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Sachtler aktiv6 Sideload Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 3-Step Drag for Sachtler Tripods (75mm)

BH #SAS2064S • MFR #S2064S
13 reviews
Sachtler aktiv6 Sideload Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 3-Step Drag for Sachtler Tripods (75mm)
Key Features
  • 17.6 lb Capacity Fluid Drag Head
  • 75mm Half Ball
  • SpeedSwap Clamp-Style Base
  • SpeedLevel Technology
The aktiv6 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 DSLRs, mirrorless, and digital cine-style cameras, the aktiv6 supports rigs weighing up to 17.6 pounds. This fluid head features 15 steps of counterbalance and three steps of pan and tilt drag adjustment, plus zero settings for both balance and drag.
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Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Overview

The aktiv6 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 DSLRs, mirrorless, and digital cine-style cameras, the aktiv6 supports rigs weighing up to 17.6 pounds. This fluid head features 15 steps of counterbalance and three 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 activ6 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 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 aktiv6 sliding balance plate with 1/4-20" screw and locating pin. With a sliding range of 4.7", this head adapts quickly to balance variously configured rigs. The Sachtler aktiv6 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
17.6 lb Capacity Fluid Head
This 17.6 lb capacity fluid head is suited for larger DSLRs, mirrorless MFT cameras, and for pro-style digital cine cameras
Stepped Counterbalance and Drag
15 steps of counterbalance and three 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 a 1/4"-20 screw and a locating pin to prevent twisting
1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 Tie-Down Screws
The head ships with an additional 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 tie-down screw mounted on threaded holes at the top of the head

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Specs

Camera Plate
Camera Plate FeaturesSideload, Sliding Balance Plate
Camera Plate TypeSideload Plate
Camera Mounting Screw1 x 1/4"-20 Male with Locating Pin
Balance Plate Sliding Range4.7" / 120 mm
Safety LockYes
Head
Base Mount75 mm Half Ball
Counter BalanceIncremental 15-Step Plus 0
Pan Handle Fittings2 x Rosette
Bubble Level1 x Illuminated
Pan & Tilt
Drag ControlPan: Stepped 3-Step Plus 0
Tilt: Stepped 3-Step Plus 0
Drag TypeFluid
Vertical Tilt+90° to -70°
Panning Range360°
Independent Pan LockYes
Independent Tilt LockYes
General
Load Capacity0 to 17.6 lb / 0 to 8 kg
Weight5.7 lb / 2.6 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight7.9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)15.2 x 12 x 8.6"

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Reviews

I've wanted one for a while

By Kevin
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-14

I had always coveted this head when I saw others using it, and I wasn't wrong. Its so quick and easy to use and move, and it's got buttery smooth motion. A+

Junk

By Robert
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-22

I bought 15 of these for my station for ENG. They do not work well with any tripod except the Sachtler Flowtech, wich is another subject for another day. As is typical of Sachtler and their affinity for Rube Goldberg engineering, the Aktiv heads are a solution in search of a problem. If your desired solution is for your fluid head coming off very easily, then by all means this one is for you. DO NOT use the Aktiv heads with Gitzo or any other tripod. The mounting stud is too short and has already been redesigned, and although better, still garbage. I have already returned all of my Aktiv heads to Sachtler. When I ordered ours directly from Vitec, the parent company of Sachtler, I was assured they are perfectly compatible with Gitzo tripods. They are not.

This over Manfrotto anytime.

By Shmuel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-12

If you are a pro don't use Manfrotto. Use Sachtler. I've had most of the Manfrotto ones including the pretty good Nytrotech heads. But after a while they all fall apart, literally. Every piece I own from Manfrotto falls physically apart. Not so with Sachtler. A tripod needs to be a reliable piece of gear I don't like to think about, like a bank. But when I need it it needs to perform. It's doing exactly that.

A career-long keeper

By Ryan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-29

This fluid head is amazing. The speed level is such a time saver and so intuitive. I'll be keeping this thing until I'm ready to retire.

Hands down the best!

By Aaron Mahlon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-25

In my opinion the Sachtler aktiv14T Touch & Go Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 7-Step Drag (100mm) is the best in its class. You can't get a better fluid head for the money!

Your filming business growing?

By Aaron Mahlon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-25

In my opinion, for the money, the Sachtler 14T, iis the best fluid head for the buck.

