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Sachtler aktiv8T Touch & Go Fluid Head with SpeedLevel & 7-Step Drag for Sachtler Tripods (75mm)

BH #SAS2068T • MFR #S2068T
Sachtler aktiv8T Touch & Go 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 aktiv8T 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 larger DSLRs, mirrorless, and digital cine-style cameras, the aktiv8T supports rigs weighing up to 26.5 pounds. This fluid head features 15 steps of counterbalance and seven steps of pan and tilt drag adjustment, plus zero settings for both balance and drag.
In Stock
$2,327.50
$194/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
or Save the Tax with the credit card. 
Camera Plate Type
Quick Release
Sideload
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800.606.6969

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Overview

The aktiv8T 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 larger DSLRs, mirrorless, and digital cine-style cameras, the aktiv8T supports rigs weighing up to 26.5 pounds. This 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 activ8T 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 aktiv8T Touch & Go plate with both 1/4-20" and 3/8"-16 camera screws. A sliding range of 2.4" helps the head to quickly balance variously configured rigs. The Sachtler aktiv8T 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, 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
Touch & Go Plate
The Touch & Go platform provides quick camera mounting with 2.4" of travel for balancing your rig and both 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 camera screws

Sachtler Aktiv Series Video Head Specs

Camera Plate
Camera Plate FeaturesQuick Release, Sliding Balance Plate
Camera Plate TypeTouch & Go Plate S
Camera Mounting Screw1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Balance Plate Sliding Range2.4" / 60 mm
Safety LockYes
Plate Dimensions2.4 x 1.8" / 62 x 45 mm
Head
Base Mount75 mm Half Ball
Camera Platform AdjustmentYes, (2.4" / 60.0 mm)
Counter BalanceContinuous 15-Step Plus 0
Pan Handle Fittings2 x Rosette
Bubble Level1 x Illuminated
Battery TypeCR2032
Height6.2" / 158.00 mm (Exluding Half Ball)
7.4" / 188.00 mm (Including Half Ball)
Pan & Tilt
Drag ControlPan: Stepped 7-Step Plus 0
Tilt: Stepped 7-Step Plus 0
Drag TypeFluid
Vertical Tilt+90° to -70°
Panning Range360°
Independent Pan LockYes
Independent Tilt LockYes
General
Load Capacity0 to 26.5 lb / 0 to 12 kg
Operating Temperature-40 to 140°F / -40 to 60°C
Weight6.2 lb / 2.8 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight10 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)17.25 x 9.05 x 6.55"

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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Answered by: Barbara
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Asked by: Thad
No. Other than price, there really are no downsides, as this head is rated for 0 to 26.5 lb / 0 to 12 kg.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2021-04-05

How tall is this head from the bottom of the pan ...

How tall is this head from the bottom of the pan drag ring to the top most plate?
Asked by: Matt
Unfortunately, this specification is not explicitly provided by manufacturer, and since we have not yet received the product (as of this writing), we are unable to physically verify for your inquiry.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2020-11-10

What is the main difference between Aktiv8 and ...

What is the main difference between Aktiv8 and Aktiv8"T"? Thanks.
Asked by: Steve K
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To attach this to a Dana Dolly, do I need the ...

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does this fit any 75mm tripd leg ?

does this fit any 75mm tripd leg ?
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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
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