[Yes] I've now used the Sachtler FSB-8 fluid head for a few months on a variety of event video shoots (concerts, cabarets, etc.) and corporate interviews. In a nutshell: it works perfectly. This thing is far, FAR better than a Manfrotto 504HD (my previous fluid head). Super-smooth pans and tilts, great counterbalance with my Canon C100 camera and 70-200mm lens. It's nice that the quick-release plate is compatible with Manfrotto plates, so I didn't have to spend any extra cash on additional plates.

My only complaint is the pan handle. It's way too short, and not adjustable in length. You'd think a fluid head as expensive as this would have a decent pan handle. You can purchase another compatible handle that does extend, but it's very expensive.

That said, I have zero regrets with this fluid head. Buttery smooth motion, easy to set up, doesn't weigh much, and it just plain works. Highly recommended.

[Yes] Very easy to operate and more concentrate all the energy to photography as left hand can touch the lens.
Highly recommended.

[Fluid Head] My first pro fluid head back in the day was a Manfrotto 501.  I suffered its crappiness for a couple of years, finally saying Enough is enough and investing in an FSB-4.  Eventually, my camera rigs outgrew its weight capacity.  In an attempt to save some money, I read some positive reviews of a more modern Manfrotto head and tried it.  Guess what?  It sucked almost as much as my old 501, and I returned it.  Bought this FSB-8 and of course, its amazing.

[Fluid Head] I purchased this head nearly 10 years ago. It has survived trips all over the world and three cameras later, it is still the same as the day I purchased it. Smooth action with no perceivable backlash and flexible counterbalance system. It is now the heaviest item in my camera bag as I now use it with primarily a DSLR to shoot my video. Sadly hasn't been used much recently due to the state of travel with the coronavirus, but will hopefully be on the road again soon.

[-75° to +90°] This is the best tripod I have ever purchased. Smooth head flow and sturdy. Reliable tripod that isn't too heavy. I use my Sony fs5 camera on it and it works perfectly. Holla 1

[Fluid Head] This is the lightest- big delivery- tripod I’ve ever used. Solid quality & solid design. I needed a smaller tripod. My 30 year old Gitzo that I used for 4x5 and 8x10 cameras was seriously too much to carry around now that I’m digital DSLR + video and no more view cameras. This is the best tripod I could have chosen. Happy +++

[Fluid Head] Bought the Focus 22, heavy duty legs and ground spreader. The first thing you notice is how robust and sturdy this thing is. The next thing you notice is how perfectly you can dial in the Pan/Tilt drag and counterbalance.

My work is varied from commercials to social media to music videos and this tripod system has already improved my on set workflow.

It’s heavy. For me, that’s a big plus. If heavy isn’t for you I’d still consider a tripod in the Cartoni line because they have a seriously high quality product.

I opted for this tripod over the Sachtler video 18s2 and O’Connor 1040 and I am not disappointed.

[Fluid Head] This
head is logically simple and reliable in use. But to understand the
quality of its work, and therefore, to decide whether to obtain this
head for myself or not, I would need to answer two questions for
myself:





1)
Would you need to set up the head under your camera every time for
different filming parameters?




2)
Is it important for you to have clean camera movement and therefore
in-shot composition?




If
not – then it is better to get a simpler and cheaper head, you
would save a good deal of money.




If
yes – then Sachtler will serve you well. That is, the FSB 6 will
satisfy many professional needs (of course, except large film
projects, where there are other needs for other camera equipment).
But in the case of production of many independent films – feature
or documentary – with non-heavy cameras, the Sachtler FSB 6 head
creates a firm sense of reassurance that the most difficult scene,
panorama and mise-en-scène
will
be shot. In film production, just like in any craft, there needs to
be a certain level of quality which would help complete a job with a
good and stable result. Sachtler FSB 6 is in this very category of
quality. I give 5 stars with one comment – I got the Sachtler FSB 6
for a tripod of another brand and the Tie-Down Bolt was shorter than
needed. I suspect that I am not the only one to whom this problem
extends to.