Smooth Sailing: New Tripods and Rigs

Manfrotto MVMF500A 

The MVMF500A is a lightweight aluminum fluid video monopod with a specially adapted MVH500AH video head attached. It sports a full fluid pan cartridge for smoother pans and a sliding plate that helps you balance your camera. It has three retractable feet and can hold up to 11 pounds of equipment. A side lock system allows the camera and sliding QR plate to click quickly into the head from above, instead of needing to be aligned and slide in from the back so you don’t need a secondary safety lock. The MVMF500A has one Easy Link 3/8-inch connector for attaching accessories, plus a bubble level. It closes down to 30.7 inches and extends to a max height of just shy of 80 inches.
manfrotto.us

Manfrotto Befree Live 

You’re looking at one of the smallest, lightest video tripods in Manfrotto’s lineup. The new Befree Live weighs in at just south of 4 pounds but it can hold more than double that, keeping 8.8 pounds of camera and lens aloft. It’s built from aluminum and has four leg sections with a total extension of 59.4 inches. The tripod includes a sliding plate to help balance video cameras and large DSLRs.
www.manfrotto.us

3Pod Orbit 

The Orbit earns its name for its pivoting fluid base, which can rotate around for smooth pans and tilts. It has three feet that lock into place when stepped on to provide rigidity while you’re panning. This aluminum monopod has four fully adjustable sections. The Orbit is sturdy enough to hold up to 18 pounds of camera and lenses, extends to 65.5 inches and collapses down to 23.5 inches. There’s a reversible 3/8 and ?-20 mount.
adorama.com/3pvm4a.html

Tiffen Steadicam AERO 

This upgrade to the original Steadicam Pilot and the Steadicam Scout is available in the AERO Sled, AERO Sled with Monitor, the AERO-15 System and the AERO-30 System. All versions offer a wide assortment of battery options, including Anton-Bauer, V-Lock and DV batteries. The AERO includes an HD video line, P-Tap connector to power your camera and accessories, and, a 7-inch 1000 nit monitor with 3G-HD/SD/SDMI ports. From $1,695 (AERO Sled), $2,195 (AERO Sled with Monitor), $2,995 (AERO-15 System), $5,250 (AERO-30 System).
tiffen.com/steadicam

Slik Lite AL-420M 

While cameras have gotten better at operating in the dark, the same can’t be said for tripods. The Slik Lite AL-420M (pictured below) has an integrated LED flashlight that can be unscrewed from the center column to help you operate in the dark. The tripod features a Rapid Flip Mechanism that lets you invert the legs 180 degrees for easier storage. The aluminum-based AL-420M can hold 4.4 pounds worth of gear with a maximum height of 48.8 inches. It has a minimum working height of 6.5 inches.
slikusa.com

Benro BV4 Pro & BV6 Pro

The BV4 and BV6 are two-stage aluminum tripods with a double tandem leg design. Both incorporate an adjustable, removable spreader, a metal 75mm bowl, oversized quick positive leg locks and dual spike feet with pads. The BV4 Pro and the BV6 Pro feature stepped counterbalances (six steps for the BV4 and eight for the BV6) for dealing with heavy telephoto lenses and camera bodies. The BV4 can keep 8.8 pounds aloft while the BV6 is sturdy enough for 13.2 pounds of gear. Both extend to a maximum height of 64.2 inches and a minimum working height of 12 inches. Prices range from $349 (BV4) to $649 (BV6).
benrousa.com