The Vitec Group a UK company which acquired the Manfrotto brand in 1989 has headquarters in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. The Manfrotto company is a principal brand worldwide in the manufacture of both camera supports and lighting stands. Their products are marketed in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U K and the U S
In the late 1960's, an Italian photojournalist, named Lino Manfrotto started designing light stands, light booms, and telescoping rods. He met a technician named Gilberto Battocchio, who working for a mechanical firm located in Bassano in 1972. During 1974, Manfrotto announced its first tripod. As the company started growing, and just 12 years later Manfrotto, already was operating 6 plants located in Bassano, found a spot in Feltre, within the Villapaiera industrail zone, starting up 5 more plants in a two year time frame.
In 1992, the Vitec Group purchased Gitzo, a French Company in 1992, Subsequently they acquired the American Bogen Photo Corporation. in 1993. Vitec Group has chosen to keep the brands separate.
Manfrotto has competition from low end ibrands like Benro, Velbon, and Slik, and additionally on the upscale end from the Miller and Gitzo brands (their own step brother). The Manfrotto company distinguishes its products from the brands of Miller and Slik by not manufacturing one-piece tripods; as their the legs and heads are sold as separate units, but are all interchangeable.
The Manfrotto School of Xcellence was started in 1989, which is an educational source supporting and assisting people in getting closer to the photography and videography world. The website also
markets other Vitec Group photography brands including Lastolite, Elinchrom and Kata
Apr 6, 2011 .
Click to visit the Manfrotto School of Excellence
Yuri's Favorite Photography Gadget: The Manfrotto Monopod
Lino Manfrotto, an Italian photojournalist, began designing light stands, booms, and telescopic rods in the late 1960s. In 1972 Lino Manfrotto met Gilberto Battocchio, a technician working for a Bassano mechanical firm. In 1974, the company introduced its first tripod. The company grew, and in 1986 Manfrotto, already with 6 plants in Bassano, landed in Feltre, in the industrial zone of Villapaiera, establishing 5 plants in the space of two years. Vitec purchased the French company Gitzo in 1992 and the American company Bogen in 1993. Vitec chose to maintain the separate brands as separate lines in its portfolio. In the US, Manfrotto products are distributed by Bogen Imaging under the brand name Bogen/Manfrotto. In Canada, Manfrotto products are distributed by Amplis Foto Inc.
 Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head The Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod Legs with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head builds on the success of the 3011/3021 series, but has been redesigned to offer even better ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism. With less features than the 055XB or 055XBPRO and a simpler design, this model is about 0.5 lb lighter, and a more economical choice. It is ideal for use with 35mm and light medium format photographic cameras, and digital or conventional type video camcorders. $224.90.
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 Manfrotto 055XPROB 3-Section Tripod w/ 322RC2 Ballhead & MBAG80 Padded Case - The Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod is their most fully featured medium weight class aluminum legset, delivered in this configuration with their very popular 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead and a well-made MBAG80 padded case. Manfrotto makes a great aluminum tripod, and they're continually improving a basic design frameset that's survived for over two decades now. $399.90.
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 Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black) The Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod with 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head builds on the success of the 3011/3021 series. It features the Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature, which allows the center column to flip quickly and easily from vertical to horizontal. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung over to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. The ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks have also been improved.
-. $330.00.
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 Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) w/ 804RC2
Head - The Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head builds on the success of the 3011/3021 series. It features the Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature, which allows the center column to flip quickly and easily from vertical to horizontal. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung over to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. The ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks have also been improved. $260.00.
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 Manfrotto 190XB Aluminum Tripod Kit (Black) When you purchase a new tripod, you usually need to make an additional purchase of a panhead or ballhead which is attached to the tripod as interface with your equipment.
In addition to the Bogen/Manfrotto 190XB Aluminum Tripod, the kit includes a 496RC2 Compact Ballhead
with a Quick Release.
$207.95.
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 Manfrotto 190XB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head. The Manfrotto 190XB Tripod Legs with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head builds on the success of the 3001 series, and has been redesigned to offer better ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and improved quick-action leg locks. It is a lightweight, compact and sturdy tripod, ideal for 35mm or digital SLR cameras, light medium format cameras, or compact camcorders, especially when on the move outdoors.
The 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head is 20% lighter than its predecessors due to the use of Adapto material. It also features improved ergonomic design plus a counter spring system. Built into the forward/back tilt axis is a fixed spring that helps to absorb the shock of the full camera weight from crashing down. The spring also makes it easier to position the camera on this axis since it opposes some of the camera's weight. $219.90.
