The Complete Guide to Sachtler Tripod Systems & Fluid Heads

Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing. Payload figures are Sachtler's published specifications, always confirm against the current spec sheet on the linked product page for your exact model.

Sachtler makes professional camera-support systems, fluid heads and tripods used across film, broadcast and video production. A Sachtler “system” is a fluid head paired with a tripod and (usually) a spreader. This guide explains the whole range Black Flag Distribution stocks in Australia: the five fluid-head families (Ace, FSB, aktiv, Video and Cine), the flowtech and traditional tripods, bowl sizes, pedestals and PTZ, and how to match a system to your camera.

How a Sachtler system fits together

Three parts make up a camera-support setup. The fluid head sits on top and controls smooth pan and tilt; it's rated for a payload range and uses a bowl or flat-base interface. The tripod carries the load and sets your height; Sachtler's are either the quick-deploying flowtech carbon-fibre legs or traditional two-stage aluminium/carbon legs. A spreader (mid-level or ground) locks the legs against splaying. Sachtler sells these as ready-matched “System” packages, or you can buy a head on its own to fit an existing tripod.

The two numbers that matter: payload and bowl size

Payload is the total weight the head is designed to balance, camera plus lens, plates, matte box, monitor, batteries and any accessories. You want your rigged weight to sit comfortably inside the head's range, not at the very top. Bowl size is the tripod interface: 75 mm for lighter setups, 100 mm for heavier ENG/broadcast, and 150 mm for heavy cinema and studio work. A bowl lets you level the head quickly; flat-base and pedestal options exist for studio use.

Sachtler fluid head families at a glance

Ace, the entry point

The most affordable way into a real Sachtler. The Ace XL Mk II head handles 0 to 8 kg on a 75 mm bowl with an integrated flat base, a 9-step counterbalance and illuminated level bubble, ideal for DSLR, mirrorless and light video rigs. Available as complete systems with the compact Ace M (0 to 4 kg) or the larger-capacity Ace XL tripod, in aluminium or carbon.

FSB, the proven professional heads

The FSB series is Sachtler's long-standing 75/100 mm sideload line, prized for finely calibrated drag and counterbalance. It spans the FSB 4 (0 to 4 kg, 75 mm), FSB 6 Mk II (0 to 8 kg, 75 mm), FSB 8 Mk II (0 to 12 kg, 75 mm), FSB 10 Mk II (0 to 12 kg, 100 mm) and FSB 16T Mk II (0 to 16 kg, 100 mm), covering most documentary, event and ENG cameras. Available as complete FSB systems on flowtech or traditional legs.

aktiv, the fastest heads to set up

The award-winning aktiv line is Sachtler's modern flagship. It adds SpeedLevel (instant leveling and locking without reaching under the head), a Touch&Go camera plate and SpeedSwap for jumping between tripod and slider in seconds. The aktiv6 (0 to 8 kg, 75 mm), aktiv8 (0 to 12 kg, 75 mm), aktiv10 (0 to 12 kg, 100 mm) and aktiv16T (0 to 16 kg, 100 mm) share 15-step counterbalance and multi-step drag. Popular complete builds include the aktiv6 flowtech75 and aktiv10 flowtech100 systems.

Video, broadcast and ENG

The Video heads are built for the toughest broadcast conditions and heavier payloads. The Video 18 handles 2 to 22 kg on a 100 mm bowl, while the Video 25 steps up to 8 to 35 kg on 150 mm, the realm of full ENG builds, big lenses and studio configurations. Heavier Video 60 (16 to 65 kg) and Video 75 (12 to 85 kg) heads and OB dollies are also available.

Cine, cinema-grade heads

The Cine series draws on Sachtler's cinematic heritage for high-payload film work, with SpeedBalance counterbalance and ARRI-compatible plates. The Cine 20 (2 to 22 kg) runs on a 100 mm bowl for compact cinema builds; the Cine 30 balances 3 to 32 kg on 150 mm; and the Cine 50 carries 10 to 50 kg on 150 mm for the heaviest rigs.

Tripods: flowtech vs traditional

flowtech is Sachtler's multi-award-winning carbon-fibre tripod. Quick-release brakes let all leg stages deploy at once from top-mounted levers, a hinge-lock gives three leg angles without a spreader, and magnetic leg locks tidy transport. flowtech comes in 75 mm (to 20 kg) and 100 mm (to 30 kg). Traditional two-stage tripods (aluminium or carbon, with mid-level or ground spreaders) remain the value choice and pair with Ace, FSB and Video systems. For the deep dive, see our Sachtler bowl sizes and tripods guide.

Pedestals, PTZ and studio options

Beyond tripods, Sachtler offers studio pedestals for smooth height moves, OB dollies for outside broadcast, and dedicated PTZ tripod systems and the PTZ HD pedestal system for remote and robotic camera setups.

Which Sachtler should you choose?

DSLR / mirrorless / light video: Ace XL or aktiv6. Documentary & event cine cameras (e.g. FX6, C70-class with lens and accessories): aktiv8 or FSB 8. ENG / broadcast: aktiv10, FSB 10 or Video 18. Heavy cinema / studio (large-sensor cinema cameras, big zooms, matte box, follow focus): Video 25 or Cine 30. When you're between two heads, size up, you want headroom in the payload range, not a head working at its limit. For the full method, read our Sachtler payload buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Sachtler fluid head?

A fluid head is the pan-and-tilt head that mounts your camera to a tripod. Sachtler heads use fluid drag and a counterbalance system so pans and tilts are smooth and the camera stays balanced at any tilt angle. They're rated for a payload range and use a bowl or flat-base interface.

How do I know which Sachtler head my camera needs?

Add up your fully rigged camera weight, body, lens, plate, matte box, monitor, batteries, and choose a head whose payload range comfortably contains that number, ideally with room to spare. For example, the Ace XL and aktiv6 cover 0 to 8 kg, the aktiv8/FSB 8 cover 0 to 12 kg, and the Video 25 covers 8 to 35 kg.

What is the difference between Sachtler FSB and aktiv heads?

Both are professional 75/100 mm sideload heads in similar payload classes. The aktiv line is newer and adds SpeedLevel instant leveling, a Touch&Go plate and SpeedSwap tripod-to-slider changes for much faster setup. FSB heads are the proven, value-focused option.

What bowl size do I need, 75mm, 100mm or 150mm?

75 mm suits lighter DSLR, mirrorless and small video rigs; 100 mm suits heavier ENG and broadcast cameras; 150 mm is for heavy cinema and studio setups. The bowl lets you level the head quickly on uneven ground.

What is Sachtler flowtech?

flowtech is Sachtler's carbon-fibre tripod with quick-release brakes that deploy all leg stages at once, a hinge-lock for three leg angles without a spreader, and rapid single-action height changes. It comes in 75 mm (to 20 kg) and 100 mm (to 30 kg).

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.