The Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head 100mmfeatures a 100mm ball base and supports loads between 13.2 to 40 lb, with perfect balance along its entire +/-90° tilt range.

The Focus 18 is one of four video heads in a lineup released as a follow-up to the Cartoni Focus HD head. The complete lineup is an evolution of the original Focus head released in 2005, and a definitive rebranding of 10 years of contribution to the entry- and mid-level user category. Like the others in the lineup, the Focus 18 consists of 127 parts, incorporates a universal plate system, and uses a new composite material in many parts that allows for a solid build while keeping the weight down. Like the rest, it also comes with the peace-of-mind of a 5-year warranty and, of course, features Cartoni's renowned counterbalance and very smooth, "true" fluid drag. The Focus 18 uses the same patented Delta silicon wedge counterbalance system used in Cartoni's successful Delta head, and features continuous counterbalance adjustment. Also, true to the Cartoni name, the entire head is designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Rome, Italy. The 127 parts are machined or cast to micrometric precision and assembled and adjusted to precision by one engineer at a time.

The Focus 18 integrates the Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 plate system, which is found on Sachtler's FSB and Video series heads. This advantage will allow you the flexibility to efficiently move your camera between compatible heads in a studio setting, and will also future-proof your head for possible such uses in the future.

The new composite material that's used is a sophisticated non-metal that's much stronger than aluminum and yet lighter. It is used in the tilt fluid knobs, pan fluid gears, and other parts throughout the body. This composite is also highly resistant to the stress of weight, bending, rubbing, and extreme temperatures, so where it's used in the mechanisms of the head it actually provides for more stress-endurance in addition to saving weight. This composite is the result of a collaboration between Cartoni and the Department of Physics and Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome.

The Focus 18 features a Cartoni-patented labyrinth modular fluid drag system, which consists of individual pan and tilt modules. Each module contains two main sections that have thin concentric rings inside them. The rings in one section interact with the rings in the other with aerospace industry silicon paste fluid between them that provides resistance. The two sections are never fully disengaged from one another, so movement is always smooth and with no play. With there being separate pan and tilt modules, pan drag and tilt drag are accordingly independent, but they work together to allow smooth, uninterrupted motion in any direction. Cartoni performs a laser-assisted, diagonal movement test on every head to ensure that there isn't even the slightest digression from a straight-line movement.

The pan drag control is a large ring in the center of the head that's easy to use even without looking. This and all other controls are designed with ergonomic grips that will feel more secure between your fingers. There's also an illuminated bubble-level that will be very helpful in dark settings. And a pan bar is included that can be attached to a rosette adapter on either side of the head. Additional pan bars are available sold separately.

100mm Ball Base; 13.2 to 40 lb Capacity    Perfect Balance Along +/-90° Tilt    Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-Style Plate System    127 Parts Made, Hand-Assembled in Italy    Labyrinth Modular "True" Fluid Drag    Continuous Counterbalance and Drag    Large Pan Drag Ring in the Center    Illuminated Bubble Level    Pan Bar Attachable on Either Side    5-Year Warranty

• 100mm ball base

• Supports loads between 13.2 to 40 lb

• Perfect balance along entire +/-90° tilt range

• Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-style plate system

• Incorporates a sophisticated lightweight, extremely hard, and highly stress-resistant new composite material

• Labyrinth modular "true" fluid drag system

• Independent pan and tilt drag, with no play

• Continuous counterbalance and drag

• 127 parts, designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled at the Cartoni factory in Italy

• 5-year warranty

• Large pan drag ring in the center

• Ergonomic grips on all controls

• Illuminated bubble-level

• Includes a pan bar attachable on either side

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is there an advantage to the Euro plate version vs the sidelock version? The Euro plate seems kind of small.

A: It is a matter of preference when choosing between a sideload or Euro-style plate. With a sideload plate, you have the benefit of sliding the camera forward and back to balance your camera on the head. With a Euro-style plate, the camera pops in and out with rapid speed and zero adjustments are to be made. There is a separate sliding plate underneath for balance. Euro-style plates tend to cost more than their standard tripod plate counterparts, but add stability and quickness.

Q: 2. Do I need a VCT plate for this head? I have the SHAPE Canon C70 Camera Cage Shoulder Rig with Matte Box & Follow Focus

A: You do not need a VCT plate for the Cartoni head but it is necessary for the SHAPE Compact Revolt Shoulder Baseplate.

Q: 3. Can you remove the 75mm ball of the fluid head in order to have a flat base to attach on other tripods, sliders, etc. ?

A: We are not aware of this tripod offering that capability. It appears to be 75mm only.

Q: 4. Does this Cartoni Focus 12 Red Lock System come with handle and the mid spreder?

A: Yes, the Cartoni Focus 12 Red Lock System (100mm Ball) comes with a pan bar and the Smart Lock Mid-Level Spreader.

Q: 5. Do they come with a bag?

A: Yes it does. This Cartoni Focus 12 tripod comes with a soft carrying case.

Q: 6. Hi - I would like to know if it is possible to adapt the fluid head on this tripod for use on a slider?Thanks

A: Yes, it is possible to adapt the Cartoni Focus 10 Red Lock System (100mm Ball) for use with a slider. Either one can mount the slider above the tripod head's camera screw, or use a 100mm half ball adapter such as the Manfrotto 500BALL 100mm Half Ball Leveler w/3/8" Screw for 100mm Bowl Tripods seen here, https://bhpho.to/3IPq4HR

Q: 7. Is this head compatible with the Gitzo SYSTEMATIC 75mm Bowl Head Adapter for Series 5 Tripod?

A: Yes, the E-Image GH06 Fluid Head has a 75mm ball attachment, that would allow you to pair the head with a 75mm Gitzo tripod.

Q: 8. So this is not a snap & go style quick release system, with the side lock mechanism?

A: This system has the Focus 8 Fluid Head with Sliding Plate System.

Q: 9. Is it compatible with Manfrotto 504PLONG Plate?

A: The Cartoni Focus 10 would only work with Cartoni Plates. However, You could add this Quick Release adapter to work with Manfrotto plate styles. https://bhpho.to/3DLCo9e

Q: 10. Can this be mounted on a flat-base like the Cartoni Focus HD? By removing the spriggot underneath the base of the head with pliers?

A: Unfortunately it will not work as a flat base.