Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 Video Head & 535 Carbon Fiber Tripod

The fluid head is really smooth when moving during both x and y axes. Once properly balanced the tripod will hold a given position regardless of how much the camera is tilted up or down and regardless of camera weight (within limits) and how loose or stiff the drag resistance is set for, which is...

I have used every type of tripod in my time, from Sachtler 18s & OConnor 1030s to old ronford-bakers and Oconnor 2575s. This is comparable in feel to much higher end setups, balancing nicely and having smooth pans and tilts when set up properly.

Outstanding Video Head! Sure, it's not a Sachtler or Cartoni Focus, but for the price this head beats all for the smooth, solid tilting. My FS5 rig is an awkward one to balance on, say, a 504HD, but with the N8 I can tilt all the way forward and back without spending over four digits.

The tripod is sturdy, legs lock into place nicely. The head is smooth for both pan and tilt. When used with a light camera, tilt pressure can be too much, even on the lowest setting, pushing your camera back to horizontal position.

For me, this was step up from Manfrotto's 501HDV video head that came with a tripod kit purchased in 2010. This was a huge improvement over the 501HDV, which didn't provide sufficient counterbalance for my Sony PMW-EX1R.

This IS NOT your travel tripod! The unit is built well and the head is very balanced even with a Canon DSLR / 600mm telephoto lens. Allows for smooth tracking without the movement of trying to steady the big lens.

We have been using the old 502 Manfrotto heads on our two tripods. Although the 502s are good and solid and are completely reliable to mount our Ursa Mini complete with Matte Box on, we had some issues panning and tilting the cameras.

...which I have been using for 10 years as a sports videographer. The 701 started exhibiting uneven drag when panning so I knew if I wanted to regain those buttery smooth pans Id have to upgrade.I was pleasantly surprised by the N8s smoothness and ease of use.

This has been a workhorse for me. Ive used it in studio with some Benro CF legs and a half bowl and it hasnt let me down yet. Ive even taken it camping and lugged it around to get some awesome panning landscape shots.

Ive had this for a few months now and I am very pleased with it.Good price and comes with its own travel bag.Its fairly light weight, but sturdy enough for my needs.I mostly shoot Interviews and B-roll and this combo is awesome for what I do.