The Cartoni Focus 18 Fluid Head features 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.

For PTZ Camera & Teleprompter Use    Pneumatic PTZ Camera Pedestal    Focus 18 Fluid Head    100mm Bowl Adapter, Air Pump    55 lb Load Capacity, 31 lb Weight    36 to 70" Working Height Range    4" Wheels with Independent Locks    15.75" Stroke, 6-Position Track Lock

• 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 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: 2. What is the difference between the Focus 12 and FocusHD...just the quick release plate style?

A: Hi Paul,Yes, the only difference is the top of the fluid head. It's a standard Euro style quick release plate instead of side load.

Q: 3. My rig is slightly above 20 lbs. The limit is 26 lbs. Will I be satisfied with the counterbalance?

A: Hi Dan. What's your lens/camera configuration? Monitor, etc? How are you using it?

Q: 4. Is cartoni focus 18 used in Hollywood cinimatography like other major competitive brands?

A: Cartoni is very well respected in Hollywood. However, this system is part of their entry-and mid-level user category.

Q: 5. What is the lowest weight this will counterbalance?

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

Q: 6. 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: 7. 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: 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. Can this head attach to a Gitzo tripod?

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

Q: 10. Is the 75mm bowl proprietary, or will it work with a variety of 75mm bowl tripods?

A: No. Unit is designed based around a 75 mm Half Ball that is removable.