the head on a set of legs with a bowl, you will need a half-ball adapter; however, the head and leg packages mentioned above already include the half-ball adapter. An illuminated bubble level speeds leveling, especially in dim environments. Manfrotto has outfitted the head with two Easy Link connectors (3/8"-16 threaded mounting hole); one is accessible at a time in whichever panhandle rosette is free. This provides a simple way to mount accessories on the fluid head and keep them off your camera.
Weighing less than 5 pounds, Manfrotto’s new Nitrotech N8 fluid head combines exciting new advances with proven technology to bring you precision control with an expanded maximum load capacity. With the N8, you can handle an even wider wide range of cameras and shooting situations than you could before, without sacrificing the smooth camera movement for which Manfrotto is known.
