The New Sachtler Aktiv Is the Fast Fluid Head for Can’t-Miss Moments

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Published on October 14, 2020
Sachtler Aktiv fluid head
Sachtler Aktiv fluid head
Stephanie Vermillion
Adorama ALC

Versatility and functionality abound with the new Sachtler Aktiv, a line of fluid head products that mount, level, and lock within seconds. This fluid-head line was built with speed and accuracy in mind. Not only will creators never miss a shot, they’ll also capture the perfect moment with precision, thanks to the brand’s SpeedLevel technology and illuminated PrismBubble. Whether it’s ultra-low shots with the brand’s Flowtech tripods or swapping from tripod to slider, the Sachtler Aktiv line promises an enviably flexible workflow.

Fluid head options include the Aktiv 6 (payload range up to 17.6 pounds), and the Aktiv 8, 8T, and 10 (payload ranges up to 26.5 pounds). Here’s everything you need to know about the Sachtler’s new Aktiv Fluid Head line, available now.

Sachtler aktiv14T Fluid Head | Hands on with Nick Dabas

Expect speed and exactness with Sachtler’s innovative new Aktiv fluid heads, which boast SpeedLevel technology for easy release, level, and locking. The fluid heads, which vary in payload ranges of up to 17.6 pounds for the Aktiv 6 and 26.5 pounds for the Aktiv 8, 8T and 10, come with the brand’s revolutionary PrismBubble, an illuminated level that’s visible from every height and angle, and across all hours of the day.

The brand’s Aktiv fluid heads and Flowtech tripods make impressively low vantage points more accessible. Flowtech tripods can go entirely flat to the ground for exquisite low-angle shots (see the image above). And, when it’s time to switch from tripod to slider or handheld, the Aktiv’s SpeedSwap feature lets creators transition almost instantly.

Key Features

  • SpeedLevel technology ensures quick capturing
  • Illuminated PrismBubble for day-and-night viewing
  • Aktiv fluid heads combine with Flowtech tripods for low-angle shooting
  • SpeedSwap system promises speed when transitioning from tripod to slider
  • Payload ranges include up to 17.6 pounds (Aktiv 6) and up to 26.5 pounds (Aktiv 8, 8T, and 10)
  • Weight of fluid heads are: Aktiv 6 (5.7 pounds), Aktiv 8 (5.9 pounds), Aktiv 8T (6.2 pounds), and Aktiv 10 (6.4 pounds)
  • Camera fitting is Sideload S for Aktiv 6, 8, and 10; 8T camera fitting is Touch & Go Plate S
  • Performance tested for extreme weather

Sachtler Aktiv fluid head

Mount, level, and lock instantly

With the Aktiv line’s efficient SpeedLevel technology, creators will never miss the perfect shot. The Aktiv fluid heads can be released, leveled, and locked within seconds, with the brand’s innovative PrismBubble for quickly and accurately confirming an even camera position. Speed continues with the fluid head line’s SpeedSwap system, built to make transitioning from tripod to slider and hand held shooting quicker than ever.

Get creative with vantage points

When scenes call for an extremely low angles, the Aktiv fluid heads and Sachtler’s wide range of Flowtech tripods will save the day. This impressive mounting system offers one of the widest height ranges out there. Since these fluid heads require no bowl clamp, creators can set the Flowtech tripods entirely flat to the ground for dramatic low-angle perspectives.

Inside the Aktiv line

Take a look at our breakdown of each of Sachtler’s nenw Aktiv fluid heads below:

Sachtler aktiv6
Sachtler aktiv6

Sachtler aktiv8
Sachtler aktiv8

Sachtler aktiv8T
Sachtler aktiv8T

Sachtler aktiv10
Sachtler aktiv10
Bowl 75 mm with SpeedSwap 75 mm with SpeedSwap 75 mm with SpeedSwap 100 mm with SpeedSwap
Payload range 0 – 8 kg or 0-17.6 lb 0 – 12 kg or 0 -26.5 lb 0 – 12 kg or 0 -26.5 lb 0 – 12 kg or 0 -26.5 lb
Counterbalance steps 15+0 15+0 15+0 15+0
Drag setting 3+0 7+0 7+0 7+0
Head weight 2.6 kg or 5.7 lb 2.7 kg or 5.9 lb 2.8 kg or 6.2 lb 2.9 kg or 6.4 lb
Camera fitting Sideload S Sideload S Touch & Go plate S Sideload S

Feature image via Sachtler

Stephanie Vermillion
Stephanie Vermillion is a wedding, documentary and small business filmmaker covering the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area, as well as a travel and lifestyle journalist reporting on a variety of topics across the globe. Combining Stephanie’s interests in storytelling, love, wildlife, travel and media, Stephanie Vermillion Studio was built from the ground up in her one-bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stephanie’s writing and photography have been published in outlets like Mental Floss and Elite Daily, and her filmmaking includes everything from East Coast weddings to awareness-building wildlife conservation films around the world.