Sachtler
We’re a week away from the 2024 NAB Show and lots of exciting new products have already been announced. Lens-crafters NiSi and Atlas Lens Co. unveiled new additions to their signature cinema lineups. Industry-titan Sachtler updated its lauded Ace tripod system. We also got not one but two teasers for upcoming product launches from DJI.
NiSi ATHENA PRIME series brings on 18mm, 40mm, and 135mm lenses
NiSi is a relative newcomer to the world of cinema lenses, but they’ve made a strong showing so far, offering lenses that strike the right
Designed for stability and smoothness, the updated Ace fluid head systems from pro video mainstay Sachtler deliver consistent performance in a lightweight, portable form. Choose from an array of tripod configurations including the Ace XL Mk II fluid head with flowtech 75 and
Tripods are tricky pieces of gear because they often work well for years or even decades before wear and tear gets to be too much and they simply can't do the job anymore. Maybe they're struggling to get a steady pan, the setup shakes every time a heavy breeze blows, or the camera's continually a couple of degrees off balance, all telltale signs it's time for an upgrade. Replacing them can be daunting, with popular options ranging from $100 to $100,000. Below I'll present my top five features to consider when deciding which legs are worth the
It’s always a happy new year when Sachtler releases tripod system packages, fluid heads, and an adapter to support all the new cameras and accessories released into the world last year. Five new 100mm fluid heads in the aktiv and FSB lines provide smooth movement and support camera setups―from small mobile rigs to large cinema rigs―and 13 system packages provide spreader, fluid head, load capacity, and tripod model options.
The new
For those looking for an updated fluid head and tripod system, Sachtler has just announced new tripod heads, systems, and aktiv accessories. The new FSB 4, FSB 6 Mark II, and FSB 8 Mark II fluid heads and tripod systems help you create smooth moves using a range of camera rig sizes and weights. The new heads include the FSB 6 Mark II and FSB 8 Mark II fluid heads with 17.6 and 26.5 lb weight capacities
It’s raining, it’s pouring, your lead actor is snoring… in the toasty-dry holding area, while you and the rest of the camera crew wait out the storm in the not-so-great outdoors. Or perhaps your director has decided that their scene would just be so much more emotionally engaging if shot in a downpour and the dreaded rain machine is making its ominous appearance. Here we outline several solutions for keeping your video or film equipment dry in spring showers or heavier precipitation.
Cameraman in the rain
April Showers
When dealing with
When speaking with wildlife and bird photographers, the subject of camouflage always sparks conversation. Some are surprisingly dismissive, others are all-in and, of course, there are those of us in the middle, who understand the benefits, but are not quite ready to order a complete ghillie suit. In fact, camouflage gear is not a panacea, and all photographers should agree that your location, movements, techniques, scent, and even breathing have more impact on getting that great animal photograph than what you are wearing or under what you are
The Sachtler aktiv SpeedLevel tripod system with SpeedSwap Stud is a quick release method for mounting your tripod head on legs. However, there is so much more that the aktiv system brings to working with tripods and fluid heads, that the word “jaw-dropping” may not be enough to cover it. Fast, simple to use, and smart, the Sachtler aktiv system is not just a new mounting system for a tripod head and legs, it also has a separate mounting base for working with sliders or getting lock-off shots. The aktiv system expands the capabilities of
Always looking for ways to innovate and improve its products, Sachtler's new aktiv tripod systems incorporate innovations that will bring actual time saving to your production, and make working with your fluid head easier, less painful, and provide more flexibility to working with your gear. The system features new and different hardware for mounting a ball level fluid head on a set of tripod legs or other support platform. Sachtler refers to this new technology as SpeedLevel, and it is built into the new SpeedSwap base integrated into these
Ahh, it’s the holidays. Time for warm clothes, good food, and figuring out what to get your relative or friend who has an affinity for filmmaking. Looking at film and video equipment from the outside is confusing. It’s sometimes even confusing to those of us who make a living with film and video, so I can’t imagine what every-day folk are thinking. I’m also not saying that you shouldn’t get them the lens replica
Looking to protect and transport your valuable video-camera rig? Here we highlight five soft cases designed to keep your gear organized and safe at hand during your shoot. All the bags have adjustable dividers, exterior and interior pockets, grab handles and, except for the roller bags, an adjustable shoulder strap.
A Place for Everything Bag
Found on almost any pro video set, Porta Brace’s durable, padded Cordura nylon camera bags are made right in Vermont. This maker's DVO-2 DV Organizer Camera Case fits cameras up to 18" long and is
by Staff Writer ·Posted
The flowtech tripod legs are a popular item, and why not? The legs are lightweight, durable, easy to use, easy to carry, and flexible to deploy. They are available from Sachtler and Vinten in a variety of configurations with and without: fluid head, spreader, rubber feet, etc. The flowtech 100 legs feature a 100mm quick-leveling bowl, support 66 pounds, and can reach a height of 60" while weighing a mere 7.5 pounds. To help you find just the right setup, Sachtler and Vinten have released two more variations of the legs.
Virtually identical,
Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Sachtler FSB 10 FT MS with Flowtech 100 Tripod System. I already own a set of Sachtler Flowtech 75 legs and an Ace XL head. I am very happy with the legs, as are my Camera
Ami Vitale has a remarkable affinity for life-changing events. A native of South Florida, Vitale was a self-described shy, gawky child who, like many young girls, possessed little confidence. The assessment of a grade school teacher, who told her she was not very good at English, stuck with her for years. “I just thought that I had no ability as a writer, or as a creative person,” she says. “I remember thinking I was going to become an engineer because I had almost perfect math scores on my SAT.”
Photographs © Ami Vitale
The holidays are upon us; who is going to turn down an ARRI Alexa LF? I know I won’t, so if any long-lost relative is reading this and is unsure how to make a good impression, feel free to give me an ARRI Alexa LF or, for that matter, any of these Digital Cine Cameras would be