Cartoni Focus 8 SDS Carbon System Video Tripod

The Cartoni Focus 8 SDS Carbon System brings together a compact 75 mm fluid head, a carbon-fibre two-stage tripod and a mid-level spreader in a kit aimed at shoulder-off operators running lightweight digital cinema, ENG and mirrorless rigs. With load capacity rated for camera setups up to 8 kg, the system stays light enough for single-person transport between a news van and a remote location, yet rigid enough to keep long lenses and wireless monitor arrays stable during live coverage.

At the heart of the kit sits the Focus 8 fluid head, with a patented continuously variable counterbalance that matches any camera mass across its full ±90° tilt range, and stepless pan/tilt fluid drag that tracks smoothly whether the operator is following talent on a quiet dialogue scene or panning for fast-moving action on the sideline. A telescopic orientable pan bar, spirit level and sliding camera plate compatible with Sachtler and Manfrotto standards let crews swap bodies — Sony FX6, Canon C70, Blackmagic URSA Cine, Panasonic AU-EVA1 — without a plate change. Operation holds firm from –40 °C to +60 °C, useful for Arctic documentary shoots, desert productions and live outdoor broadcast in any season.

The SDS Carbon Fiber two-stage tripod below is claimed to be the fastest one-lever two-stage tripod on the market, covered by three patents and deploying with a single Smart Stop lever per side — no twisting clamps, no hunting for secondary knobs. Working heights run from low-angle interview and product-tabletop framing up to standing operator eye-line on stage or studio floors, while torsionally stiff legs resist whip during fast whip-pans on long-lens sports rigs.

A Smart Lock mid-level spreader with no-bind geometry allows extreme leg spread for floor-level shots without the spreader jamming, and the supplied rubber feet grip studio lino, concrete and hardwood equally. For multi-camera live switching, church and corporate broadcasts, sports coverage, wedding cinematography, documentary field work and run-and-gun news gathering, the Cartoni Focus 8 SDS Carbon System ships complete with a soft carry bag, ready for airline carry-on where permitted. Italian-built by Cartoni, the head carries a five-year warranty when registered within 30 days of purchase.