Sachtler has announced its new “aktiv” series of fluid video heads. Designed to replace their popular FSB model heads, the aktiv line is focused on speed and easy operation. There are four models in the new lineup, which are the aktiv6, aktiv8, aktiv8T and the aktiv10. They all share the same design principles but vary in load capacity, weight and size.
This is what the $10,000+ OConnor 1040 tripod looks like
OConnor is a name that’s been held in high regard in Hollywood for years for their fluid video tripod heads. In fact, their inventor, Chadwell O’Connor won Academy Awards for them in 1975 and 1992. Now part of the Vitec group, OConnor has been able to combine their heads with Flowtech legs into a single package. The OConnor 1040 Flowtech. It costs $10,260, and we had to see it for ourselves. So, while we were at IBC 2019, we did. And oh boy, is it a nice tripod.
First look at Manfrotto’s new Nitrotech 600 series fluid video tripod heads
Manfrotto’s new Nitrotech 608 and Nitrotech 612 fluid video tripod heads represent the latest in Manfrotto’s fluid head technology. Designed to offer the smoothest level of control and movement possible, the two new heads immediately drew our attention at NAB 2019. So, we stopped by the stand to have a chat and find out more.
This is why fluid head video tripods are useful for photography
I switched over to mostly using fluid head video tripods for stills photography about 8 years ago. I still have a couple of Manfrottos with ball heads. I also use ball heads with sliders. But, my go-to is a Libec video tripod with a fluid bowl head. They just make life so much easier, especially on location.
It seems I’m not the only one who prefers to work with video tripods for photography, either. In this video, photographer Hudson Henry talks about why he likes to use fluid heads for photography. The advantages he lists are some of the reasons why I also like to use them. If you’re shooting a lot of video anyway, it definitely makes a lot of sense to make the switch, even for stills.
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