Seems to me, Manfrotto is keeping up with Sachtler now. I recently bought the Nitrotech Fluid Head 608 from Manfrotto - oh, my God - it really blows me away evertime I use it - so smooth it is.
We have Manfrotto light stands and the Manfrotto Avenger C-Stands. We have major problems with both of them. The light stands have the function of joining together for easy transportation and 2 out of 3 can't do that anymore, because the little clips just broke while joining them. The c-stands are a joke. Especially for 250 Euros. The grip heads have a corc plate inside which should add the needed resistance when tightened. But you have to tighten it really, really hard in order to be somewhat "save". There is no way we are going to use those on a client shoot. The 100 Euros c-stands from Neewer are built like a tank and the grip heads with gearing are rock solid. We are staying away from Manfrotto from now on.
BIt late to the party but this is a total game changer with the ease of changing height. Next best thing would be a single lever that releases all of the legs at once, and then you can raise/lower with all the legs impacted equally! Do you find it's easy enough to make micro adjustments in any case?
Mate I am so happy you are doing these videos, so much info! The more on-set kind of videos with explanations on approaching the project the better, or even the scene breakdowns like the 'Sex Education' one. I know time is money so only so much is possible to do! Thanks again, very valuable info, #keepcreating :)
Trying to make sure we’re always capturing some BTS where possible on our shoots so we can do breakdowns etc. This one was cool because the shoot was BTS sort of! I’ve actually just finished recording a series breaking down everything that went into making the ad campaign... coming soon!
2 years later, I'm trying to decide between the 645 with the 504x head and the Sachtler Flowtech system. Any chance you've used The Sachtler for a direct comparison? Seems like the Manfrotto is probably worth the savings to me so far, but I've not used either yet.
From the company called CVP here in the UK, the Sachtler Video 18 Flowtech Tripod is £7,229.23 inc VAT! The Manfrotto 645 Carbon Fiber Tripod with 504X head is £1,149.39 inc VAT. From my opinion, unless you can afford to lose £7K, the Manfrotto option is really a no brainer.
I rented a Flowtech and the concept was good, but with not too much pressure the legs would slowly retract back into the base making the whole thing completely useless. I don't know why these companies can't come up with something that locks 100% foolproof, but the Flowtech definitely wasn't it.
Which of these tripod legs do you think is more rugged? Do you recommend these video tripod legs or regular photo tripod legs if I shoot with a 200-600mm telephoto lens?
I have a question...! Why do you use 520 half ball-? Do you prefer this one? Because 608 & 635 kit has another half ball...! Do you think 520 half ball is better? p.s - or Is it short version? (520)
TBH we have lots of heads and ball kits at the studio and we mix and match often. Sometimes a shorter version is preferable for the lowest settings on these tripods, especially on uneven terrain outside. I do always prefer to use 100mm for the extra ‘grip’
Nice video! One question tho, if I need to pull the ring before each adjustment (to make sure the levers are at hip level so I don’t need to bend down) won’t the height be disrupted when I’m done adjusting the height and pushing the ring down? Like it’ll always be lower that what I’ve adjusted it to be right
You don't have to do it, using tripods regularly it's a habit of mine - means less snagging on carpet/tarmac/dirt etc. and smoother adjustment. but you can absolutely do it without. My absolute preference is to have an assistant adjust the tripod latches and I just raise and lower the camera then say lock to get it exactly where I want!😅
@@StillMovingMedia Yea I just rented this to use on a short film yesterday. You're right, without CA helping me lock, I would have to awkwardly hold the camera with one hand and bend my knees to adjust it. I guess my back will thank me in investing into a flowtech
For smaller setups I use a Manfrotto befree carbon fibre, the make different versions for photo and video. The video version is the ‘live’ and has smoother pan and tilt vs the photo ball head (which allows for landscape/portrait shots etc.)
Still Moving thanks for the reply. I presently have the n8 video head for my s1 and use 290 extra carbon legs. I was looking for something for video only use. Mainly out on the moors and sea side locations. Do you think the 645 would be ok or would I need the next one up?
Hey long time. I know that you use ursa cameras. I actually fashioned my company bass on yours. I’m hunting for a fluid head to hold my ursa 12k fully rigged. What do u suggest? I want to stay in the Manfrotto world
Hey! Sorry for the delayed reply, I’m flattered! For the 12k it is a little tricky, depending on how you rig it and what lenses you use it will put it on or over the capacity on the fluid heads. What does your current setup weigh and is that likely to change in the future?
