Time for a new tripod - thoughts on Sachtler Aktiv range?

jasonbrooks

jasonbrooks

Well-known member
Hey folks,

I've been using my old massively heavy and solid as a rock Sachtler for about ten years now, and am beginning to realise I need something lighter. What I have now is overkill for the FX6, and the appeal of something like the "Sachtler Aktiv8 Flowtech75 Kit" is hard to deny.

Just wondering if anyone else has experience using one of the tripods in this range with a relatively kitted out FX6. I'll be using this one for the usual range of running around outdoors, covering action observationally, on wide zooms with a smattering of telephoto work on most shoots. I'll probably stick with my big/heavy sticks for my dedicated long-lens ballet shoots.

It's hard to be sure what benefit (if any) I'd get out of the larger "Sachtler aktiv 10T flowtech100 Kit". Both this and the 75 claim to have the same 0-12kg payload capacity. Hmmmmm.

Any input much appreciated. Cheers,

jason
 
Search dvxuser with the term "flowtech" and you'll find lots of discussion, most of it really positive.

A couple months ago I bought the same tripod & head you're considering and so far I really like it (I considered a few brands and models). I have a 20+ year old Vinten that I bought new and it still works great. But just yesterday on a two-camera shoot we were talking about how much more convenient the new Aktiv8 head and flowtech sticks are to use. We were rolling with a Canon C70 and C300mkII, so about the size and weight as your FX6. And I've dig the light weight when I've had to hike into a location.

As for 75mm vs 100mm bowls, I went for 75mm bowls because I'm not a full-time camop or DP and if I'm producing something with bigger cameras (e.g., Arri, FX9, and up), I'm working with someone who is. So for me, saving significant money on the 75mm system was a good call. Or so it seems to me so far. I'm sure others will chime in.
 
I have a Sachtler aktiv8 / flowtech combo for my FX6. Works great. You don't need anything bigger or heavier even for a fully-loaded FX6.
I also have a couple of 100mm flowtechs with OConnor heads that I could use with the FX6, but I odn't because it's overkill.
 
This past weekend I was at a fund raising event for Ukraine. All of the local tv stations had a reporter and cameraman at the event. Three of the four cameramen were using Flowtech tripods. A few months ago I also bought a Aktiv8/Flowtech 75 kit. No complaints, works as advertised. I find the tripod handle makes the Flowtech easy to carry. 5DCEAB2D-D7DD-4EC3-8B3A-B240A0028486.jpeg
 
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I’ve been on a waiting list to get the Activ 8T/75 but like everything else at the moment, none available in the UK, nothing until May or June.

I’ve used this combo with my friend’s c300 and I love it, so easy to set up and the head is usual Sachtler quality.
 
I've had the flowtech 75 since release, which I use with an FSB8. I've played with the Activ8 and it's better than my FSB8 so that will be a brilliant combo, quick and easy to deploy. The 100mm will give you more stability and smoother operation at the expense of more weight to lug around. I tend to leave my 100mm set-up at home and go with the 75mm 99% of the time these days. With heavy loads I use a dovetail so can balance it properly which makes a huge difference.
 
I could never get on board with those legs. Can't clamp a monitor, mixer, or any accessory. Fine for just eng camera.
 
Peter C. said:
I could never get on board with those legs. Can't clamp a monitor, mixer, or any accessory. Fine for just eng camera.
Click to expand...

Flowtech? They have 3/8" connectors on the base, so you can attach whatever you want. Much better to attach accessories to the base rather than the legs themselves.
 
Ye, the 3/8-16 connector works/looks like this. I haven't used it that way and don't attach things to legs, but seems like a reasonable approach for those who do:
Screenshot 2023-03-03 at 12.49.40 PM.png​
 
I film often sitting down with the tripod fully extended. Live events and theater performances, you need to get the camera high enough to film over people walking in front of the camera. I need the monitor at eye level and mounting the monitor at that location will interfere when using two pan arms.
 
Well, you can't please everyone. Especially those with non-standard setups. I've never seen anyone mount a monitor directly to the legs.
Maybe you should try some VR glasses.
 
Peter C. said:
I film often sitting down with the tripod fully extended. Live events and theater performances, you need to get the camera high enough to film over people walking in front of the camera. I need the monitor at eye level and mounting the monitor at that location will interfere when using two pan arms.
Click to expand...

I'm still liking my new flowtech legs. But if you want to clamp stuff to legs and are looking for a new tripod, you could consider the Miller Sprinter II. Available in 75mm and 100mm versions, mid-level and ground spreaders, and with either carbon or aluminum legs (though the aluminum option is only on the 100mm sticks). A key feature: leg locks are near (but not at) the top of the tripod. So for each leg there are two levers that are easy to reach while standing. Or so it appears; I haven't seen one in person. But it was an option I considered.
https://www.millertripods.com/en/tri...rinter-75.html

1620_75_sprinter_ii_2_stg_tripod_1.jpg - Click image for larger version Name: 1620_75_sprinter_ii_2_stg_tripod_1.jpg Views: 0 Size: 24.4 KB ID: 5700602
 
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Looks nice although I'm not in the market for a tripod. I was pointing out that I don't like tripods with non standard legs as I like to clamp on my monitor, mixer, or other accessories.
 
I guess you weren't, but then I figured my response might be helpful if someone digs up this thread in the future. While Sachtler is doing really interesting stuff, they're not the only ones doing so...
 
cyvideo said:
Maybe worth a read?

Chris Young

https://rb.gy/lm4vhx
Click to expand...

Read what, the Miller product description? I clicked the link and found this part most interesting . . . "The page you requested was not found. "
Since that left me with a lot of questions, I tracked down the tripod here: https://www.millertripods.com/en/cat...re/category/4/
I read the page and tired to watch the video (not available). And I didn't find out anything that makes this tripod interesting or unique. Pretty standard stuff, and nothing liek the Flowtech.
 
Really? I see almost nothing about tripods on that Fecebook link. I don't have time to pick through with a fine-tooth comb to find the few posts about tripods from people I don't know. Waste of time.
 
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