Sachtler System FSB 8 FT Sideload Fluid Head with Flowtech 75 Carbon Fiber Tripod & Mid Level Spreader

2021-02-23T07:38:10

I can't believe how long I waited to make this upgrade. Buying a tripod doesn't seem as engaging as buying a new lens, but if you're purchasing a tripod, make it an upgrade. The head on this system works flawlessly and even provides some mounting points that I previously hadn't even considered on a head. Smooth operation and easy balancing make this head a winner. The Flowtech 75 CF legs and spreader are simply a dream to use. When I remember how much time I would spend raising and lowering legs on a lesser set of legs, these legs have no comparison. I wouldn't buy anything less than these Flowtech legs, and I haven't even taken full advantage of them in water. The carbon fiber is so much easier on the hands in cold weather than aluminum counterparts.

DANIEL P.

2021-02-18T16:54:47

Big dawg Tripod and Head for my Canon c200

ODIN W.

2020-11-22T09:39:13

Once you go Flowtech, it's hard to go back! I definitely won't miss getting down on to the ground to loosen up that lower stage. And the fsb8 head is brilliant. Worth the cost to get professional gear.

MAX W.

2020-11-16T14:43:52

Great tripod system! Not much can be said about these system that has not been already. It is well built and easy to use. This system is great for one person shooters or small teams.

JOE V.

2020-11-13T08:14:58

This is by far the best tripod I have ever owned and I will never buy another brand again.

GIDON O.

2020-09-20T12:31:02

Honestly surpassed my expectations. Incredibly easier to get it right where you want it by yourself.

Nicholas T.

2017-12-17T18:01:25

We're still figuring out the nuances, but the tripod is fantastic. It offers true one-handed operation. The head is much more robust than the Manfrotto N8 we moved up from. We use this to hold a Swarovski spotting scope when digiscoping. Overkill, perhaps, but it is much more stable than the aforementioned Manfrotto. We love it so far.

JOHN B.

2017-10-31T16:45:02

OK, this this is serious coin, but is it worth it? Thing is, Sachtler heads are pretty much regarded at the top of the heap by DP's and cinematographers. You get what you pay for. Simple as that. Been making do with Benro S8's for a few years. A great head for the price point and I got a lot of use out of them and I'm not knocking them one bit. But the FSB8 is in a whole other league. Period. Smooth, no friction, balances perfectly, not affected by temperature, built incredibly well. It's a lifetime purchase and I'm glad I bit the bullet and sprung for it. The flowtech legs are fantastic. Check out all the release vids on the net, they go over the features pretty well and all I can say is all that stuff they are hyping actually works! I don't think there is a tripod out there that can be deployed, adjusted, retracted, and re-set up as quickly as this. Doing sports coverage? Have to reset a bunch? This thing ROCKS! ENG where every second counts? 3-4 second setup vs. about a minute for my Benro CF. Could make the difference between a money shot or not. Need to readjust height? Super easy and no drama even with a big camera on it. No more bending over or flailing tripod legs around to lock or make an adjustment. I think Sachtler nailed this one. No flex in legs, very solid when deployed. Easy to carry, but not lightweight (maybe a bit less than other offerings in the class, and most of the weight is in the head which is about the largest you can spec on the 75mm ball mount. Smaller ones likely lighter). This is a solid option especially for one-man productions since it saves time and makes life easier. Like I said, it's kind of a lifetime purchase but it's a wise investment in your work to have a tool like this.

MICHAEL A.