Have you found any problems using the Nitrotech 608 or 612 on the 645 legs? One user complained that because the 645 legs have a 100mm bowl, the 608/612 being 75mm needs the 100mm-75mm adapter for the 75mm half-bowl adapter to work. Result - because of the 100mm-75mm adapter, there is not enough grip and, with a slider or 'heavy' build, the fluid head will slip to one side. Any experience like that? I'm in the market for the 608/645 combo so checking all possible scenarios.
I haven’t had this issue, but I use 100mm bowls - it is possible to mount either a 75mm or 100mm bowl on those heads. On any legs that can take 100mm I use 100mm as it is highly likely that I’ll be using heavy builds on it. In principle 75mm is always going to have a limit on max weight/amount of torque it can take with sliders etc.
@@StillMovingMedia Yes, you’re right. I think that’s the reason. The user must have 'overtaxed' the 75mm bowl. I don’t think Manfrotto supply a tripod with 75mm bowl (normal or fast-action) in a kit with the 608 fluid head? Why make a whole other tripod when a bowl adapter will do the job? However, since all my gear is 'lightweight', I wonder if there is a 75mm tripod that can match the 608? I’ll check that out.
One is single leg one is twin. They have different mechanisms, the single has a twist lock on each leg that controls all the sections. The twin leg has a lever/catch on each leg to control all the sections.
@@bnshk In my opinion it’s mostly about which style you prefer, personally I like twin legs and the lever mechanism. The single leg also only takes a 75mm bowl, so that’s a consideration. As a result it tends towards lighter setups but still very capable.
Without knowing how sturdy these sticks actually are I can tell you for sure that wobble is coming from the cheap locking mechanism in the Core EDGE Battery attached to the camera.... it is super flimsy.
Question, does Nitrotech 612 you have on the twin legs also fit and is compatible with 635 Single Leg? Would really appreciate an answer, please put a like on my comment if you provide answer, my notifications for answers are turned off :)
Hey Niko, yes you can fit a 612 to the single leg. You just need to make sure you get a 75mm bowl as the single leg is 75mm only. (The twin leg is 100mm with an adapter to fit 75mm. )
@@StillMovingMedia Thank you for the answer, I enjoy your reviews here and your channel. Would "520BALL 75mm" work with Nitrotech 612 & Single Leg 635 combination? This is what I found: www.manfrotto.com/se-sv/520ball-75mm-nivelleringskula-med-vred-520ball
Useless review. You didnt have a camera on the tripod while demoing it in the studio. What everyone wants to know is how easy it is to operate when an camera is on it.
This was an overview of the tripods, we’d be biased for a full review as we shot the ad for the tripod. That said we did have to use it extensively on location during that shoot and have continued using them since, and have found it far easier to use and definitely faster to switch between different heights than a standard tripod.
Product knowledge and bang on presentation skills, how could I not subscribe!
Marvellous video. Very indepth explanation. Just what I was looking for!
Brilliant review, really well made as always, well done!
Thank you kindly!
Thanks for the great review, I found it very helpful. The production values looked good too, very professional. Well done.
Professional, thorough and real-life references within the review... Instant sub.
Thanks Tim!
Your content is so good, thank you :)
I appreciate that!
Brilliant overview
excellent review, thanks!
🙌
Manfrotto's answer to the Flowtech.
Excellent review. My 635 arrives on Friday.
Hope you enjoy it!
Seems to me, Manfrotto is keeping up with Sachtler now. I recently bought the Nitrotech Fluid Head 608 from Manfrotto - oh, my God - it really blows me away evertime I use it - so smooth it is.
We have Manfrotto light stands and the Manfrotto Avenger C-Stands. We have major problems with both of them. The light stands have the function of joining together for easy transportation and 2 out of 3 can't do that anymore, because the little clips just broke while joining them. The c-stands are a joke. Especially for 250 Euros. The grip heads have a corc plate inside which should add the needed resistance when tightened. But you have to tighten it really, really hard in order to be somewhat "save". There is no way we are going to use those on a client shoot. The 100 Euros c-stands from Neewer are built like a tank and the grip heads with gearing are rock solid. We are staying away from Manfrotto from now on.
