Today, Sachtler announced its latest expansion to the popular Ace tripod line. The brand new Sachtler Ace XL systems will support larger payloads than the existing Ace L and Ace M tripod systems, up to 17.6 pounds. The increased capacity means that the Ace line will now support larger DSLR rigs or compact cinema cameras like Blackmagic Design’s URSA Mini/Mini Pro series, Sony’s FS series, Panasonic’s EVA-1, and Canon’s EOS C100/200/300 series.
What separates the Ace XL systems is the new Ace XL Fluid Head. The new top of the line for the Ace series uses the same familiar form factor, exterior construction, and quick-release plate system as the other heads in the Ace line, but offers an expanded weight capacity of 4.4 to 17.6 pounds. Additionally, like the well-regarded Ace L, the Ace XL offers three steps of pan-and-tilt drag, as well as eight steps of counterbalance. The pan-and-tilt adjustments have zero settings for completely disengaging the fluid drag. The 75mm ball base is flattened at the very bottom for securing to a 3/8"-16 stud on a slider or other grip equipment without the need for space-hogging high-hats or bowl adapters, adopting the versatility found in the rest of the Ace product line.
While the Ace XL Fluid Head will be available on its own, it can also be purchased as part of a system. Three different configurations will be offered. The most affordable configurations place the Ace XL fluid head on a two-stage Sachtler carbon fiber tripod, either with a ground-level or mid-level spreader. This classic ENG tripod design uses twist clamps and deploys quickly and securely while keeping the system lightweight. The third variant offers a two-stage flip-lock telescoping carbon fiber tripod. This iteration offers a greater height range than the previous two options and can be easily deployed and adjusted in a wide range of environments.
Sachtler’s Ace XL offerings are aimed squarely at the growing mid-range cinema market, both for operators who own smaller cinema cameras, and DSLR/mirrorless camera owners who rely on large rigs built around their cameras. If you’re looking to upgrade to a robust fluid head and tripod system that offers solid weight capacity and won’t break your back, check out the Sachtler Ace XL. For updates on pricing and availability, click over to the B&H SuperStore website.
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