This photo of my photoalbum was taken in Okinawa.

The Manfrotto Group is manufacturer of camera and lighting supports based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. It is owned by the UK company Vitec Group. Manfrotto is generally regarded as producing high-end, but not always superb products, while high-end products are produced by sister company, Gitzo. However, Manfrotto products still attract use from professionals. In the US, Manfrotto products are distributed by Bogen Imaging under the brand name "Bogen" however because of the digital revolution and global nature of information, most Americans better recognize the Manfrotto brand name. The hardware is identical regardless of the brand it winds up being sold under. Manfrotto/Bogen's main competition on the low end is from such brands as Velbon, Canon and Slik, and on the high end from Gitzo. Manfrotto is distinguished from the likes of Slik by virtue of not making one-piece tripods; the legs and head in all cases are sold separately, and interchangeable.

Gitzo S.A. is a manufacturer of Photographic accessories, including bags, but specialising in tripods and supports. Founded by Arsène Gitzhoven in 1917 initially producing cameras, shutters, and cable releases, but between 1942 and 1944 with World War II in full swing, the company closed for the duration of the occupation. During the 1950's, tripods were introduced into their product range, and shortly after, Arsène retired, and his daughter, Yvonne Plieger took over the company. She and her husband became more and more dedicated to creating a range of high quality photographic tripods. In 1992, Gitzo became part of the Vitec group, who also own Manfrotto, described in corporate literature as "a multinational holding company specialised in supporting professional photographers, broadcasters and filmmakers." In 2005, Gitzo completed their transfer of production from France to Italy, a process which began in 2001.