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Focus Check podcast ep72:The ULTIMATE mirrorless camera?
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Manfrotto recently announced a portable, easy-to-use hybrid tripod designed to cater to the needs of photographers and videographers. This new tripod brings innovative design and fast deployment features. Nino was on the show floor at B&H BILD Expo in NYC to talk to Manfrotto’s Program Director, Paolo Frison, to hear more.
Manfrotto is a leading tripod and accessories manufacturer based in Italy. The company is part of the Videondum group, and now it has introduced what they’re calling a game-changing product at BILD Expo 2025 in New York City – the Manfrotto ONE hybrid tripod. After three years of development and extensive user research across multiple continents, the Italian manufacturer believes they’ve solved a fundamental problem facing today’s content creators.
The Manfrotto ONE directly targets the modern creator’s dilemma: choosing between carrying separate photo and video tripods. As Paolo from Manfrotto explained during our interview at BILD Expo, “Today’s user has a big issue. They are using mirrorless cameras, and at times, have to frequently change between shooting photos and creating videos. So in a nutshell, as soon as they leave to go to an assignment, they need to choose if they have to bring with them a photo or a video tripod.”
The solution comes in the form of a single tripod that seamlessly handles both applications, hence the name “ONE.”
The tripod features several patent-pending innovations, starting with a completely redesigned leg system. Gone are the traditional circular cross-sections: Manfrotto has developed custom-shaped leg sections available in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants. The entire tripod is manufactured in Italy, maintaining Manfrotto’s commitment to quality construction.
One of the most significant innovations is the single-lever locking mechanism. Instead of dealing with multiple twist locks or individual levers per leg section, one lever simultaneously locks all sections across all three legs. This enables incredibly fast deployment and breakdown – Paolo demonstrated closing the entire tripod in just three quick movements.
The tripod’s “core” represents where Manfrotto invested the most engineering effort. This central column system incorporates multiple functions that traditionally required separate equipment:
The leveling feature addresses one of the most common frustrations when using photo tripods for video work. Instead of trying to adjust individual legs to achieve level footage, users can now level the entire system with a single gesture.
For low-angle work, the column completely detaches, allowing the tripod to be inverted for ground-level shooting without the column protruding and limiting positioning options.
Manfrotto has also introduced a patent-pending “Exchange” mounting system that allows rapid attachment of different accessories. The adapter plate system enables one-handed mounting and dismounting of heads, sliders, and other accessories in seconds rather than minutes.
A safety locking mechanism prevents accidental rotation when carrying equipment, addressing concerns about gear security during transport.
Accompanying the tripod launch is the 500X fluid head, an evolution of Manfrotto’s popular 500 series. This new head incorporates the Exchange mounting system directly, eliminating the need for adapter plates when used with the Manfrotto ONE.
A standout feature is the portrait mode capability – users can rotate from landscape to portrait orientation without remounting the camera, a valuable feature for social media content creation.
Manfrotto has positioned the ONE competitively in the market (Note: Prices exclude taxes):
In line with current environmental concerns, Manfrotto has emphasized sustainability in the ONE’s design. The tripod uses recycled materials throughout the supply chain, features recyclable packaging, and is assembled without glue to improve end-of-life disposal and daily maintenance.
User-serviceable components include adjustable locking mechanisms for both the leveling system and leg locks, reducing the need for professional servicing for routine maintenance.
While Manfrotto’s parent company, Videndum, also owns Sachtler and their popular Flowtech tripod line, the ONE targets a distinctly different market segment. Where Flowtech focuses on high-end professional filmmakers, the Manfrotto ONE addresses the growing hybrid creator market – photographers and videographers who regularly work in both mediums.
The Manfrotto ONE represents a nice evolution in tripod design, potentially setting new standards for versatility and speed of operation in the content creation space. For creators tired of carrying multiple support systems or compromising on functionality, Manfrotto’s three-year development effort appears to have delivered a compelling solution.
What do you think about the Manfrotto ONE tripod? Are you impressed with the kind of innovation it brings? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
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Johnnie Behiri is a documentary cameraman/editor/producer/director. He is also a Co-Owner/CEO of CineD and MZed