Best Non Sachtler Legs For FSB8?

[Mark OConnell]

Have a favorite set of sticks that your fsb8 sits on? Tell me about it!

[Doug Jensen]

Why does it have to be non Sachtler?

[Mark OConnell]

I know the Sachtler options already.

[Greg Smith]

My Sachtler DV6SB head - the older model most similar to the FSB8 - lives on a set of Miller Solo 2-stage carbon fiber legs. This is my favorite combo for highly portable ENG/run'n'gun type operations. It is lightweight but sturdy and can be set up quickly. I mostly use it outdoors (the leg spikes are really good on the Millers). The absence of a spreader seems to really speed things up and doesn't seem to affect the stability much.

I also have an Aktiv 8/Flowtech 75 set for when I don't have to carry it as far or am working with assistants.

[Mark OConnell]

Greg- I've got the Flowtech 75 as well and think they're great when they're not sticking. Are you happy with the Activ8? I've noticed there's now also an FSB8 II. I think I'd lean toward that.

[Greg Smith]

The Aktiv 8 is sturdy and smooth once it is set up properly, but not remarkably better than my old DV6SB. If I'm trying to be really objective about it, I think the quick-change mechanism is kind of a "solution in search of a problem." I never found the old traditional under-the-bowl leveling knobs to be an impediment to my work, and the new setup is complex, with lots of fiddly little parts. It took a while to get the tension adjusted properly so it would both pivot easily when unlocked, and yet not slip when locked down. Now that it's set up correctly, it is nice and strong, and the topside adjustment lever may save a second or two here and there, but not enough to make a really noticeable difference in the way I work. I'm not sure this justifies the extra cost, complexity and potential points of wear/maintenance in the mechanism. Still, I got it at a good price at the time and have no complaints about how it performs in the field. Practically speaking, I would probably be equally satisfied with the FSB8-II and think you wouldn't go far wrong with either one.

[Mark OConnell]

Good info.

[Mark OConnell]

Originally Posted by Greg Smith

The Aktiv 8 is sturdy and smooth once it is set up properly

Hey Greg, I needed some new legs and my old Sachtler bag was pretty much trashed and B&H had a special on the Activ8 package so I went for it. I agree that the mounting system for the head was fiddly to set up, they should really just preinstall that. But that said, I really like the head. Has a great feel to it.