Great review! Do you think the twist locks on the 635 legs are reliable? Do you get paranoid because they don't seem to click into locked position?
BIt late to the party but this is a total game changer with the ease of changing height. Next best thing would be a single lever that releases all of the legs at once, and then you can raise/lower with all the legs impacted equally!
Do you find it's easy enough to make micro adjustments in any case?
Mate I am so happy you are doing these videos, so much info! The more on-set kind of videos with explanations on approaching the project the better, or even the scene breakdowns like the 'Sex Education' one. I know time is money so only so much is possible to do!
Thanks again, very valuable info, #keepcreating :)
Trying to make sure we’re always capturing some BTS where possible on our shoots so we can do breakdowns etc. This one was cool because the shoot was BTS sort of! I’ve actually just finished recording a series breaking down everything that went into making the ad campaign... coming soon!
@@StillMovingMedia can't wait mate!! :) 👊
Quality content!
Thanks Adam!
2 years later, I'm trying to decide between the 645 with the 504x head and the Sachtler Flowtech system. Any chance you've used The Sachtler for a direct comparison? Seems like the Manfrotto is probably worth the savings to me so far, but I've not used either yet.
From the company called CVP here in the UK, the Sachtler Video 18 Flowtech Tripod is £7,229.23 inc VAT! The Manfrotto 645 Carbon Fiber Tripod with 504X head is £1,149.39 inc VAT. From my opinion, unless you can afford to lose £7K, the Manfrotto option is really a no brainer.
@@mrclarenceboddicker6173 Yeah, I went with the Manfrotto and am not disappointed. The small trade-offs seem to be very much worth the cost savings.
Wow lovely flares in those studio shots, anamorphic lens?
Thanks! This is actually a couple of Schneider streak filters - th-cam.com/video/e-gXV2YA8ak/w-d-xo.html
Great review! those shots with the bmpcc4k covered with snow...hope it survived!
😬 it was ok 👌
Good review 👍
Thanks! 👍
Sachtler Flowtech is great, especially with the included handlebar. It is SO useful for carrying and I dont know why Manfrotto don't have that.
I rented a Flowtech and the concept was good, but with not too much pressure the legs would slowly retract back into the base making the whole thing completely useless. I don't know why these companies can't come up with something that locks 100% foolproof, but the Flowtech definitely wasn't it.
@@daltonrandall4348 I have no such problem. Maybe yours is a defect unit.
@@daltonrandall4348 there is a way to engage the brake in the instruction manual.
which would you recommend? looking to get either!
Generally I end up using the twin leg fast tripod more, so I guess that’s my preference!
Which of these tripod legs do you think is more rugged?
Do you recommend these video tripod legs or regular photo tripod legs if I shoot with a 200-600mm telephoto lens?
Personally I always lean towards the twin leg!
I have a question...!
Why do you use 520 half ball-? Do you prefer this one?
Because 608 & 635 kit has another half ball...!
Do you think 520 half ball is better?
p.s - or Is it short version? (520)
TBH we have lots of heads and ball kits at the studio and we mix and match often. Sometimes a shorter version is preferable for the lowest settings on these tripods, especially on uneven terrain outside. I do always prefer to use 100mm for the extra ‘grip’
@@StillMovingMedia Much love from Korea...!
Nice video! One question tho, if I need to pull the ring before each adjustment (to make sure the levers are at hip level so I don’t need to bend down) won’t the height be disrupted when I’m done adjusting the height and pushing the ring down? Like it’ll always be lower that what I’ve adjusted it to be right
You don't have to do it, using tripods regularly it's a habit of mine - means less snagging on carpet/tarmac/dirt etc. and smoother adjustment. but you can absolutely do it without. My absolute preference is to have an assistant adjust the tripod latches and I just raise and lower the camera then say lock to get it exactly where I want!😅
@@StillMovingMedia Yea I just rented this to use on a short film yesterday. You're right, without CA helping me lock, I would have to awkwardly hold the camera with one hand and bend my knees to adjust it. I guess my back will thank me in investing into a flowtech
00:21 - His face :D:D
How much time and money do you spend on maintaining this look (hair and beard)?
Not enough 😅🙌
Great review thanks. I use this exact system. The nitrotec head is awasome. The legs... in my humble opinion horrible.
Subscribed!
What tripod do you recommend for rambling out in nature and seaside locations.
