You Get What You Pay For: Sachtler Aktiv + Flowtech Tripod Systems

In this episode, I talk about my journey with the Sachtler Aktiv + Flowtech Tripod Systems, give you my perspective, and even break down some financials.
Connect with me online at / julienajarry
See my work at www.JulienJarry...
Rent my gear at VintalRentals.com
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Use the following Creative Solution links and receive 10% off USING CODE JJ10:
www.SmallHD.com...
www.WoodenCamer...
www.Teradek.com...
I just Phantom Luts to grade all my Sony, Red, Canon, DJI, [and more] footage. Use this link to check them out and make a purchase: bit.ly/3Fmu0OM (VisionTeal is my favorite and comes out of the Film Lut Pack.)
Non-affiliate BH links to the two tripods that I own:
Sachtler aktiv8 flowtech75 MS Tripod System: bhpho.to/3JwfTvJ
Sachtler aktiv10 flowtech 100 MS Tripod System: bhpho.to/3WBuoRE
Affiliate links to the gear I use to make these videos:
Sony FX6: amzn.to/3DeU3sw
Sony 35mm f1.8: amzn.to/3wx288d
Tiffen Glimmer Glass 1/8 77mm: amzn.to/3WDFXI6
Small Manfrotto Tripod: amzn.to/3kAPfqN
Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone: amzn.to/3WHtMd3
Ktek Boompole: amzn.to/3XYQhv5
Boompole hook: amzn.to/3XDKzPy
C-stands with Grip arms and heads: amzn.to/3j7LXLp
Aputure 200x: amzn.to/3JfCI6G
Aputure 600d: amzn.to/3Jgz9wW

[@PatMcAbery]

I'm still using my 30+ year old Vinten tripod and tell people all the time that we thought we were going to choke on the price ($3,300) but it's still working! Never been burned by spending extra money, so saving up now for Flowtech because the end is near for the old friend, but can't complain about 30!

[@NickVago]

This will be my next tripod system for sure.

[@thomas.kovacik]

i’m so over my manfrotto tripod this system is so dang quick, i love it been wanting the aktiv 8 + Flowtech 75 for a while

[@MacOlink]

I love my flowtech 75 legs. I wish I bought them years ago to be honest. Hoping to upgrade to the Aktiv head soon! Great video dude. Looking forward to the next video of this series.

[@nealhope6127]

Always awesome to get this type of insight coming from you! It’s helped along the years.

[@julienajarry]

thank you so much!

[@GriffinConway]

Nice video Julien! Looking forward to more videos on your channel!

[@julienajarry]

thank you so much Griffin!

[@Michael-uo1qv]

You’ve been a great IG follow - can’t wait to see what you can do on YT, Julien!

[@julienajarry]

thank you so much Michael!

[@willemfendon2333]

Love this video! Keep up the great work! People usually cheap out on the wrong gear and then have to replace it before they buy the right equipment. Better to buy once and buy right, even if it costs more.

[@andyamanaki]

Love this series keen for more! Definitely thinking of going the aktiv route for my two flowtech75 legs when I upgrade our heads. Honestly nothing better than puliing out the tripod and getting the height adjusted so quickly, can never go back to a multistage-mutlilever system.

[@maartenfilms7631]

I agree, loving my Aktiv + Flowtech system as well!

[@julienajarry]

stoked for you.

[@DeeTravaughn]

Great insight! The statement about having it for 10 years changed my perspective. Not only with this piece of gear, but with any gear I intend to purchase. Thanks for the video!

[@julienajarry]

Amen and thank you for that!

[@mikerawd]

Hey, it's Alex Knickerbocker on 0:30!

[@leewinter28]

Julien, I just found your channel while looking for the Sachtler tripod. Looking forward to exploring your work and journey. I am going to pull the trigger on the Sachtler. For smaller to medium sized rigs do you recommend the Aktiv Fluid head or the Cine Series?

[@julienajarry]

Thanks so much. I’m not familiar with the Cine series. Do you have a model number?

[@schuey323]

Here for this content sir! Will add the aktiv8 to my workflow soon!

[@ekumusicYT]

Such a warm, high quality and nice video :))

[@karlos333s]

So good! Can't wait for the next one!

[@julienajarry]

thank you so much.

[@12yfilms]

I bought the Aktiv 6 last year. I was really happy with it until I added some long-range primes (200 and 400mm). I wish I would have invested a bit more in the Aktiv8 and taken advantage of the extra steps of drag. Thanks for the video!

[@tonyamartin1425]

just my my 8 today thanks to you...almost got the 6...,.

[@chandlerryd6750]

100%. Bought mine last year, worth it completely.

