Manfrotto rolls out Stile bag range

Manfrotto has announced today a range of bags aimed not just at photographers but at anyone carrying around an assortment of digital devices that seem to proliferate in today's lifestyle. Although Manfrotto are known for their tripods, the parent company also makes and distributes Kata and National Geographic camera bags, two distinctly different brands catering to different markets (the Kata range are very popular with video crews). This new range seems to be targeting Manfrotto's traditional user base. We hope to review one of the Unica Messenger bags (above) in due course.

Press Release
MANFROTTO PRESENTS THE STILE COLLECTION:
THE ULTIMATE BAG FOR THE EVERYDAY DIGITAL LIFESTYLE

London, August 2011 – Manfrotto, a global market leader in sleek photographic accessories, launches the STILE collection. This new premium collection features stylish bags that will accommodate digital media equipment used every day. It’s not uncommon to have a laptop or tablet, a digital camera, a mobile phone and an mp3 player just to leave the house; Manfrotto now provides a stylish, all inclusive solution.

The Stile range includes the Veloce Backpack, Agile Slings, Bella Shoulder Bags, Unica Messenger Bags, Solo Holsters and Nano Pouches. Each series is available in black, bungee cord and white, with removable soft compartments to be arranged according to each individual’s needs. The key to a fast- paced and adventurous lifestyle, the sleek bags of the Stile range do not give the appearance of your typical camera bag, allowing users a sense of security around their most important digital kit.

 

The Veloce Backpacks are the essential shooting backpack, coming in two sizes with compartments to fit all your camera gear and tripod either inside or outside the bag, as well as a laptop. Grab your DSLR or lenses without having to open up the entire bag, with space for additional backup lenses, flash and accessories in the bottom compartment.

The Agile Slings are the perfect bags for on-the-go shooters. Designed to always get to the perfect shot with all your gear, it fits a DSLR with up to 24-120mm lens attached plus 2-3 extra lenses. This bag will provide quick draw action whenever called for by simply swinging from back to front.

 

The Unica Messengers are the perfect everyday companions for carrying camera gear, a laptop and personal gear, with easy access from the top and a portable urban style.

The Bella Shoulder Bags keep shooting gear easily accessible, allowing users to neatly organise their DSLR and attached 18-105mm lens or similar plus 1-2 extra lenses in fast grip position, with smaller accessories out of the way when shooting in the front pocket. Zip the lid closed when storing or simply shut with the buckle for fast access.

The Solo Holster provides quick convenient access to your camera gear in style. The compact design holds your DSLR and attached 18-35mm or similar sized lens in quick grip position, readily accessible.

The Nano Pouches offer a similar functionality for compact cameras. They are stylishly designed to hold a variety of compacts, and simultaneously provide compact carrying and quick convenient access to the camera.

“Like all good things the Manfrotto STILE Bag Collection started with a great story, the story of the incredible 21st century digital revolution. Today it seems natural for all of us to own mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, mp3 players, GPS units, tablets, e-readers and much, much more... Only 10 years ago most of us couldn’t have imagined the existence of half of these products, none of us could have predicted our reliance on such products to guide our social activities and interactions,” said designer Fabio Prada.
“For us at Manfrotto the most interesting aspect of the digital revolution story pivots on the world of imagery. We started out in the world of professional photography and feel privileged to be able to still be relevant after more than 40 years in the field.”

For more information on this new range of bags, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

Up close & personal - macro tripod review part V

Manfrotto 190x ProB $159.95 (£90) + MN484RC2 head $59.95 (£39)

SPEC PANEL (exc ball-head)

Max Height (column down): 122cm
Max Height (column up): 146cm
Min Height: 8.5cm
Leg Sections: 3
Closed Length: 57cm
Weight: 1.8kg
Load capacity: 5kg

Quality 4/5
Features & Design 4/5
Value for Money 5/5
Overall 4.5/5


Italian tripod and lighting support manufacturer Manfrotto needs no introduction, they have a huge range of tripods to suit all budgets and they’re widely available. The popular 190 model comes in many guises and our sample the 190x ProB is one of the more high-end versions, albeit with aluminium tubing and 3-section legs to keep the cost down.

As well as boasting a horizontal centre-column option and high-density foam leg wraps other handy features include a bubble-level, weight-hook, and 4 leg-locking presets (instead of the usual 3). If need be, this means the 190x ProB can be laid flat on the ground, like the Gitzo.

I like the fact the centre column uses just one locking knob. And it’s a breeze to switch from vertical to horizontal but you must support the camera when making any adjustments. Still, it’s extremely rigid when locked off.

If there’s a niggle it’s that it can’t tilt. But the with wide range of adjustment available from the leg-joints it remains easy to line up. We were sent the optional 484RC2 head for the 190. Although small, with a long stem it can support up to 4kg and together with the 190x ProB makes for a very capable performer.

Check back for part VI tomorrow.

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