Sachtler and Vinten said the Flowtech100 tripod is compatible with all major 100 mm fluid heads, making it ideal for heavy-duty electronic newsgathering (ENG), electronic field production (EFP) and wildlife, commercial and documentary productions.

Like the previously introduced Flowtech75, the Flowtech100 is based on carbon-fiber technology that includes the world's fastest-deploying tripod legs. With quick-release brakes located at the top of the tripod, the Flowtech100 legs can be deployed simultaneously and adjusted automatically to the ground's surface. This saves operators from having to bend over and manually adjust multiple brakes on each leg.

The tripod also includes a new removable carbon-fiber mid-level spreader with four locking positions, a carry handle and rubber feet that assure fast and stable setup in narrow spaces or on uneven terrain.

A hinge-lock mechanism enables the Flowtech100 to be raised up to five feet for high shots, or to be lowered to 10 inches to accommodate extremely low, ground-level shots without the need for "baby legs."

The Flowtech100 tripod can now be preordered from authorized Sachtler or Vinten resellers and will start shipping Oct. 1. The price is $3,450.