Be Prepared for the conversion for older Flowtech Legs

By William
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-30

I didn't realize when I purchased the head I would need to send my original legs in to have a conversion performed to accept the new aktiv8 head. While Sachtler does pay for the shipping and the conversion, it takes longer than the 5 days they claim on the website. When I sent the legs in they were working fine, but now the company doing the conversion is recommending repairs to the top and bottom brakes.... wondering if its a way for them to make some additional money? Not sure, but I wasn't having any issues before sending it in so I'm going to pass.... frustrated with how long it's taking to get the conversion done while I improvise with other tripods. Hoping the new head design will be worth the wait, perhaps I'll give it a higher rating once I have a chance to put it to the test.

Not quite a Video 18 but Smooth

By Karl
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-19

So I bought this as a flash deal $700 bucks off. Have to say it's a great deal. Head is smooth as one would expect of Sachtler. So far the bowl locking mechanism holds well- tension is adjusable by the way. If I want to use it on a slider or something will need to get the matching base. The tilt and pan locking mechanism feel distintly cheap- like the many new, less expensive fluid heads- definitely not the same feel as the Sachlter video series, or O'Connor or Miller. You get what you pay for I guess. The other heads I own are the O'Connor 1030HDS and Ronford F3, so gauge my opinion appropriately.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

does this fit any 75mm tripd leg ?

does this fit any 75mm tripd leg ?
Asked by: Senoga
You will need the Sachtler aktiv Bowl Connector for 75mm Bowl Tripod. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1597846-REG/sachtler_s2080_0001_connector_for_aktiv_75mm.html
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-07-12

I have original FlowTech 75 legs. Why isn't the ...

I have original FlowTech 75 legs. Why isn't the "metal bowl insert" described as included with the aktiv6 head in the "what's in the box" listing? Without that, I can't use aktiv on the FLowTech legs - trust me, I've tried.
Asked by: David
Yeah I did. My point is its NOT in the box. I bought two of them. Shipped them to SachtlerVitek service in Connecticut. They didnt install or upgrade anything. Returned my Aktiv heads. I dont think they have this issue addressed, at least in the US.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2022-04-04

I'm thinking of using Sachtler aktiv6 head on a ...

I'm thinking of using Sachtler aktiv6 head on a "regular" tripod with a 3/8" mounting screw with help of a Sachtler adapter. How secure this setup would be? Is it advisable to use aktiv head like this? If not, what other fluid head would you recommend? I'm looking for a non-bowl style head for low angle shots. Many thanks in advance!
Asked by: Greg
You can use the Sachtler Adapter for 75mm aktiv Head to Slider with 3/8"-16 Stud. This will be secure and compatible. Sachtler Adapter for 75mm aktiv Head to Slider with 3/8"-16 Stud https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1597847-REG/sachtler_s2080_0003_adaptor_to_mount_an.html
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-11-18

Does this work with arca Swiss plates or ...

Does this work with arca Swiss plates or manfrotto pl?
Asked by: Johnson
It does not work with Swiss arca plates. It works with Manfrotto plates as e.g. use don 504 or Nitro series.
Answered by: Barbara
Date published: 2021-10-11

Is the Sony PMW FX9 with standard lens too heavy ...

Is the Sony PMW FX9 with standard lens too heavy for this tripod leg and head setup?
Asked by: Randy
No, the Sachtler aktiv6 Sideload Fluid Head can hold up to 17.6 lb and the Sony FX9 weighs 4.4 lb.
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2021-11-19

Can this be used with manfrotto legs? Will any ...

Can this be used with manfrotto legs? Will any functionality be lost?
Asked by: Anonymous
no, currently it is only compatible with Sachtler legs. Sachtler is developing accessories in order to make aktiv compatible with other tripods as well.
Answered by: Barbara
Date published: 2021-03-16

Do any non-Sachtler telescopic pan handles work ...

Do any non-Sachtler telescopic pan handles work with this head?
Asked by: Dustin
No, I would suggest the following pan arms for the following video head Sachtler 3470 Sachtler 3471 Sachtler Pan Handle DV 75
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2021-08-16

Is the Sony PXW Z280 with external mic and BP ...

Is the Sony PXW Z280 with external mic and BP battery too heavy for this Sachtler Aktiv6? Is that easy to setup and balancing?
Asked by: Febri
That would be well under the load capacity for the Aktiv6 head. The head is very easy to balance.
Answered by: Peterm
Date published: 2022-03-01
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