A Super-Stable Fluid Head for Wildlife Photography: Filippo Ciferri’s Work at the Aviano WWF Oasis with the Maxima 30.
Filippo Ciferri, a videographer and photographer specializing in short documentaries on endangered species and migratory birds, relies on the Cartoni Maxima 30 fluid head for wildlife filming and photography. Its precision in adjusting and replicating drag settings ensures smooth and reliable results.
How did you first discover Cartoni, and what convinced you to choose our products for your work?
FC: I first heard about Cartoni many years ago while working for an Italian company specializing in research and development for broadcast systems. I was already familiar with its high-quality products. About 15 years ago, I relocated from Rome to a countryside property in Umbria, near Orvieto; I discovered the WWF Oasis of Alviano, one of the largest nature reserves in central Italy, spanning 900 hectares and just 20 minutes away from my home. This sparked my interest in wildlife photography, a passion I continue to pursue today. Over the past year, I’ve shifted my focus toward creating short documentaries about native species inhabiting the oasis.
Could you tell us about the unique aspects of your work documenting wildlife? How do you ensure minimal impact on the animals you film?
FC: My intention, driven partly by necessity and partly by the desire to avoid disturbing the animals during filming, was to switch to shooting videos using long and ultra-long focal lengths (ranging from 800mm to 1600mm). This approach allowed me to observe and follow the animals throughout the year without disrupting their natural behavior, Filippo explains.
To achieve this, I needed not only exceptional optics and a high-quality camera but also a fluid head and a stable tripod capable of delivering incredibly smooth movements, even in challenging conditions such as wind. This was especially important given the significant distances involved, often exceeding 350 meters between the camera lens and the subjectsI was filming.
What tools and equipment do you use for your shoots, particularly when working with such long focal lengths?
FC: I purchased my Cartoni Maxima 30 fluid head from BL 2, my usual supplier for all video and photography equipment. Currently, I use a two-camera setup to film simultaneously, while for long focal lengths, I rely on a Nikon Z9 with a Nikon Z800mm lens plus a Nikon MC-N10 remote controller, which is essential for avoiding direct contact with the camera during filming to prevent vibrations. For wider shots, a Panasonic GH7 with a Panasonic 150mm lens, paired with a remote controller for the same reason.
Both cameras capture the same scene simultaneously and are mounted on the Maxima 30. This allows me, during post, to either zoom in or switch between the shorter focal length, to capture a flock of birds in flight – and the longer focal length – for moments such as a group of animals facing each other in water, marking territorial boundaries.
What led you to choose the Maxima 30 a rather consistent, fluid head for your setup? Was there a specific moment when it proved indispensable?
FC: The Maxima 30 fluid head’s performance is unquestionably excellent. Elisabetta Cartoni, Cartoni’s CEO, kindly provided me with military plates to stabilize the tripod on the ground, which, in my case, is often positioned less than a meter from the water. Together with Elisabetta, we are exploring potential modifications to enhance the fluid head’s performance in wildlife environments.
How would you describe the stability provided by the Maxima 30 head for wildlife videography and photography? Do you have any examples or anecdotes that highlight this feature?
FC: Regarding the fluidity of pan and tilt, the Maxima stands out for its ability to precisely adjust and repeat drag parameters. This feature proves beneficial not only in challenging environments but also for capturing specific types of shots, such as in-flight scenes, extended sequences, or static shots while waiting for an animal to fish, among others.
The Maxima 30 supports a significant payload: how does it perform with your setup, for instance, when using two-camera simultaneously?
FC: As said before, I am currently working with a two-camera setup mounted at the same time, and the Maxima 30 fluid head handles this configuration exceptionally well, while providing the necessary stability, particularly with the heavy lenses, while ensuring smooth panning and tilting.
Can you share your experience filming herons at the Aviano WWF Natural Oasis? How did the Maxima 30 assist you in capturing those moments?
FC: When it comes to specific situations, I must emphasize the importance of patience. Filming wildlife doesn’t match any time constraints. For instance, I once waited for three hours for a falcon perched on a tree, only for it to fly off in the opposite direction of my position. On another occasion, I captured footage of a snake hunting on a log. Additionally, I’ve focused on documenting the behavior of swans throughout the year, worked with flamingos, and have some footage of herons hunting shot with the Maxima 30.
Are there any other Cartoni products you find particularly suitable for wildlife photography and would like to try in the future?
FC: I would definitely consider using other Cartoni products as the Rail-Clamp, to address situations where a tripod with a head alone isn’t sufficient. This is especially true considering the courtesy Elisabetta has shown in sharing ideas and innovations tailored for this niche type of shooting, which differs from Cartoni’s typical target market.
The importance of an accurate Fluid Head for Wildlife shooting: Maxima 30 in WWF Oasis.
About Cartoni
Cartoni is recognized worldwide as a leader in film and broadcast camera support. It is the only professional support company that designs, engineers, manufactures and assembles in Italy through its base in Rome. The company applies special attention to energy saving and environmental conservation and the only company that offers an unparalleled free, 5-year warranty on all fluid heads and pedestals. Since 1935, Cartoni has maintained its preeminent position by delivering superior technology and offering support products for a range of cameras from compact digital devices to large studio cameras. Its products include fluid heads, encoded heads, jibs & and nodal heads, tripods, and pedestals.
For more information, visit www.cartoni.com/.
