Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing. Payloads are O'Connor's published figures, note they're quoted at a stated centre-of-gravity (CoG) height and change with CoG; confirm the spec sheet for your build.
O'Connor makes premium cinema fluid heads and tripods, the camera support many feature films and high-end commercials are shot on. What sets O'Connor apart is the feel: stepless fluid drag and the patented Sinusoidal Counterbalance System, which together give perfectly smooth, perfectly balanced moves across a huge payload range. This guide covers the heads, what makes them special, and the tripods, bases and accessories around them. To match a head to your camera, see our O'Connor head buying guide.
What makes an O'Connor head different
Two things. Stepless fluid drag means pan and tilt resistance is continuously adjustable rather than fixed steps, you dial in exactly the drag a move needs. The Sinusoidal Counterbalance System delivers true, accurate balance at any point in the tilt range, and counterbalances all the way down to zero for light cameras, so the camera stays put wherever you leave it. That combination is the "O'Connor feel" operators pay for on demanding cinema moves.
The fluid heads
| Head | Payload (O'Connor, at CoG) | Base | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate 1040 | 0 to 20 kg (at 5") | 100 mm | Cine cameras up to mid-weight |
| Ultimate 2560 | ~29.5 kg (at 6") | 150 mm / Mitchell | Built-up cinema rigs |
| Ultimate 2575E | 0 to 47.7 kg (at 6") | Mitchell / 150 mm | Heavy cinema & studio |
| 120EX | up to ~54 kg at ±90° (more at reduced tilt) | Mitchell | The heaviest builds |
Ultimate 1040
The Ultimate 1040 carries 0 to 20 kg (at a 5" CoG) on a 100 mm base, with the full stepless-drag and Sinusoidal Counterbalance feel and a ±90° tilt range, ideal for large-sensor cinema cameras up to a mid-weight build. Available in complete packages with the flowtech100 or 30L tripod.
Ultimate 2560
The Ultimate 2560 steps up capacity (around 29.5 kg at a 6" CoG, more with a lower CoG) for heavier built-up rigs on 150 mm or Mitchell, available with the 60L Mitchell tripod.
Ultimate 2575E
The Ultimate 2575E is the heavy-cinema workhorse, 0 to 47.7 kg at a 6" CoG (up to ~60 kg at a lower CoG), for big lenses, matte boxes and full accessory loads, available with a Cine tripod.
120EX
The flagship 120EX handles the heaviest rigs, around 54 kg at ±90° tilt and progressively more as the tilt range is limited (up to ~109 kg), on a Mitchell base. It's the head for the largest studio and cinema builds, also available as the 120EXe package.
Tripods and bases
O'Connor heads mount via 100 mm, 150 mm or Mitchell bases (with Euro-plate quick releases). Tripods include the carbon-fibre 30L, the 150 mm 60L, the Cine HD, and the fast-deploying flowtech100. Add ball or Mitchell bases, tiedowns and spreaders to suit.
Dollies, hi-hats and cases
For studio and location moves, O'Connor offers wheeled dollies (DCM and DCL) and a flowtech studio dolly, plus hi-hats and low-hats in 100 mm, 150 mm and Mitchell, and a full range of moulded and fitted cases.
Quick-release plates and handles
Balance and rig with O'Connor's Euro-style quick releases and ARRI dovetail plates, and dial in ergonomics with pan handles, extensions and front-end handles.
Frequently asked questions
What makes O'Connor fluid heads special?
Two signature features: stepless (continuously adjustable) fluid drag on pan and tilt, and the patented Sinusoidal Counterbalance System that gives true, accurate balance at any point in the tilt range, down to zero for light cameras. Together they produce O'Connor's famously smooth, controllable feel.
How is O'Connor payload measured?
O'Connor quotes payload at a stated centre-of-gravity (CoG) height above the platform, because capacity changes with how high your rig's balance point sits. A head rated, say, 47.7 kg at a 6" CoG will carry more at a lower CoG and less at a higher one, always check the figure at your rig's CoG.
What base does an O'Connor head use?
Depending on the model, 100 mm, 150 mm or Mitchell, with Euro-plate quick releases. The 1040 uses 100 mm; the heavier 2560, 2575E and 120EX use 150 mm and/or Mitchell.
Can O'Connor heads go on a flowtech tripod?
Yes, O'Connor offers flowtech100 tripods and complete head-plus-flowtech packages, alongside its 30L, 60L and Cine HD tripods.
Where to buy in Australia
Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We supply an Australia-wide network of authorised retailers and stockists rather than selling direct to the public, so there is a local dealer who can help wherever you are. To check pricing and availability and to buy, use the Black Flag Distribution store finder to find an authorised retailer or stockist near you. Search our store finder to locate your nearest Australian stockist and purchase from an authorised dealer.
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