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.

aktiv8T Touch & Go 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, DA 75L)

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. what is the difference Sachtler System aktiv8 and Sachtler System aktiv8T ?

A: The "T" stands for their Touch and Go system.

Q: 2. Will this be compatible with a Dana dolly? What subsequent purchases need to be made to allow compatibility between Dana dolly and the new tie down system?

A: Apparently, this is now available from Dana Dolly: https://www.shop.danadolly.com/Dana-Dolly-75mm-Sachtler-Aktiv-adapter-for-Models-68-and-8T-DDAKTIV75ADP.htm

Q: 3. Does the standard Manfrotto mounting plate fit this head?

A: It does not. This does not use Manfrotto style plates.

Q: 4. Will this work with arca swiss plates?

A: No, the Sachtler aktiv8 flowtech75 MS Tripod System does not natively receive ARCA SWISS style plates whatsoever.

Q: 5. what is the total net weight on this package (bag, legs, spreader, head)?

A: The total shipping weight of the Sachtler aktiv8 flowtech75 MS Tripod System is 22.50 lb.

Q: 6. Is the plate on this an Arca-Swiss? Wondering if the Zacuto C70 cage would mount on the Aktiv6.

A: no, it is not an Arca-Swiss. Zacuto bottom plate has a 1/4" and 3/8" connection which will work with the aktiv6 camera plate

Q: 7. 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.

Q: 8. What is the total closed length of the Sachtler Aktiv8 Tripod System in its most compact form for transport and stowage?

A: The Sachtler Flowtech tripod when closed is 26 inches long. The Sachtler Aktiv8T tripod head is 7 inches so the total length would be about 33 inches.

Q: 9. 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: 10. 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.