Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

ive been using a Vinten Vision 3 with Miller Solo VJ legs for the last 3 years and have been very happy. i knew i would eventually add another pro tripod system in years to come. ive had this idea that someday owning a Sachtler FSB-8 would be the ultimatte even over the Vision 3.i got the FSB-8 a few weeks ago and have to say that after trying it out i was very very disappointed with its performance. didnt like the "feel" of it at all compared to my Vision 3. its a very sterile head and the stepped settings for "drags" was not appealing since you cant really change these settings on the fly without some clunking to settle into their slot. my son who also shoots multicamera gigs with me also didnt care for it.for the price of near $1.600 i expected much more and i decided to RETURN IT.i returned it for (2) Vinten Vision Blue heads (one as a kit for a steal of $1,124.00 and the other head for $697.00. i just recieved the Blue and Vinten legs and and completely happy with this head & legs. it feels just as good as my Vision 3 for less money and far less than the FSB-8 and will accommodate many of my more lightweight cameras as well.you could lay the FSB-8 on a table next to the Vision Blue and offer me my choice for the same low price of the Blue and id take the Blue any and every day of the week.im done with Sachtler forever.

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

I upgraded to this fluid head from another one that was in the same general price range. This one is way better, smooth-as-silk pans and tilts, good balance with smaller and heavier cameras. The side-loading feature is very useful, especially when I'm working with less experienced camera operators.

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

Replaced a Manfrotto 501 head with this. Couldn't decide between the FSB-6 and 8, but went with the 8 as it has a high load capacity if I ever need one (e.g. new cameras, more elaborate DSLR rigs). weighed both the FSB-6 and 8, and using my kitchen scale the FSB-6 is about 4.9 lbs and the 8 is 5.15 pounds, so pretty negligible weight difference (and different from manufacturer published weight, although I'm using a large kitchen scale so who knows). The 8 has 5 levels of drag as well vs. the 6's 3 levels. I wish the head (or all of these higher-end heads) could be lighter w/o sacrificing performance as I do a lot of work in the high mountains, but that is currently not the case with any of the heads (although the Miller looks like it might be a pound lighter).The ball level is a revelation to me (haven't used one on a video head before - it makes things 1000% easier), but that is not unique the FSB. The actual action of the head is super smooth. I cursed the 501 a couple times on some super slow pans. The FSB feels awesome, and on the slower pans with the drag turned up it makes getting those consistent, super slow pans pretty easy (although it's not completely automatic as you have to apply a consistent pressure). Only a motorized head would probably be a more automatic guarantee of the most smooth, consistent pan, but that's less flexible/portable.Any so far very happy with the purchase. Did a ton of research and on all of the more serious cinemtography forums the Sachtler's get the highest marks from people using all types of heads. Was originally going to get the CineDSLR version (use a 5D MKII now), but didn't see the point in loading it with only 1 pound at a sacrifice of limited high-end load. I bought a [$] tripod, I better have "L" lenses which are mostly heavier than 2 pounds with the camera.I attached a manfrotto quick release device to the FSB plate and it works great for snapping the camera and lenses on and off the stock plate. I hate the old school "need a coin" screws these manufacturers continue to insist on using.

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

I shoot with a Canon 5DmkII and had a hard time deciding between this head and the Sachtler CINE-DSLR. In the end I decided to go with the FSB-8 over the Cine for the extra weight capacity on the top end of the scale. You lose a pound on the low end of the scale vs. the CINE-DSLR but gain 9lbs on the top end of the scale. To me that's a more versatile option for future growth of rig or camera. You also get 5 steps of drag control versus 3 on the Cine-DSLR. The counterbalance on the CINE-DSLR can probably be fine tuned for light set ups better but so far I've had no problems balancing a bare 5D with Zeiss ZE 35 which is just a bit over 2lbs.

The head is perfectly smooth and a joy to use. If you're upgrading from one of the consumer/prosumer fluid heads you'll see a marked difference in performance. The best way to describe it is that with a head like this you don't have to think about your pans & tilts and can focus on the shot instead of focusing on fighting your head to get a smooth move.

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

I use FSB-8 with 800mm lens made by Canon. It is convenient that the head can hold the angle I want to hold.
As the lens screws, 1/4 and 3/8, don't have spring washers, I try to pay attention for clenching lens screws. If the screws are fixed without tool, the lens can be shaky. So I try to use 1/4 and 3/8 screws with 800mm lens, and to use a coin to clench the screws.
The top plate be released by two times actions and attaching it to the head is only one action. I think it is very convenience, because once the top plate put off the head, and I can set up the lens with the top plate, clenching two screws at easy position. After that, I can take back the lens with the top plate to the head safely. I don't have to seek the screws holes, holding the heavy lens above the eyes level.
The price is high but I recommend it.

Comments about Sachtler 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head:

I replace this FSB8 to other head in order to get more stable and quick movement.
So far I enjoy this performance, usualy I take photograph for wild birds in the fields and water side.