Fast to work with and lightweight at only 5.72 lb, the Sachtler FSB 8 MII Sideload Tripod with Carbon Fiber Legssupports up to 26.4 lb of camera and accessories, and with its 15-steps of counterbalance adjustment, you can tune the head to work with the lightest of cameras. The head features a 75mm ball for quick leveling, and the independent drag adjustment and tilt locks permit you to adjust and move the head with precision to tune it to match the needs of your shot.

The head allows you to tilt forward so you can tilt straight down and tilt almost straight up as well. Pan and tilt have seven independent drag settings, plus a zero setting for no drag at all. Borrowing from the aktiv system, the bubble level has been improved, not only is it illuminated, but now you can see the bubble level from the side, as well as when looking down on the head, for intuitive leveling from almost any position.

26.5 lb Capacity Fluid Drag Head    75mm Ball with Integrated Flat Base    4.7" Sliding Plate Range    15-Step + 0 Counterbalance Settings    7-Step + 0 Pan/Tilt Drag    +90/-70° Tilt Range    75mm Bowl Diameter    2-Stage/3-Section Leg Design    Mid-Level Spreader    31.9 to 67.3" Height Range

The 15-step counterbalance settings let you adjust the head to neutralize the weight of cameras up to 26.4 lb, so the head remains in the position you set it and does not tilt forward of back because of the weight of your camera. This allows you to tune the head to match the weight of your cameras, allowing you to work equally well with extremely lightweight cameras as well as cameras weighing up to 26.4 lb. The zero setting provides you a completely free movement if you want.

Frictionless leak-proof fluid damping with 7 x levels of drag, for smooth pictures while panning, without jerks and vibrations. Identical across both horizontal and vertical planes, and allows complete disengagement of drag for fast panning

The FSB 8 MK II features Sachtler's Sideload mechanism, which allows you to pop the plate in above instead of trying to slide it in from the edge, and it boasts an exceptionally large sliding range of 4.7"

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can a DSLR camera be attached for video purposes?

A: Yes. It has a quarter 20 threaded stud.

Q: 2. The first picture shows a pan bar attached to the FSB 4 Fluid Head. Is one included in the box? If not, what is the Sachtler code for this pan bar in the picture? Thank you.

A: It does come with a Pan Handle. You can also order one for the other side if you wanted a studio config.

Q: 3. Is it possible to remove the spreader?

A: Yes, the Sachtler System FSB 8 MII Sideload and 75/2 Aluminum Tripod Legs will allow you to remove the mid-level spreader. You could also replace the mid-level spreader with the optional ground spreader. Sachtler Spreader SP 75 Ground Tripod Spreader BH #SASP14

Q: 4. Will this rig support a basic Sony FS7 setup?

A: This tripod has an 8.8 pound load capacity. If you keep the total weight of the FS7 below that you may be able to use it, but we do not recommend this tripod for a camera like the FS7. We recommend an FSB 6 based system instead, which has a load capacity between 3.3 - 17.6 pounds. https://bhpho.to/2GWZfEd

Q: 5. Is the fsb 6 too much support for a sony a7s3 with a 24-70 lens attached?

A: The FSB6 might be a bit too much for the A7SIII, especially if you use a lens that keeps the weight below 3.3 pounds. The FSB4 would be a better option.

Q: 6. Can you mount a VCT base plate on this head? I have the SHAPE Pro Shoulder Rig Kit for the Sony PXW-FX9 Camera. Do I need an additional adapter? Thanks for your reply

A: You will need a VCT quick release plate like the following. This plate would allow you to mount VCT compatible cameras to basically any tripod including the Sachtler model listed. SHAPE VCT Tripod Plate BH #SHVCTSH https://bhpho.to/3MddXaH

Q: 7. Will this work with a Libec DL-2 dolly?

A: No, the Sachtler System FSB 6 MK II Sideload and 75/2 Aluminum Tripod Legs with Mid-Level Spreader and Bag is not compatible with the Libec DL-2RB Standard Dolly for 650-EX, TH-X & TH-Z Tripods. Instead, try using the Proaim Heavy-Duty Portable Tripod Dolly (BH #PRPPRTD). See: https://bit.ly/40TsfDq

Q: 8. What is the head made out of?Plastic of metal?

A: The head is made mostly of metal with plastic and rubber components.

Q: 9. How do you tighten the legs to stop them from slipping?

A: If the brakes are slipping when the red locking arm is engaged on a given leg, it's simple to tighten. I believe it's a 12mm hex bolt on the backside of each brake. Simply loosen the red locking arm completely, then give the hex a couple of small adjustments and re-test. DO NOT over-tighten, as you might crack the carbon fiber, which is a much bigger problem! Make small adjustments and test. You shouldn't need more than a quarter turn or so in most cases.

Q: 10. What is a the diameter or circumference of the tripod legs when closed? Thanks!

A: The diameter of the tripod portion of the Sachtler System FSB 4 Fluid Head with Sideload Plate, Flowtech 75 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Mid-Level Spreader and Rubber Feet (B&H# SA0395) with the legs completely folded is about six inches (15.2cm). Please note, however, that as with most tripods, a cross section of the folded legs does not form a perfect circle. As a consequence, the diameter varies depending on where one measures it.