Manfrotto Nitrotech 608/612 Head
$489.95
Manfrotto Nitrotech 608/612 Head
$489.95
The Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 and 612 heads are revolutionary. These are the first “relatively-affordable” video heads with a continuous counterbalance system. It’s also relatively-low-priced considering their high payload capacity- 17.6 lbs. for the 608, and 27 lbs. for the 612. What is a continuous counterbalance system? A nitrogen-charged piston is used to variably-counterbalance the load on the head as it moves off-axis (tilts forward or backward). Conventional video heads, which use springs to compensate for off-balance loads, typically are not adjustable. So while the counterbalance springs do reduce the amount of friction required to hold a binocular at any tilt angle, considerable friction is still required to prevent the head from drifting. The NitroTech allows for precise counterbalance adjustment, requiring only a minimal amount of friction to prevent the head from drifting, regardless of the amount of tilt. As an added bonus, they just look cool- even the red accents perfectly-match the red accents on the XL models.
The 608 works well with our XL Series Binocular Telescopes from 70mm to 100mm. The 612 is needed for the heavier BT-127XL-SD.
- All-aluminum fluid head provides smooth azimuth and altitude motion
- Nitrogen-charged gas counterbalance minimizes friction required to prevent drift as binocular tilts from horizon to zenith
- Quick-release plate includes 1/4-20 screw and 3/8-16 adapter
- Single panning handle
- Max. weight capacity: 608- 17.6 lbs., 612- 27 lbs.
- Weight: 4.85 lbs.
Additional information
| Weight | 8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16 × 12 × 8 in |
Seth Colby (verified owner) –
At 45x through the BT-1100XL SD we tested 3 heads: the Manfrotto 502 as seen on Binomania, the Oberwerk XL Fork, and the Manfrotto Nitrotech 608. The 502 was smooth but a bit tippy no matter how we tweaked the up/down drag. The Fork balanced better but with more stiction in both axes hence not as smooth. The Nitrotech was dialed in perfect, easily neutralizing the binoculars’ considerable moment of inertia in elevation. Stiction was negligible. We therefore found the Nitrotech effortlessly balanced while also smooth, agile, and precise. With an XL100-class load on a solid tripod w/ a geared center column, the Nitrotech 608 is the decisive winner and the easy keeper. Great support from Oberwerk, BTW; we felt treated like royalty.
Seth Colby (verified owner) –
Typo corrected: At 45x through the BT-100XL SD we tested 3 heads: the Manfrotto 502 as seen on Binomania, the Oberwerk XL Fork, and the Manfrotto Nitrotech 608. The 502 was smooth but a bit tippy no matter how we tweaked the up/down drag. The Fork balanced better but with more stiction in both axes hence not as smooth. The Nitrotech was dialed in perfect, easily neutralizing the binoculars’ considerable moment of inertia in elevation. Stiction was negligible. We therefore found the Nitrotech effortlessly balanced while also smooth, agile, and precise. With an XL100-class load on a solid tripod w/ a geared center column, the Nitrotech 608 is the decisive winner and the easy keeper. Great support from Oberwerk, BTW; we felt treated like royalty.