Photography is one of my favorite outdoor activities. I’m often reminded of the old quote “Take only memories, leave only footprints”. This has more recently been reinterpreted as “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”. When I set out to capture a wild animal, I use nothing more than a long lens. When I want to pick one of the many plants or flowers growing in our mountains, I’ll use a macro lens to isolate it from its environment. In this way, I can enjoy nature, and leave it undisturbed. Vitec Imaging provides tools to help photographers like myself do the same, and will be showing them off this week at Photokina.
Vitec Imaging Solutions is a world leader in photography and videography imaging equipment and accessories. Earlier this week, they announced their new strategy, Looking 4ward. It’s envisioned to serve the evolving needs of imaging communities and growing trends in the camera and imaging capturing devices markets. At Photokina 2018, in Cologne, Germany, they’ll present their four class-leading consumer brands, Manfrotto, Lowepro, Gitzo, and JOBY, together for the first time. This display will include the most comprehensive and innovative collection of accessories for capturing and sharing images.
Recently, we’ve seen big improvements in camera technology and capability. Plus, the popularity of mirrorless cameras and the growing demand for video content has created an expanding demand for premium accessories. These changes are further boosted by a diverse and more involved community of image content creators. They range from professionals to advanced consumers. All of them (me included) are looking for brands that provide compelling solutions to our fast-changing needs. Vitec will showcase Gitzo, Manfrotto, Lowepro, and JOBY in a unique immersive booth that will present over 50 new products. This will offer imaging enthusiast a seamless consumer experience that meets their increasingly diverse needs.
Manfrotto addresses all professional and advanced hobbyist photographers and videographers who seek premium quality and top performance. Lowepro, dedicated to the outdoor adventure world, is aimed at content creators who want to explore and capture life. Gitzo is the top choice for professionals and prosumers devoted to nature and wildlife photography. JOBY, the brand of the iconic GorillaPod, has extended its product portfolio to smart-phonography. Although I still prefer a DSLR, I’m excited to see someone cater to the needs of this fast-growing segment. Photokina will constitute the gateway to accelerate the strategy for attracting an extensive customer base of smart-phonographers and Instagrammers. Mainly by leveraging the role of JOBY in this exciting market segment.
Additionally, Vitec‘s four specialist brands, Lastolite by Manfrotto, Colorama, Avenger, and Manfrotto lighting range, will display the most compelling offering for studio and commercial applications. While I am no longer much of a studio photographer, the advances here still impress me.
Some highlights attendees can expect from Photokina 2018:
Lowepro will display four main collections, including two featuring entirely new designs. One is FreeLine, the versatile premium daypack dedicated to content creators looking for an easily adaptable modular solution, from urban commute to on the go assignment. The other is Powder, a solution that combines the features of ski and snowboard packs with the extreme performance and durability of Lowepro photo backpacks. Suitable for the wildest photographic adventures on the most remote mountain terrains. Lowepro‘s outdoor and adventure focus also includes new editions of its two bestsellers: Whistler and ProTactic. They’ve got an upgraded design, more interior space, and more adaptive divider systems.
Manfrotto will feature the massive extension of its travel segment under its flagship Befree Collection. This includes three new travel tripods: the hybrid Befree 2N1, Befree Nerissimo signature edition, and the Befree Live with new leg locking system. Additionally, Manfrotto further expands its urban and studio bag line up. Significant additions to the Pro Light Collection of professional carrying solutions consist of six brand new light, secure and durable rolling carry-on solutions.
JOBY will showcase more than just its full GorillaPod range. They’ll also have the entire TelePod family. These include a variety of advanced selfie sticks and compact tripods designed for vloggers. Of note is the new HandyPod, a compact table tripod solution for both smartphones, ILC and sound recording devices. Finally, GorillaPod Video Pro, which pairs the well-known GorillaPod legs with a brand new fluid video head that allows for smooth, lightweight movement.
Gitzo will launch the most compact and lightweight professional carbon fiber tripod ever crafted: the Mini Traveler which you can always carry on assignment. There’s also a new edition of the Two-Way Fluid Head, with improved fluidity and unmistakable Gitzo design for birdwatching & digiscoping.
Moreover, Vitec Imaging Solutions has developed strategic partnerships with the most influential brands in the camera industry. Following the success of the Manfrotto Befree Advanced α and the Gitzo Traveler α, Manfrotto is proud to launch an exciting new product designed for Sony α cameras. That would be the Befree GT α, a high-end travel tripod made to meet the needs of the professional segment.
Continuous investment in innovation, industry-leading design and a commitment to uncompromising product excellence allow Vitec Imaging Solutions to set new quality standards year after year. Thanks to the quality of its design and manufacturing processes, Vitec Imaging Solutions will be presented with two 2018 TIPA Awards during Photokina. They are in recognition of the outstanding superiority of its products: the Manfrotto Camera Cage has been named Best Camera Accessory, and the Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head has been voted Best Tripod Head.
All brands are showcased on their respective websites and social media platforms, providing a seamless experience to discover the entire Vitec imaging solutions range.
Vitec Imaging Solutions is looking 4ward to welcoming all partners and visitors, September 26-29, 2018 to their booth at Photokina, Hall 02.2 Stand B 040 -C 040.
About Vitec Imaging Solutions
Vitec Imaging Solutions is a division of the Vitec Group, an international group principally serving customers in the broadcast and photographic markets. Vitec Imaging Solutions designs, manufactures and distributes premium branded photographic and video equipment such as tripods, bags, filters and lights for professional and hobbyist photographers. Our portfolio includes seven premium brands – Manfrotto, Gitzo, JOBY, Colorama, Lastolite, Avenger and Lowepro positioning Vitec Imaging Solutions as the leading global provider of accessories within the fast growing photo and video markets. Vitec Imaging Solutions brands are exclusively distributed in the United States through its owned platform: Vitec Imaging Distribution, 10 Mountainview Road Ste 320S, Upper Saddle River, NJ 074