REVIEW GEAR
SACHTLER VIDEO 18 FLOWTECH100 TRIPOD WORDS JOSHUA IGHODARO
L egs, sticks, tripods - they’ve been around since the ancient Greeks, long before photography and filmmaking: a tremendously simple solution to keeping the camera steady for that golden-hour shot we all dream of. Tripods are essential and have been made from a multitude of materials - from wood to aluminium and more recently carbon fibre. With the flowtech100 tripod, coupled with the Video 18 S2 fluid head, Sachtler has made a key addition to the documentary/solo camera operator’s arsenal. THE LEGS I’ve been using the flowtech system for a number of years now on various productions of different scales. The main attraction of this tripod over traditional aluminium models is predominantly the weight. When working on a fast- paced exterior production, with many unit moves or minimal crew, I want my equipment to be as lightweight, functional and durable as possible. The carbon-fibre construction gives you this in spades. The tripod with head weighs less than 9kg. Need to reframe quickly? No problem, even with the camera on I can single-handedly pick up the whole lot and reposition. Need to adjust the height? You bet. The unique brake levers mean the full telescoping of the legs is done with three flips of a lock on each leg. Unlock, adjust and lock. No time-consuming fiddling. This also applies for going low. The spreaders can be released quickly, then again with a button at the top of each leg, you can flatten the legs and you have an impromptu hi-hat (though I’d recommend a sandbag underneath to protect the head tie-down). The feet are also easily removed for beach or field work, allowing for the option to use the metal spikes in soft terrain. The carbon-fibre construction is also incredibly durable, hence its multitude of uses in many industries.
GOOD JOB The Sachtler Video 18 flowtech100 is an easy- to-use tripod system suited to a variety of environments
THE HEAD The Video 18 S2 fluid head has been around for a while now and is the perfect companion of the flowtech100 legs. The 100mm bowl allows for easy adjustment of the horizon, and the bubble illuminates for low-light work with a simple tap. The payload is a solid 22kg, making it ideal for Super 35 and full-frame camera builds with accessories. I’ve used it with everything from the Sony FX6 to the ARRI ALEXA 35 with minimal issues. This is thanks to the 16 steps of counterbalance and the Sachtler Speedbalance technology providing lightning-fast weight compensation. For context, a fully built ALEXA 35 package was balanced at eight, so still plenty of room to add a slightly heavier lens or camera. However, if you’re using this tripod system, the odds are you’re trying to keep the weight down as it is. Removing the camera is also incredibly easy with the touch-and-go quick- release system.
Operating feel is also responsive and steady, ideal for gentle camera moves and adjustment in extreme places. There are seven steps of pan and tilt drag, allowing you to dial in how responsive you want the movements to be. MY VERDICT The Sachtler Video 18 flowtech100 tripod system is the ideal companion for camera operators and filmmakers who are looking for a lightweight, simple and hassle-free tripod to tackle a variety of environments. It is one of the most versatile systems on the market and its popularity with filmmakers is proof. It’s great value, durable and lightweight, making it a joy to work with. For me, the only drawback is the bowl system as over time this will prove to be less solid than a Moy system, but that system is designed for more labour- intensive rigs where stability and weight are more of a consideration. Besides this, they do the job and they do it very well.
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