Photographers that use Gitzo Camera Accessories have come to demand exactly that: top performance and traditional quality with absolutely no compromise. Professionals the world over acknowledge Gitzo Tripods, Gitzo Monopods, Gitzo Ballheads and Accessories as setting the industry's standards for excellence. Innovations such as the first uses of carbon and basalt fiber to make tripods and magnesium to make tripod heads, matched with a design policy of "no gimmicks and no compromise on quality" put Gitzo products in a class of their own. Gitzo was founded in France in 1917 by Arsene Gitzhoven, who produced cameras, cable releases, shutters and filmpack frames for the photographic industry until 1942. Production of the Gitzo brand began again in 1944 and the tripod line was introduced to the Gitzo product range in the 1950's. In 1960, Gitzhoven retired and his daughter, Yvonne Plieger, took over the company with her husband. Over time they were able to create a product that was exported all over the world to over 54 countires. In 1992, Gitzo became part of the Vitec Group - a multinational holding company specialized in supporting professional photographers, broadcasters and filmmakers. Gitzo's unfailing standards have helped to maintain the company's worldwide reputation for excellence in the photographic industry for many years to come. Gitzo is run by Manfrotto Bogen, in addition all Bogen Imaging products are the finest quality products for imaging, nothing can deliver better performance and reliability. If you have any questions about your next Gitzo manfrotto product please do not hesitate to contact us!