The relatively lightweight 100mm Focus 22 Head BB with Telescopic Pan Bar, HD 1-Stage AL Tripod, MLS, Rubber Feet & Soft Case from Cartoni supports between 6.6 to 48.5 lb. This kit is 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 it features continuous counterbalance adjustment.

The kit also includes the H601 Heavy-Duty Single-Stage Aluminum Tripod Legs, which feature 27 - 57" height adjustment and non-slip flip clamps; a mid-level spreader; hooking rubber tripod feet; and a soft carry case with a 1/2" foam interior, leather handles, shoulder strap, and two exterior pockets. Everything is designed, manufactured, and assembled at the Cartoni factory in Rome, Italy.

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. A pan bar is included that can be attached to a rosette adapter on either side of the head.

Focus 22 100mm Fluid Head    6.6 to 48.5 lb Capacity    Heavy-Duty Aluminum 1-Stage Tripod Legs    Mid-Spreader, Hooking Feet & Carry Case    Perfect Balance Along +/-90° Tilt    Touch-&-Go 16 Euro-Style Plate System    Labyrinth Modular "True" Fluid Drag    Continuous Counterbalance & Drag    Nonslip Flip Clamps with Safety Locks

• Focus 22 fluid head (100mm)
• H601 heavy-duty aluminum single-stage tripod legs
• Mid-level spreader
• Hooking rubber tripod feet
• Soft carry case

• 100mm ball base
• Supports loads between 6.6 to 48.5 lb
• Perfect balance along the 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
• 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 aluminum single-stage tripod legs
• 176 lb load capacity
• 27" minimum height
• 57" maximum height
• 33" folded length
• Nonslip flip clamps with safety locks

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will Manfrotto Plates work ??

A: Yes, Manfrotto quick release plates are compatible: "The FOCUS 8 Fluid Head comes equipped with a sliding camera plate compatible with Sachtler ACE and Manfrotto standard plates" https://www.cartoni.com/products/fluid-heads/fluid-heads-75-mm/HF0800-focus-8/

Q: 2. 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: 3. 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: 4. When finished shooting and placing the Focus tripod & head in the bag, is it recommended the counter balance and pan/tilt settings be zeroed out? Can you leave the Focus head settings configured for the camera when traveling?

A: We think you could work either way. If the head is not going to move or be compacted in packing you could leave the settings you work with normally. The only time we would think you may want to change the counterbalance if if the head will be packed in a way where other items may push on the head and cause strain.

Q: 5. Is this made out of the same material as the HD? Are the rosettes plastic or metal?

A: This product is made out of a combination of Plastic Composite and Magnesium.

Q: 6. Pan bar included?

A: Yes, the pan bar is included.

Q: 7. 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.

Q: 8. I have Miller style plates will it work? with this Cartoni Focus 8 or Focus 12

A: no Miller plates will not work on the cartoni tripods

Q: 9. What is the lowest weight this will counterbalance?

A: It can counterbalance with a minimum of 0 lbs / 0 Kg.

Q: 10. Struggling to counterbalance a 6 to 8 pound camera setup (Sony z280) on the Focus 12. Any tips? I can't get the camera to hold position when tilted down or up. I have no problems balancing on a Focus 8. Thanks for you help.

A: The Cartoni Focus 12 Fluid Head (100mm) (B&H# CAHF1200) features a continuous counterbalance system that is designed to provide counterforce in all orientations so as to make it easy and smooth to return to a level position. It can still tilt, however, to a full +90 degrees or -90 degrees, so you should still be able to point in your desired direction. If you would like to reduce the effective counterforce then you'll want to add weight to your camera.