Cartoni Focus 22 SDS Alu System Video Tripod

Some tripod systems demand patience. The Cartoni Focus 22 SDS Alu System takes the opposite view: setup is measured in seconds, not minutes, thanks to one-lever two-stage leg release and a mid-level spreader that opens with a single squeeze. The kit ships with the Focus 22 fluid head, the two-stage aluminium SDS tripod, the Smart Lock spreader, three rubber feet, a pan bar and a cushioned carry bag — a complete working package for field teams that cannot afford dead time between cue and roll.

Underneath the quick deployment lies serious load-bearing capacity. The Focus 22 head accepts camera builds from 3 kg to 25 kg, a span generous enough for a compact Sony FX6 with cage and handles as well as a fully geared ARRI AMIRA or RED V-Raptor sporting matte box, wireless video link and on-board monitor. Cartoni's patented "wing" counterbalance scales without stepped detents, so the lens always sits in true equilibrium. The labyrinth fluid drag, another Cartoni patent, keeps pan and tilt resistance consistent whether the shoot is in Arctic conditions or desert heat — the rated operating range runs from -40 °C up to +60 °C.

Everyday ergonomics match the internal engineering. Tilt runs a full ±90° with continuous drag adjustment, the 100 mm bowl accepts all standard accessories, and the Euro-style sliding plate allows rapid camera balancing in and out of the head. An illuminated bubble level earns its place on pre-dawn location calls and unlit OB truck interiors. The SDS tripod is covered by three separate patents, which is why it holds the reputation for being the fastest one-lever dual-stage 100 mm bowl tripod in professional circulation.

Each Cartoni Focus 22 SDS Alu System is hand-assembled and laser-calibrated in Rome, where the Cartoni family has been building camera supports since the 1930s. The kit slots into multi-camera live sports broadcasts, corporate streaming studios, outdoor music capture, current-affairs newsgathering and long-form documentary productions. A five-year manufacturer warranty covers the complete system.