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Sachtler aktiv8 Sideload Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 7-Step Drag for Sachtler Tripods (75mm)

BH #SAS2068S • MFR #S2068S
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Sachtler aktiv8 Sideload Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 7-Step Drag for Sachtler Tripods (75mm)
Key Features
  • 26.5 lb Capacity Fluid Drag Head
  • 75mm Half Ball
  • SpeedSwap Clamp-Style Base
  • SpeedLevel Technology
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.
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Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Overview

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

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Sideload Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate: Sideload Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
26.5 lb / 12 kg
Weight
6 lb / 2.7 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Sideload Quick Release w/ Sliding Balance Plate: Sideload Plate)
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
75 mm Half Ball with Sachtler SpeedSwap Base
Counter Balance
Continuous 15-Step Plus 0
Dimensions
Camera Plate: 5.5 x 2" / 140.00 x 50.00 mm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -70°
General
Load Capacity
26.5 lb / 12 kg
Accessory Mounting
2x Pan Handle Fitting
Bubble Level
Yes (Illuminated)
Weight
6 lb / 2.7 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
9.15 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
18 x 10.1 x 8.3"

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

To attach this to a Dana Dolly, do I need the ...

To attach this to a Dana Dolly, do I need the 'Dana Dolly 75mm Adapter for Sachtler aktiv6, 8 & 8T' (BH #DAKTIV75A) OR 'Sachtler aktiv Bowl Connector for 75mm Tripod (V2)' (B&H # SAABC75V2)?
Asked by: Michael
To attach this to the Dana Dolly you will need the 75mm adapter for Sachtler aktiv6, 8 & 8T (#DAKTIV75A). You don't need the Sachtler aktiv Bowl Connector because one comes with the aktiv8 head.
Answered by: gracem
Date published: 2022-06-12

Can this go frictionless on the horizontal?

Can this go frictionless on the horizontal?
Asked by: William
Yes, you can set the Sachtler aktiv8 Sideload Fluid Head to have zero friction.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2024-05-07

I read some of the reviews. They were saying that ...

I read some of the reviews. They were saying that the panning have issue with high resistance. Is it true that the bowl base will not be able to keep up with the resistance applied at the highest ?
Asked by: Dennis
This should not be the case if properly installed and balanced within its load capacity.
Answered by: Victor
Date published: 2021-11-23

Can this be mounted to a Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter ...

Can this be mounted to a Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter on a Gitzo 5 series tripod?
Asked by: Benjamin
no, currently aktiv does not work with Gitzo tripods. Sachtler is working on a range of accessories to make aktiv compatible with other brands
Answered by: Barbara
Date published: 2021-02-22

Is the aktiv8 head compatible with VCT style ...

Is the aktiv8 head compatible with VCT style quick plates?
Asked by: Holly
The sideload system is really great, especially with a fully rigged up camera. The "Touch&o" system requires a propriety (and expensive) plate, so I don't recommend that. I presume you could easily use this with a VCT system, as there is a flat surface on the bottom of the bowl. That said, look into the "speed swap" system that could also attach to a VCT system. I need a VCT system for my shoulder rig, so this is important to me.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-02-17

Is this compatible with the original flowtech ...

Is this compatible with the original flowtech legs?
Asked by: Chris
aktiv works best with the flowtech75 aktiv. Sachtler is offering a free upgrade to existing flowtech75 owners who purchase an aktiv6 or aktiv8 head. More info about the upgrade process is available on sachtler.com under the various aktiv heads.
Answered by: Barbara
Date published: 2021-04-21

Is the aktiv8 head compatible with Manfrotto ...

Is the aktiv8 head compatible with Manfrotto 501PL plates?
Asked by: Thad
It is not. This is not compatible with 501PL style heads.
Answered by: Joe P
Date published: 2023-03-09

Is it possible to convert an activ8 to an activ8T ...

Is it possible to convert an activ8 to an activ8T and vice versa?
Asked by: Michael
It is not possible to change the plate style of an Sachtler Aktiv head from Side Load to Touch and Go. However, You could add an adapter like the following to add a Touch and Go plate style to a side load head. https://bhpho.to/39qGwSK
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2024-11-07
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