The IBC just started and Sachtler just presented their latest product: The Sachtler Ace System.

A week ago I got the opportunity to work with a preproduction unit, provided by Sachtler Germany. So take a moment, sit down and read why this tripod is worth a look!

Independent videographers and DSLR shooter now can enjoy all the performance benefits of a broadcast quality. As you know Sachtler is one the industries best manufacturers for tripods. A while ago, they introduced the Cine DSLR, a professional fluid head for digital single-lens reflex cameras with HD video function. Now Sachtler went one step further and introduced the ace-System. Offered at an affordable price they are giving videographers the tripod they need for cameras up to 4kg.

During my work with the tripod I noticed some points, which I want to highlight below.

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I got this tripod from Sachtler for testing purpose, but this is not changing my view on the product. All reviews on this blog represent my opinion and aren't influced by sponsorships.

Legs

Let's begin with the tripod legs first. You can choose between two systems: One with footpads with retractable spikes and mid-level spreader and the second one with ground spreader. Both systems work with 2-stages, are made of Aluminium, have a 75mm bowl and can carry 20kg.

They are solidly built and even don't jiggle while operating at great heights. I personally worked with the mid-level spreader version, which was a great pleasure. But I think I'd prefer the ground spreader version, because the min Height is lower (40cm vs. 64cm) than with mid-level spreader.

Fluid head

So, now the most important part of the tripod. Working with a DSLR and the new Fluid head is truly amazing! Why? Here are my biggest advantages compared to a normal tripod:

The system is already delivered with a large Camera plate (14cm), which is helpful, because depending on which lenses and accessories you use, the rig's centroid is unusual and may be disbalanced. The large plate helps to compensate that.

In case the Camera plate wasn't enough to balance the camera you can make use of the 5 step Counterbalance knob. And as it is said in the article "How to Choose a Camera Tripod" [1] "Good tripods have counterbalance systems to help keep the camera balanced." It's hard to describe why this is useful but it's certainly a nice feature to have.

Last but not least a thing which shows the quality of this head are the horizontal and vertical Drag controls (3 +0 each). It is said that the more control you have the better a tripod is. And 3 steps is already a very great amount! During the time I worked with the head, I didn't had the wish for another few steps.

Altogether I was very pleased with the quality and usability of the ace Fluid head.

Is it worth buying?

This is probably a popular question after the release of this new system. And I'll answer it in the following way: If you're in film business, work with a DSLR and have a rig with a camera and a few accessories, then this is YOUR tripod. The Payload is 0-4kg, so with a 800g DSLR (e.g. 7D) you have 3.2kg for monitor, accessories, cages and more. This is truly enough and the features of this new tripod are making it easy balance it and use it.

If there are any questions left, leave a comment or ask me a on Twitter @FreytagFilm. If you appreciated this review, I'd be more than happy if you press the new "I read this page button", enter your name and click submit!