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.

aktiv6 Sideload Fluid Head    flowtech75 Tripod    Ground Spreader, Carry Handle, Bag    SpeedSwap Clamp-Style Base    SpeedLevel Technology

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)

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How do you get the carrying bag open?

A: The bag has a zipper in the center of the bag underneath the carry handles.

Q: 2. Does the pan bar slip when tilting up and down on the activ 6 head? I had a bad experience with an FSB 8T head doing just that, because Sachtler made the teeth too shallow for the pan bar to grip the rosette properly.

A: Fully functional Sachtler heads do not slip. What you described sounds like a defective or damaged tripod head. In a situation like that we recommend exchanging the tripod for a working model if within the return policy or contacting Sachtler to get the tripod head serviced. It is unfortunate that your previous experience with Sachtler was negative as they are known for making excellent tripod heads. It is unlikely that you will have the same experience with the Aktiv 6 head but in case you do contact us immediately and we will do what we can to make sure that you get a functional tripod head.

Q: 3. Would Aktiv 6 be appropriate for Sony A7s3 and Sony 100-400 lens and maybe a small monitor on top? I'm debating between Aktiv 6 and Aktiv 8, but would hope to spend less on Aktiv 6.

A: Absolutely, the Sachtler aktiv6 has a load capacity of 0 to 17.6 lb / 0 to 8 kg.

Q: 4. Would this support a fully rigged FX9 (monitor, transmitter etc.) or will I need the Aktiv 8?

A: The Sony FX9 is 10.58 lb (with Viewfinder, Eyepiece, Grip Remote Control, BP-U35 battery, SELP28135G LENS, an XQD memory card, handle, mic holder). I think the Sachtler aktiv6 could work. But the Sachtler aktiv8 would be more stable and a better choice for this payload.

Q: 5. Is this Sachtler combo more compact than Manfrotto's 645 Fast with the 608 head? Thanks.

A: Sachtler Folded Length 26.8" / 68 cm Manfrotto's 645 Folded length 28.7 / 73 cm

Q: 6. Does the Aktiv8 head work with VCT-14 quick release plate? Old school Sony, has 1/4 and 3/8 screws. How does the pin work with that?

A: Yes, the Sony VCT-14 plate will mount onto the Sachtler's aktiv8 quick release plate. The Sony plate has a series of 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 ports underneath that are spaced out so that the pin will sit in the 3/8"-16 port when screwing in the 1/4"-20. Apart from that, the aktiv8 main feature is centered around how the head mounts and clamps onto the tripod legs. This is a perfect setup for integrating with a VCT style workflow.

Q: 7. The Aktiv6 has 3+0 steps of drag and the Aktiv8 has 7+0. Is the total amount of drag the same on both with the Aktiv8 having finer control or does the Aktiv8 have more overall drag?

A: The total amount of drag is not the same on the Aktiv6 and Aktiv8. There are 4 more units of drag on the Aktiv8 than the Aktiv6.

Q: 8. Does it come with a camera plate and is that plate manfrotto style or proprietary?

A: The Sachtler Sideload Plate S/Ace Tripod QR Plate is only compatible with the aktiv6, aktiv8, aktiv10, FSB 4, FSB 6, FSB 8, FSB 6 Mk II, FSB 8 Mk II, FSB 10, FSB 10 Mk II, and Ace fluid heads.

Q: 9. What is better, the Touch and Go plate or the Sideload. What benefits does each offer?

A: 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 made for the serious shooter on the go working with multiple systems.

Q: 10. Which version of the aktiv bowl connector currently comes with this system, V1 or V2?

A: The Sachtler aktiv8 flowtech75 GS Tripod System comes with the V2 version of the aktiv bowl connector.