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 Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Head. The Manfrotto 190XDB is a lightweight, compact and sturdy tripod ideal for 35mm or digital SLR cameras, light medium format cameras, or compact camcorders, especially for when on the move outdoors. Ergonomic twist leg locks and a secure three-faced center column further enhance this tripod. This tripod also features four-position leg angle settings which ease leveling and low or high shots.
Included is the 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head which is 20% lighter than its predecessors due to the use of Adapto material. It also features improved ergonomic design plus a counter spring system. Built into the forward/back tilt axis is a fixed spring that helps to absorb the shock of the full camera weight from crashing down. The spring also makes it easier to position the camera on this axis since it opposes some of the camera weight.
$159.90.
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 Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Kit. When you buy a professional tripod, you normally need to make an additional purchase of a device which is used to keep your equipment securely and precisely positioned.
In addition to the Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Legs our kit includes the Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 QR Plate which allows you to easily remove and replace your equipment.
$227.50.
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 Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head. The Bogen/Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod Legs with 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head builds on the success of the 3001 series and replaces the 3001PRO model. Its horizontal center column feature has been redesigned to make it even easier to flip from vertical to horizontal. Now, by extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung over to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. The ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick-action leg locks have also been improved.
The 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head is 20% lighter than its predecessors due to the use of Adapto material. It also features improved ergonomic design plus a counter spring system. Built into the forward/back tilt axis is a fixed spring that helps to absorb the shock of the full camera weight from crashing down. The spring also makes it easier to position the camera on this axis since it opposes some of the camera's weight. . $230.00. |
 Manfrotto 3021N Classic Tripod without Head/ Silver Aluminum Finish / Maximum Height with extended center column: 70.1 inches / 3 Leg Sections Designed for serious amateur photographers, the Bogen 3021N camera tripod is versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use. Its legs are constructed of anodized aluminum, making it strong and durable, but weighing in at just 6 pounds and collapsible to a length of 24.1 inches, the Bogen 3021N is both sturdy and portable. The tripod can support up to 13 pounds, and when the center column is extended, you can mount your equipment at a height of 70 inches.
$150.00.
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 Manfrotto 7301YB 4•Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 3-Way Head • Supports 7.7 lbs (3.5kg). The Manfrotto 7301YB Tripod is a compact and lightweight tripod primarily designed for compact digital point and shoot cameras or lighter SLR cameras with lenses up to a moderate telephoto. It has 26mm maximum upper diameter leg segments and a 3-way head with separate pan/tilt locks and a quick release plate.
The 7301YB's small head allows smooth motion with panning for a variety of light-duty video cameras but can also achieve any position necessary for a still camera. It weighs just ~3.7 pounds and at 20" collapsed can be carried almost anywhere, including inside the cabin of nearly all commercial aircraft.
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 Manfrotto 7302YB 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ Ballhead • Supports 7.7 lbs (3.5kg). The Manfrotto 7302YB Tripod is a compact and lightweight tripod primarily designed for compact digital point and shoot cameras or lighter SLR cameras with lenses up to a moderate telephoto. It has 26mm maximum upper diameter leg segments and a simple ballhead with 2 90° positions.
The 7302YB ballhead's small but smooth, and allows all the motions necessary for a still camera. Given its form factor, it also minimizes the weight and mass you need to carry; indeed, the 7302YB can easily be carried on board an aircraft and weighs only 3.24 pounds, making it an appropriate quality choice for the family vacation. $129.90.
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 Manfrotto 7303YB 4-Section Tripod w/ Ballhead. The Manfrotto 7303YB Tripod is part of their "M-Y" series, meant as a first time tripod buyer's choice. This compact travel specialist weighs 3 lbs and can be carried on an airplane, and comes complete with an attached ballhead that's simple to operate. With 26mm diameter maximum leg segments and a compact head, the 7303YB is meant for use with small consumer SLR cameras with a standard zoom lens.
$119.90.
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 Manfrotto 7321YB 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 3-Way Head • Supports 5.5 lbs (2.5kg). The Manfrotto 7321YB Tripod is a very compact and light tripod designed for first-time buyers of compact point and shoot cameras. It has 22mm maximum upper diameter leg segments and a 3-way head with separate pan/tilt locks and a quick release plate.