For smaller setups I use a Manfrotto befree carbon fibre, the make different versions for photo and video. The video version is the ‘live’ and has smoother pan and tilt vs the photo ball head (which allows for landscape/portrait shots etc.)
Still Moving thanks for the reply. I presently have the n8 video head for my s1 and use 290 extra carbon legs. I was looking for something for video only use. Mainly out on the moors and sea side locations. Do you think the 645 would be ok or would I need the next one up?
1:38
You’re welcome.
설명완전 잘함👍👍👍👍👍👍😊
Hey long time. I know that you use ursa cameras. I actually fashioned my company bass on yours. I’m hunting for a fluid head to hold my ursa 12k fully rigged. What do u suggest? I want to stay in the Manfrotto world
Hey! Sorry for the delayed reply, I’m flattered! For the 12k it is a little tricky, depending on how you rig it and what lenses you use it will put it on or over the capacity on the fluid heads. What does your current setup weigh and is that likely to change in the future?
Have you found any problems using the Nitrotech 608 or 612 on the 645 legs? One user complained that because the 645 legs have a 100mm bowl, the 608/612 being 75mm needs the 100mm-75mm adapter for the 75mm half-bowl adapter to work. Result - because of the 100mm-75mm adapter, there is not enough grip and, with a slider or 'heavy' build, the fluid head will slip to one side. Any experience like that? I'm in the market for the 608/645 combo so checking all possible scenarios.
I haven’t had this issue, but I use 100mm bowls - it is possible to mount either a 75mm or 100mm bowl on those heads. On any legs that can take 100mm I use 100mm as it is highly likely that I’ll be using heavy builds on it. In principle 75mm is always going to have a limit on max weight/amount of torque it can take with sliders etc.
@@StillMovingMedia Yes, you’re right. I think that’s the reason. The user must have 'overtaxed' the 75mm bowl. I don’t think Manfrotto supply a tripod with 75mm bowl (normal or fast-action) in a kit with the 608 fluid head? Why make a whole other tripod when a bowl adapter will do the job? However, since all my gear is 'lightweight', I wonder if there is a 75mm tripod that can match the 608? I’ll check that out.
At only a couple pounds lighter, is it really worth it to get the carbon fiber legs over the aluminum ones?
sorry,, did i miss the differences between those 2 models of tripod? i only got one with spreader while the other one no.
One is single leg one is twin. They have different mechanisms, the single has a twist lock on each leg that controls all the sections. The twin leg has a lever/catch on each leg to control all the sections.
@@StillMovingMedia that’s different mechanisms of design, but what is the differences while using it
@@bnshk In my opinion it’s mostly about which style you prefer, personally I like twin legs and the lever mechanism. The single leg also only takes a 75mm bowl, so that’s a consideration. As a result it tends towards lighter setups but still very capable.
@@StillMovingMedia understood, so the twin leg is more advanced and more expensive right ?
Question, will the carbon 636 legs work with the 504HD? I currently have the 502ah and need to upgrade but I love my carbon 636 legs
I mean 536 legs my bad
holy crap that camera wobbled hard at @2:22!
Without knowing how sturdy these sticks actually are I can tell you for sure that wobble is coming from the cheap locking mechanism in the Core EDGE Battery attached to the camera.... it is super flimsy.
sold bro.
Is the moustache real? It is great !
Thanks 🙌 it is indeed!
Question, does Nitrotech 612 you have on the twin legs also fit and is compatible with 635 Single Leg? Would really appreciate an answer, please put a like on my comment if you provide answer, my notifications for answers are turned off :)
Hey Niko, yes you can fit a 612 to the single leg. You just need to make sure you get a 75mm bowl as the single leg is 75mm only. (The twin leg is 100mm with an adapter to fit 75mm. )
@@StillMovingMedia Thank you for the answer, I enjoy your reviews here and your channel. Would "520BALL 75mm" work with Nitrotech 612 & Single Leg 635 combination? This is what I found: www.manfrotto.com/se-sv/520ball-75mm-nivelleringskula-med-vred-520ball
Useless review. You didnt have a camera on the tripod while demoing it in the studio. What everyone wants to know is how easy it is to operate when an camera is on it.
This was an overview of the tripods, we’d be biased for a full review as we shot the ad for the tripod. That said we did have to use it extensively on location during that shoot and have continued using them since, and have found it far easier to use and definitely faster to switch between different heights than a standard tripod.