Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Overview
Peak Frames demonstrates the benefits of the Sachtler aktiv™ fluid head
Uroš Podlogar's take on Sachtler aktiv™
The aktiv8 Sideload Fluid Head uses Sachtler's truly innovative SpeedLevel technology to provide almost instant mounting and leveling of your camera rig on Sachtler 75mm tripod legs. The clamp and stud SpeedLevel system saves precious time leveling your camera rig by eliminating the need to screw on a tie-down knob. Designed for documentary, news, and corporate productions, the aktiv8 supports rigs weighing up to 26.5 pounds. This 75mm ball fluid head features 15 steps of counterbalance and seven steps of pan and tilt drag adjustment, plus zero settings for both balance and drag.
The SpeedLevel technology replaces the traditional head screw and tie-down design with a strong clamp built into the head bowl and a stud component that clamps onto your tripod bowl or other mounting platform, such as a slider. Simply grasp the large lever on the head and pull it up to release the clamp, then press it down to lock your head in place. Partially lifting the lever allows you to quickly and easily level the head.
When used with a separately available flowtech tripod, the aktiv8 enables you to spread the legs flat, getting as low to the ground as your head can without a tie-down knob getting in the way. You can also now mount your head directly onto a slider using a separately available aktiv system stud that screws onto support systems with a 3/8"-16 threaded stud.
The PrismBubble level system is pressed once to illuminate the bubble level to be illuminated or pressed twice to light up both the bubble level and the drag settings, a boon when working in darker environments. The bubble level also has a built-in prism, enabling you to more easily level the head when the legs are at set at maximum height or an awkward angle.
Mount your camera using the included Sideload Plate S that has both a 1/4-20 camera screw and a locating pin to prevent twisting. With a sliding range of 4.7", this head balances quickly to accommodate variously configured rigs The Sachtler aktiv8 head also features a detachable pan bar that can be mounted onto the rosettes on either the right or left side of the head.
aktiv Fluid Head Compatibility
The aktiv6 and aktiv8 fluid heads are compatible with Sachtler 75mm tripods (flowtech 75 aktiv, Tripod 75/2 AL, SpeedLock 75, ENG 75/2 D, and DA 75L)
Features
SpeedLevel Technology
Use the large integrated lever to quickly mount, level, and lock the head on your tripod or other base; lift up to release, lift partially to level, and press down to lock the head firmly in place
SpeedSwap Base
Centered around a metal stud, the SpeedSwap base clamps onto any 75mm bowl tripod or to the separately available slider base; additional bases can be purchased separately to fit a second tripod, dolly, or slider
PrismBubble Level
The illuminated PrismBubble is visible from any height or angle, saving you time when leveling at higher or lower positions
26.5 lb Capacity Fluid Head
This 26.5 lb capacity fluid head is suited for larger DSLRs, mirrorless MFT cameras, and pro-style digital cine cameras
Stepped Counterbalance and Drag
15 steps of counterbalance and seven steps of pan and drag plus zero settings for free spins and tilts
Sideload Plate
The sideload plate has 4.7" of travel for balancing your rig and both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 camera screws