The 7321YB's small head allows smooth motion and panning for light-duty video cameras, but can also achieve any position necessary for a still camera. The 7321YB's only 2.8 pounds and 19.3" when collapsed, making it appropriate for carrying on even the very longest of journeys. $104.90.
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 Manfrotto 7322YB M-Y Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head (Black). The Manfrotto 7322YB M-Y Tripod with Ball Head is a compact and lightweight 4-section aluminum tripod with small ball head, designed primarily for the latest compact digital and conventional point and shoot cameras.
This tripod includes a small ballhead that allows a mounted camera to pivot, while the legs have two independently adjustable angles: 25° and 51°. Three locks divide the four leg sections that bring the max height to a workable 55" with the extension of the center column.
This compact camera support is made even more portable with the bundled carry
case that prevents damage during transport. . $94.90.
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 Manfrotto 7322YSHB 4-Section Tripod w/ Ballhead. The Manfrotto 7322YSHB Tripod is the most compact of their "M-Y" series, meant as a first time tripod buyer's choice. This travel specialist weighs in at only 2¼ lbs and can be carried on an airplane, in a briefcase. The attached ballhead is simple to operate, and with 22mm diameter maximum leg segments and a compact head the 7322YSHB is meant for use with point and shoot cameras or the very smallest of consumer SLR camera systems.
$94.90.
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 Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head • Supports 2.2 lb (1kg). The Manfrotto 785B Modo Maxi Tripod is a hybrid photo/video application tripod that folds up to a compact 17", yet reaches a full height of 59". With the range of professional features included in this affordable model, this tripod is ideal for use with compact digital SLR cameras, conventional point and shoot cameras, or consumer camcorders.
The hybrid joystick (grip action) style ball head offers a comfortable, natural grip to easily position the camera. The Photo/Video Selector Button switches this head over from multi-axis operation to pan/tilt only operation, which is the ideal mode for video operation. $69.90.
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 New Manfrotto 391RC2 three-way aluminum
tripod head
Italy’s Manfrotto has introduced the latest version of its popular photo/video head with the announcement of the 391RC2 with quick release plate. The new 391RC2 three-way aluminum head is designed for both still photography and video applications. It is equipped with a quick release plate system and Teflon
friction pads to ensure smooth pan and tilt movements controlled with independent locks. The bar is padded with soft non‐slip rubber. Designed for photographers using lightweight DSLR,
compact and bridge cameras, this head is a great choice for any photographic
application. Height 3.7”/9.5 cm; Weight 1.3 lbs./0.57 kg. This replaces the Manfrotto 390RC2 head. Maximum capacity is 11 lbs/5 kg. . $59.90
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Manfrotto Monopods |
| Manfrotto 334B Automatic Monopod (Black) - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg). $99.99. |
| Manfrotto 557B Pro Video Monopod with 3272 Sliding Quick Release Plate.
$129.95. |
| Manfrotto 558B Video Monopod with 501PL Sliding Q.R. Plate - Supports 17.6
lbs. $99.00. |
| Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release. $140.30. |
| Manfrotto 561BHDV Video Monopod with Fluid Head (Black). $269.95. |
| Manfrotto 562B Four-Section Fluid Video Monopod - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg).
$201.50. |
| Manfrotto 679B (3216) 3 Section Monopod (Black) - Supports 22 lb (10kg),
$49.95. |
 Manfrotto 680B Compact Monopod (Black) - Supports 22 lb (10 kg) The Manfrotto
3249B Compact Monopod is a 4-section monopod featuring flip lock levers, and
has a maximum height of 60.0" and folds down to a compact 20.0". Weighing
only 1.70 lb, it has a wide diameter top tube and is capable of holding all
35mm telephoto lenses. Internet price $59.95.
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| Manfrotto 681B 3 Section Monopod (Black) - Supports 26.5 lb (12kg). $59.90. |
| Manfrotto 682B Self Standing Monopod (Black). $119.90. |
| Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg). $169.90. |
| Manfrotto 694CX Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod - Supports 11 lbs (5kg).
$179.90. |
| Manfrotto 695CX Carbon Fiber 5-Section Monopod - Supports 11 lbs (5kg).
$224.98. |
| Manfrotto 776YB M-Y Compact Aluminum Monopod - Supports 9 lbs (4.5kg).
$39.90. |
| Manfrotto 790B Modo Mono 5-Section Monopod - Supports 2.2 lb (1 kg). $37.90.
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