Vitec Photographic Division to Exhibit Leading Brands at PhotoPlus Expo 2017

Highlights include Manfrotto Befree Advanced Launch, Gitzo Fluid Gimbal Head and JOBY GorillaPod Series 

Upper Saddle River, N.J. (October 23, 2017) – Vitec Photographic Division, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, will debut their newest products at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in booths 855 and 873 from Oct. 26-28, 2017 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.  On display will be the latest equipment from their owned brands: Gitzo, JOBY, Lastolite by Manfrotto, Lowepro, Manfrotto, and partner brands:Gossen, Metz, 360Rize and Shoulderpod.

New products to be featured include:

• Gitzo Fluid Gimbal Head: ideal for wildlife photography and birdwatching. For the first time we offer fluid cartridge technology traditionally used in video heads. It absorbs vibration and ensures smooth movement, even with large lenses.

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  JOBY® GorillaPod™ Series: meet the new and improved GorillaPod line! The original and most popular flexible tripod for the last decade with more than 10 million sold. The proprietary ball and socket material is the result of extensive research and development with over 100 material blends. With more than two dozen high precision ball and socket joints on each GorillaPod, every item is hand assembled and inspected to meet stringent quality standards.  Kits with included BallHead™ also available!

• Lastolite by Manfrotto Granite & Limestone Panoramic Background: features a 7’5” x 13’ self-supporting three-panel collapsible lightweight aluminum frame, allowing for quick assembly and easy transportation. Ideal for large groups, creating negative editorial space and more.

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  Lowepro® m-Trekker backpacks: a modern take on a classic pack designed for mirrorless and more.  Key features include a secure body side access, CradleFit™ protection for a 13” laptop, customizable interior Protective All Weather AW Cover™ and  two durable fabric options: Black Cordura® and Grey Canvex™.

• Lowepro® Urbex bags: engineered for content creators, the streamlined, customizable design of this series is ideal for navigating dense urban environments while keeping devices safe and protected. From laptops to tablets to smartphones, documents and personal items – Urbex offers limitless compartments and configurations, empowering you to customize the way you carry.
• Manfrotto Befree Advanced: a renewed range of travel tripods aimed to match the high expectations of travel photographers looking for a portable, performing support. Upgrades include new leg lock options, ball head, leg-angle selectors, a 494 center ball head with fully compatible RC2 and Arca-Swiss type head attachments. It can hold a maximum payload of 17.64 lbs.
• Manfrotto 190go! M-Series: robust, lightweight professional tripods with state-of-the-art M-lock mechanism, high-performance D-shaped aluminum tubing and new carbon fiber weave.  Kits are avaiable with professional XPRO heads.

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  Manfrotto Aviator Bags: compact and lightweight traveling bags for DJI Mavic Pro Platinum. The new selection includes two carrying solutions: the Hover-25 backpack and the M1 sling bag.

• Manfrotto Nitrotech N12 Video Head: this new edition to the Nitrotech range features a unique nitrogen piston mechanism to guarantee a precise, continuous counterbalance from 8.8 to 26.4 lbs.
• Manfrotto Camera Cages: developed in conjunction with Wooden Camera, these cages were designed to meet the needs of independent video content creators who increasingly rely on high-end mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
• Manfrotto TwistGrip System: offers a choice of components and kits that meet the needs of smartphone photographers, videographers and mobile journalists.
• Gossen Mavolux Compact: one-hand operation provides leeway for simultaneous operation of communication devices and remote controls.  Display can be read in the dark and swiveling sensor permits adjustment to individual working conditions. Perfect to use in industrial settings for planning, installing, inspecting and monitoring lighting systems, as well as for the assurance of compliance with specified lighting conditions. The meter is a class C instrument in accordance with DIN 5032-7, EN 13032-1 appendix B, includes high-quality V(λ) matching and cosine correction, and it is designed for reliable measurement of daylight and all sources of artificial light including LED.

“This year opens a new chapter for our Company: we recently on boarded Lowepro and JOBY into our brand portfolio,” said Marco Pezzana, CEO Vitec Group Photographic Division. “They represent the perfect complement to our existing brands allowing us to offer the most compelling range of imaging accessories for content creators, professional photographers and video makers around the globe. Gitzo, our crown-jewel, turns 100 and it’s extended, innovative product line up paired with a new brand strategy has it poised to define tomorrow. In addition, we are pleased to present our award-winning existing products under the Manfrotto range, as well as expanding tools for video and independent content creators and launching an updated, enhanced version of our flagship traveler tripods, Befree. Our passion and commitment of delivering the best solution for capturing and sharing exceptional images throughout extraordinary products is deeply instilled in each brand.  We are delighted consumers will be able to discover our extensive offering under the same showcase during PhotoPlus.”

