Bogen 525MVB vs 542Art. I must be missing something
 

The 525MVB is $550 with a mid spreader. The 542Art is $1300. THe 542Art is carbon fiber and weighs in at 8.8 lbs. The 525MVB is not carbon fiber, a pound lighter and an inch taller. Both are 2-stage. Ignoring the bowl size, I'm wondering what is the reason to buy the 542ART?

Hi Ernest:

Because the 542ART is the fastest tripod in the world. There are no locking knobs or levers to worry about. All you do is open the tripod to the level you want to shoot at and the legs lock solidly in place. If you need to adjust height, simply push a button and the leg moves into position until you release the button. Designed originaly for ENG use where ultimate set-up speed is necessary sometimes to get the shot, the 542ART is fast, light weight and durable. If you have a dealer near you, check it out and ask for a demonstation. Or if you'll be at NAB, the Bogen Imaging booth will have a few for you to try.

Marc Schotland
Manfrotto

Thank you. Makes me want to get one. Does the prior model (540ART) have the same features you describe?

The 540ART has the same quick action technology (actually Advanced Release Technology) as the 542ART, but the 542 uses a new 'squid' spreader that locks into different angles to provide greater support when shooting in tight areas. For example, if you're shooting in a place when you need to collapse the leg angles of the tripod, the spreader will lock into the same angle to give the tripod the needed support and stability. The 540 uses a standard mid-level spreader.

Marc Schotland
Manfrotto