Flowtech100 tripod convinces camera operators Darren Bramley and Ken Cavali

The world's fastest tripod offers an ideal blend of rigidity, stability and support for heavy payloads required in demanding ENG environments.

Renowned news cameramen Darren Bramley y Ken Cavalli have opted for the new Flowtech100 after testing the tripod in demanding electronic news gathering (ENG) and live news environments. The world's fastest deploying tripod, Flowtech100 is compatible with all 100mm fluid heads and can support a payload of up to 30 kilograms, making it ideal for heavy-duty ENG production.

Flowtech100, fruit of the collaboration between Sachtler y Vinten, is based on an exclusive carbon fiber technology that makes it an extremely strong and light tripod, yet offers excellent torsional rigidity. Quick release brakes conveniently located on the top of the tripod allow the legs to be deployed simultaneously; Each leg automatically adjusts to the ground surface, saving operators from having to bend down and manually adjust multiple brakes on each leg. These features, along with the Flowtech100's exceptional stability and capability for heavier camera payloads, optimize the tripod for ENG workflows where camera operators move quickly to cover breaking news.

Based in the United Kingdom, Bramley is the Camera Director at ITV Daytime, where he oversees the channel's award-winning daytime programs such as Good Morning Britain, Lorraine y This Morning. Bramley tested the Flowtech100 with a Vinten Vision 100 head with a Sony 2500 or Sony 1750 camera with wide-angle or standard EFP lenses in a studio environment and for field interviews.

"I have used other carbon fiber tripods, but none compare to the robust build quality and attention to detail of the flowtech100. It brings the benefits of lightness, high stability and ease of use to the professional 100mm bucket size that is so common in ENG today. It is a practical solution that can meet the daily needs of even the most demanding camera operators," says Bramley.

"Our professionals, both operators and freelancers, were very interested in using Flowtech100 in the field, and it more than lived up to their expectations. We often have to quickly reposition cameras during commercial breaks, sometimes in less than a minute. But with flowtech100, operators can choose their position, open the tripod and undo just three clamps on the top of the legs – and they are ready to shoot in the blink of an eye," he adds.

"Other innovative features really set the Flowtech100 apart, such as the magnets to hold the legs together for transport instead of tied ropes or old-fashioned clips. We also love the thread on the top of the legs for mounting accessories. Leave it to Sachtler and Vinten to come up with ideas so simple and clever that they really make a big difference for demanding field work," he concludes.