Featuring the relatively lightweight 100mm Cartoni Focus 22 Fluid Head with H604 Tripod Legsis intended for users who usually shoot with light loads and therefore need a lightweight head, but who sometimes need to add on a heavy lens or accessory. The Focus 22 provides perfect balance along its entire +/-90° tilt range, and features continuous counterbalance adjustment.

The kit also includes the H604 Heavy-Duty Dual-Stage Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, which feature 19 - 60" height adjustment and non-slip flip clamps; a mid-level spreader; hooking rubber tripod feet; a second pan bar; and a soft carry case with a foam interior, leather handles, shoulder strap, and exterior pockets. (The first pan bar is included with the Focus 22 Fluid Head.) Everything is designed, manufactured, and assembled at the Cartoni factory in Rome, Italy. The Focus 22 Fluid Head comes with the peace-of-mind of a five-year warranty, and all the other items retain their standard one-year warranty.

The Focus 22 consists of 127 parts, machined or cast to micro-metric precision and hand-assembled and adjusted to precision by one engineer at a time. A follow-up to the Cartoni Focus HD head and an evolution of the original Focus head, the Focus 22 incorporates the Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 plate system, which is found on Sachtler's FSB and Video series heads, and integrates a new composite material in many parts that allows for a solid build while keeping the weight down. Of course, it also features Cartoni's renowned counterbalance and very smooth, "true" fluid drag. The Focus 22 uses the same patented spring-loaded counterbalance system used in the original Focus head. The Touch-and-Go 16 plate system will allow you to efficiently move your camera between compatible heads in a studio setting, and will also future-proof your head for such possible uses.

The new composite material that's used is a sophisticated non-metal that's much stronger than aluminum, and yet lighter. It replaces the brass parts in the counterbalance and is also 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 22 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, yet 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 secure between your fingers. There is also an illuminated bubble level that will be very helpful in dark settings.

Focus 22 Fluid Head (100mm), 127 Parts    6.6 - 48.5 lb Capacity    Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Dual-Stage Legs    Spreader, Pan Bar, Hooking Feet, & Case    Perfect Balance Along +/-90° Tilt    Touch-and-Go 16 Euro-Style Plate System    Labyrinth Modular "True" Fluid Drag    Continuous Counterbalance and Drag    Non-Slip Flip Clamps with Safety Locks    Made and Hand-Assembled in Italy

• Focus 22 Fluid Head (100mm)
• H604 Heavy-duty carbon fiber dual-stage tripod legs
• Mid-level spreader
• Hooking rubber tripod feet
• Second pan bar (one is included with the Focus 22)
• Soft carry case

• 100mm Ball base
• Supports loads between 6.6 - 48.5 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
• Five-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

• Heavy-duty carbon fiber dual-stage tripod legs
• 176 lb Load capacity
• 19" Minimum height
• 60" Maximum height
• 28" Folded length
• Non-slip flip clamps with safety locks

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is it possible to remove the bolt at the bottom of the bowl and use the thread instead? To fix the fluid head to the flat surface of the tripod platform?

A: Further exploration into this specific product has actually brought us to confirm that it is NOT possible to fix the fluid head to the surface of the tripod platform

Q: 2. I need to film a fairly close up headshot of someone while they're standing. They're 5'10". Is this system tall enough or should I invest in the Stabilo?

A: The Cartoni Focus 8 has a 63.5" maximum height. If they are sitting, this tripod will do just fine. Otherwise, I recommend raising the height by using apple boxes.

Q: 3. What is the plate screw size? Thx

A: Both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 screws are included.

Q: 4. Does this used unit include a handle? Pan bar? plate? Thanks

A: Yes, the Cartoni Focus 8 Fluid Head includes a pan bar, and the following items with your purchase. In the Box: Cartoni Focus 8 Fluid Head Sliding Quick Release Plate Pan Bar Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty Registration Extension: 5-Year (US Only)

Q: 5. Does this head have the same quick snap style system as my HiDv tripod?

A: Yes it does.

Q: 6. Can this head attach to a Gitzo tripod?

A: If the Gitzo has a 100mm bowl, yes.

Q: 7. How can I mount this to a tripod with a flat base?

A: It's not possible as this has a 100mm half ball,

Q: 8. will this work with ther Manfrotto 577 plate?

A: The Cartoni Focus 8 is designed to work with standard Manfrotto (501PL / 504PL) plates. The plate that is included with the Manfrotto 577 quick release is a 501PL plate and should work well on this tripod.

Q: 9. What is the total weight of this setup?

A: The legs of the Cartoni Focus 8 Fluid Head with Red Lock Tripod System weight 7 lb, while the fluid head weighs 4 lb, making the combined total weight 11 lb.

Q: 10. Will the composite material of the head hold up as long as metal?

A: Composite materials do not hold up as long as metal that being said this tripod is still extremely durable and should last a long time. Cartoni certainly has faith in their products' longevity as they offer a 3 year warranty that can be extended to 5 years once you register the tripod.