Satchler has announced new, heavier payload aktiv 16T/18T and FSB 16T/18T Mk II 100mm fluid heads. The new aktiv heads are also now more affordable.
The new tripods will be available sometime in October.
The Sachtler aktiv Fluid Heads were a brand-new take on a product that hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades. The series was first announced way back in 2020.
The initial range consisted of the aktiv 6, aktiv 8, aktiv 8T, and the aktiv 10. All these fluid heads feature the same design and functionality. Only the size and payload capacity are different. The aktiv 8T is the same as the Aktiv 8 except it features a touch & go loading plate.
The Sachler aktiv series was then expanded in January 2022. The series consisted of the aktiv10T, aktiv12T, and aktiv14T 100mm fluid heads.
While the aktiv Tripod Heads maintain the exact same fundamental principles that make fluid heads so good, Sachtler came up with an entirely new way of both balancing the head and removing/attaching it.
Notice that something is missing 
By taking away the traditional ball head level clamp, Sachtler has placed the levelling device on the head itself.
The aktiv heads are great, but some Satchler users, such as myself, didn’t upgrade because of the limited payload capacity that the aktiv 14T offered. Well, now that has now, somewhat been addressed with the new 18T.
aktiv 16T ($4,284.50 USD)
The aktiv 16T Mk is essentially a replacement for the 14T. It offers the same 0-35.3 lb / 16kg payload capacity.
Key features
- Fluid Head with 100mm Ball
- Touch & Go Quick Release Plate
- Telescopic Pan Bar Included
- 35.3 lb Payload Capacity
- SpeedLevel Technology
- 7 Drag Settings for Fine Adjustments
- 15 Steps of Counterbalance
- Illuminated Prism Bubble for Leveling
- Compact & Lightweight Design
The aktiv 16T Fluid Head comes with a telescopic pan handle and a Touch & Go quick release plate. The compact and lightweight fluid head has a 100mm ball and offers seven drag settings for fast, fine adjustments and 15 steps of finely calibrated counterbalance. It integrates an illuminated PrismBubble for leveling that is visible from any height, and delivers repeatable performance when working with your mirrorless camera kit, DSLR, or shoulder-mounted video camera, and features SpeedLevel technology, which allows you to quickly release, lock, and level the head tightly instantly.
The aktiv 16T weighs 3.4kg / 7.5 lb.
At $4,284.50 USD, the new aktiv 16T is quite a bit more affordable than the existing aktiv 14T, which costs $5,809.25 USD.
aktiv 18T ($5,016 USD)
The new aktiv 18T has a payload capacity of 39.7 lb / 18kg, which puts it a little bit closer to the Sachtler Video 18 S2 Fluid Head (48.5 lb / 22 kg). This makes it more suitable for use with larger digital cinema cameras. The reason you can’t have an aktiv head with a much higher payload capacity is due to the unique levelling design.
Key features
- Fluid Head with 100mm Ball
- Touch & Go Quick Release Plate
- Telescopic Pan Bar Included
- 39.7 lb Payload
- SpeedLevel Technology
- 7 Drag Settings for Fine Adjustments
- 15 Steps of Counterbalance
- Illuminated Prism Bubble for Leveling
- Compact & Lightweight Design
The aktiv 18T Fluid Head comes with a telescopic pan handle and a Touch & Go quick-release plate. The compact and lightweight fluid head has a 100mm ball and offers seven drag settings for fast, fine adjustments and 15 steps of finely calibrated counterbalance. It integrates an illuminated PrismBubble for leveling, which is visible from any height, and it delivers repeatable performance when working with your mirrorless camera kit, DSLR, or shoulder-mounted video camera. It features SpeedLevel technology that allows you to quickly release, lock, and level the head tightly instantly.
The aktiv 18T weighs 3.4kg / 7.5 lb.
What makes the aktiv series so unique?
By essentially removing the ball head levelling clamp and transferring the mechanism to the tripod head it allows the user to keep their hands at the same height when making any adjustments to the head.
Above, you can see the difference between the aktiv 8 and an FSB 10. This is just to show you how the whole design of the Speed Level system differs from most traditional fluid heads.
Instead of having to reach down and undo a clamp, then level off your camera, and then do that clamp back up, you simply pull up on a lever, make the adjustment, and then pull it back down. It is that simple.
This saves a ton of time, especially for anyone who is levelling off their tripod head numerous times a day. It also means you aren’t constantly reaching underneath the tripod, which can put unnecessary strain on your back.
Open position 
Locked position
On the base of the aktiv heads, you can see the locking mechanism. When you lift up the levelling clamp on the head, this locking mechanism loosens so you can adjust and level the head. Once you release it and move it down, the locking mechanism engages.
FSB 16T Mk II ($3,866.50 USD)
Key features
- Fluid Head with 100mm Ball
- Touch & Go Quick Release Plate
- Telescopic Pan Bar Included
- 35.3 lb Payload Capacity
- 7 Drag Settings for Fine Adjustments
- 15 Steps of Counterbalance
- Illuminated Prism Bubble for Leveling
- Compact & Lightweight Design
The FSB 16T Mk II Fluid Head comes with a telescopic pan handle and a Touch & Go quick-release plate. The compact and lightweight fluid head has a 100mm ball and offers seven drag settings for fast, fine adjustments and 15 steps of finely calibrated counterbalance. It integrates an illuminated PrismBubble for leveling, which is visible from any height, and delivers repeatable performance when working with your mirrorless camera kit, DSLR, or shoulder-mounted video camera. The sturdy and durable device is built to last and works with tripods, small pedestal setups with the FSB Mk II tie-down design, and Hot Pods.
FSB 18T Mk II ($4,598 USD)
Key features
- Fluid Head with 100mm Ball
- Touch & Go Quick Release Plate
- Telescopic Pan Bar Included
- 39.7 lb Payload Capacity
- 7 Drag Settings for Fine Adjustments
- 15 Steps of Counterbalance
- Illuminated Prism Bubble for Leveling
- Compact & Lightweight Design
The FSB 18T Mk II Fluid Head comes with a telescopic pan handle and a Touch & Go quick-release plate. The compact and lightweight fluid head has a 100mm ball and offers seven drag settings for fast, fine adjustments and 15 steps of finely calibrated counterbalance. It integrates an illuminated PrismBubble for leveling, which is visible from any height, and delivers repeatable performance when working with your mirrorless camera kit, DSLR, or shoulder-mounted video camera. The sturdy and durable device is built to last and works with tripods, small pedestal setups with the FSB Mk II tie-down design, and Hot Pods.