Dave Krugman, a Manfrotto Global Ambassador and Brooklyn-based freelance photographer, writer and social media strategist, will be doing a Facebook Live event showcasing the Befree Advanced at 1:30pm on Thursday, October 26^th in booth 855.

Two of Lowepro’s Loweprofessional partners will be hosting Q & A sessions in booth 855 as well.  On Friday, October 27, 2017 at 1pm, Loweprofessional Dana Distortion Yavin, a photographer known for capturing the energy and essence of high-profile bands and artists such as Madonna and Aerosmith, will share her perspective and answer questions about her work as a music/concert photographer. On Saturday October 28, 2017 at 10am, Loweprofessional Ian Spanier, known for environmental portraits, travel, sports and fitness photography, will discuss lighting and how to prepare for a photo shoot.

Additionally, Lowepro will sponsor Ian’s PPE talk about lighting and photo shoots.  The talk will be held 4:30–6:30pm, Friday, October 27, 2017 in Room IE15/1E16.

Lastolite Ambassador Joe McNally, will present in booth 873 on Thursday, October 26^th and Friday, October 27^th from 11am-12pm.  Joe, is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer based in the US whose prolific career includes assignments in nearly 70 countries and all 50 states, will speak about Simple Portraits Using One Softbox To Get Three Different Looks. On Friday, October 27^th from 3-4pm he will talk about Taking Control Of The Background.

Hourly live studio demonstrations of Lastolite by Manfrotto, Metz and Gossen will be happening each day by Manfrotto AmbassadorsTony Gale and Michel Leroy in booth 873 as well. Tony Gale, Sony Artisan of Imagery, is a commercial photographer who shoots compelling portraits for a variety of advertising, corporate and editorial clients. He will be showing some of his lighting techniques for capturing eye-catching photos. Michel Leroy is an entertainment and advertising photographer with a produced style that captures an authentic connection to real personalities. From celebrity chefs to NBA All-Stars, he photographs the people that define our time.

PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo will host the 3^rd Annual Lucie Technical Awards. The Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1-36, Manfrotto Pro Light Bumblebee-230, Gitzo Century Traveler Messenger Bag, Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II, Manfrotto Xume, Gitzo Series 3 Systematic GT3543XLSUS and the Metz Mecablitz M400 have been selected as finalists in the Best Camera Bag, Best Industrial Design, Best Tripod and Best Speedlight categories.

About Vitec Group plc – vitecgroup.com

Vitec is a leading global provider of premium branded products and solutions to the fast changing and growing “image capture and sharing” market. Vitec’s customers include broadcasters, independent content creators, photographers and enterprises, and our activities comprise design, manufacture and distribution of high performance products and software including camera supports, wireless systems, robotic camera systems, prompters, LED lights, mobile power, monitors and bags.  We employ around 1,600 people across the world in ten different countries and are organized in two divisions:  Broadcast and Photographic.  Vitec’s owned brands; Avenger, Gitzo, JOBY, Lastolite by Manfrotto, Lowepro and Manfrotto are represented in the United States by its own direct distribution system, Manfrotto Distribution.  Additionally, Manfrotto Distribution is the US distributor of Gossen, Metz, 360Rize, Shoulderpod and National Geographic. The Vitec Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a 2016 revenue of £376.2 million.

About PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo – photoplusexpo.com

Designed for professionals in the photographic and imaging industries as well as enthusiasts, PhotoPlus Expo showcases the latest advances in photography, digital imaging and filmmaking. Held annually at the Javits Convention Center, attendees have the opportunity to explore an inspiring array of photography and imaging products and services – all from the industry’s leading manufacturers. The show also offers seminars and intimate Photo Walks and Master Classes taught by world-renowned experts that focus on cutting-edge innovations and techniques.

PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo is owned by Emerald Expositions, the largest operator of business-to-business trade shows in the United States, with most of our shows dating back several decades. We currently operate more than 50 trade shows, including 31 of the top 250 trade shows in the country as ranked by TSNN, as well as numerous other events. Our events connect over 500,000 global attendees and exhibitors and occupy more than 6.5 million NSF of exhibition space. We have been recognized with many awards and accolades that reflect our industry leadership as well as the importance of our shows to the exhibitors and attendees we serve.