Sachtler System aktiv10 flowtech100 GS

The aktiv10 Sideload Fluid Head uses Sachtler‘s truly innovative SpeedLevel technology to provide almost instant mounting and leveling of your camera rig on Sachtler 100mm 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 production, the aktiv10 supports camera rigs weighing up to 26.5 pounds. This 100mm ball fluid head also features 15 steps of counterbalance, seven steps of pan and tilt drag, and zero settings for both balance and drag.

The proprietary Sachtler 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 aktiv10 enables you to spread the legs flat for extremely low shots without a tie-down knob getting in the way. You can also 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 active 10’s PrismBubble is a built-in prism level with two viewing windows that enable you to more easily level the head when the legs are at set at maximum height or at an awkward angle. The bubble level also has two levels of illumination—press once to light up the bubble level or hold longer to illuminate both the bubble level and the counterbalance and drag settings, a boon when working in darker environments.

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 aktiv10 head also features a detachable pan bar that can be mounted onto the rosettes on either the right or left side of the head.

The Sachtler flowtech 100 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ground Spreader eschews the common single or double carbon fiber tube design; instead it has redesigned the shape of the legs for improved torsional strength. The legs weigh 8.8 pounds, yet they can support a payload of up to 66 pounds, and extend from a minimum height of 16.9″ to a maximum height of 62.6″ when using the included removable ground spreader. Each leg features a single clamping lever that locks and unlocks the sections.

Each leg extends or retracts independently from the other two, and when it is detached from the spreader each leg can pivot without affecting the other legs. This is especially useful when working on rough or uneven terrain. You can remove the spreader completely and lock each leg in one of three positions, so you can work without a spreader if you wish. This enables you to spread the legs extremely wide for low shots while the tripod legs maintain their torsional stability. The dual spikes at the end of each leg provide extra grip when working on softer ground.

The Sachtler ENG 2 Padded Bag is a soft tripod bag designed to carry various Sachtler tripods with fluid heads up to 35″ long. The case is made from water-resistant Cordura nylon and can be carried by the interlocking handles or the attached, adjustable shoulder strap.