Here is the press release for the Novoflex QuadroPod tripod system introduced at Photokina last week. This tripod system supports equipment up to 110 pounds.

We will show it at the PhotoPlus show in New York later this month.

The new definition of tripod technology
The QuadroPod® being introduced by Novoflex Präzisionstechnik GmbH at photokina is not only the world premiere of the first four-leg tripod, it is an unbeatable tripod in terms of its’ versatility.
The foundation of this system is a completely newly designed tripod column that – thanks to modular construction – can be equipped with different leg variations. Aluminium or carbon legs made with three or four extensions are available. Working heights from 7 cm (2.8“) up to 180 cm (70.9“) are possible with the current leg types. Moreover, additional leg types are under development, enabling working heights up to 230 cm (91“). In addition, the different leg versions can be combined with each other and supplemented with clamps, suction cups and screw-in accessories of the existing Novoflex program.
The tripod is available in three variations:
• without center column
• with center column
• variable leg model with adjustable leg angles from 3 x 120° to 4 x 90°
The variable model can optionally be used with three or four legs. The advantage of the fourth tripod leg is the enormous increase of stability. Thus, the carrying capacity is more than 50 kg (110 Lb). Especially in case of heavy lenses with long focal lengths,
the QuadroPod® demonstrates its quality. In contrast to the common three leg tripod where heavy equipment should always be set-up in the direction of one leg, the camera arrangement is irrelevant when using a four leg tripod. Nothing will bounce or tilt over, regardless, in which direction the camera is mounted. A further vital advantage is the tripod alignment in case of uneven ground. Using a three-leg tripod, the photographer had to adjust all legs; in case of the QuadroPod® just one leg is
adjusted: The fourth leg is simply pushed inwards, until solid contact with the ground is made - now the tripod is positioned stabily and securely in the required position.
In terms of transportability this innovative design shows its advantages. As the legs can be separated from the tripod column, the individual parts can be stowed comfortably and space-savingly. This is an essential advantage in case of air travel or hiking. Furthermore, the photographer can decide before their job, which equipment and leg types are required. In case of walking or hill tours the tripod legs can be replaced with the Novoflex hiking sticks to further reduce the carrying weight.

Moreover, the tripod column has three tapped holes for the attachment of mounting accessories for flashes, reflectors, flags or other accessories. One example of the extraordinary tripod design: In order to create a shadeless illumination in case of
makro or portrait shootings, two flashes can be positioned at the right and left of the camera by means of flexible mounting arms. Used as a standard, mini, auto or clamping tripod, the application range for the QuadroPod® is as many as the requirements or as the job definitions in the field of photography.

Consequently the QuadroPod® created by Novoflex is an unsurpassed tripod system.
The Novoflex QuadroPod® is expected to be available by the end of 2008.