[@John-e4p1x]

75 or 100

[@MaikHansen]

happy to found your video! Would love to see the different payloads on these tripods as I'm considering the aktiv 8 right now but I'm not sure if I already need to get the aktiv 10 with the setup that i use.

[@kalamoproductions6268]

Yes, they are amazing. I'm a small female running up and down mountains and chasing people and wildlife in Africa, so I totally get it!

[@joenicklo]

I bought my Flowtech legs + head not long before they released the Aktiv head. Wish I had held off a little longer b/c the Aktiv head looks like a game changer. You're right though, these legs are so durable and worth the $$$!!!

[@julienajarry]

I'm glad to hear you've got them and I have an FSB that rocks.

[@joenicklo]

@@julienajarry Yeah, super solid head for sure! I wish it had an illuminated bubble level though! That might be asking too much haha

[@florianropers]

I fell you - bought my Flowtech ACE XL a few months before they came out with the new and improved system. Still a great piece of gear I will enjoy using for years to come

[@MarcusRFilms]

Man I’ve been wanting one but yeah the cost of the set always discouraged me. Hearing your perspective makes sense!! Time to sell some stuff. 🤣

[@julienajarry]

You know yourself best so do what is smart but yes, if you can integrate them and anything into your business, that's where it works.

[@jahzzii7]

Awesome. Greetings from Chile.

[@julienajarry]

Thank you José!

[@thebirdiesprod]

I was on the fence to invest in this system, now I'm just waiting for it to arrive :) Can't wait to see more content from you on YT !

[@johntupper1369]

Subbed and excited for more. Going to save for something in this category but plan to run a budget tripod like the magnus vt series for at least a year while I'm learning. Upgrading to (and subsequently charging for) professional gear is the long term plan for sure given the rave reviews.

[@julienajarry]

Thank you!

[@ben_grubb]

It’s so hard to go back to other systems after having one of these. They are worth the extra money just for the ease of height adjustment alone.

[@jonwaldman94]

I know my next purchase!

[@AntonioDiCaterina]

I’ve never used better tripods on set! These are a dream to work with and 100% worth the investment.

[@danielstassen813]

I’d say even more...200% worth the investment 😉

[@paulchiu]

Can the Aktiv8 head go frictionless if needed on the horizontal? thanks.

[@julienajarry]

Yes

[@kamediabb]

I’m in the market for a tripod! This is right on time.

[@thenintendohub3873]

Hi Julien, thanks for this, hope you are well, I noticed at 49 seconds in you have an Arri Amira on there (that's my camera)- is this tripod and head strong enough to support that weight - or would the Amira have to have a small lens on there in order to do that. Looking for a lighter weight tripod to make it a little easier for me when on the go than my current set up. thanks in advance.

[@igorzhidkov1957]

I heard midspreader on flowtech 75 is quite bad, what is your experience with it?

[@julienajarry]

I’m a fan of the mid level spreader on both the 75 and 100. They’re different but neither is bad.

[@SkatingFreely]

Nice video man

[@datalaforge]

The usability of this system is pretty undeniable.

[@julienajarry]

100%

[@PeaLoop]

I'll be honest, I agonized for a couple of years before dropping 3k on the Aktiv/Flowtech system. Absolutely the best gear investment I've made. No regrets. And yeah, almost every shoot someone comments on how fast and easy they are to operate.

[@julienajarry]

Amen

[@andrewsweeney7399]

Great content!

[@bladerealm124]

Any fix for a loose wiggly carry handle? Tripod is brand new and I’ve tightened both the Allen and the plastic cover and it’s still loose.

[@timdanyo898]

Will the Active8 and flow tech 75 be enough for a fully rigged out FX6? Thanks..

[@julienajarry]

More than enough.

[@cl7911]

Have you used the FX9 on the aktiv8 + flowtech75? I'm thinking about buying that combination and It looks like the weight of the FX9 would be supported,but curious to hear your experience?

[@wazlght5884]

noted

[@tmmy.]

is activ6 ok or do i need 8? I don't have a crazy heavy set up (modded fx3)

[@davidking3699]

Now my shopping brain will never un-see these items...

[@rumorscameras]

0:32 so u shot the sennheiser with alex hhhh

[@Eric.Estrada]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@julienajarry]

thank you so much Eric!

[@John-e4p1x]

How strong does the drag get on the aktvi 10 is my question??

[@John-e4p1x]

Please answer

[@1MinEpicMoment]

But it's not convenient to carry it with you, the plane, it's a pity

[@rumorscameras]

Ur brakes still working on these sticks?

[@julienajarry]

Yes

[@rumorscameras]

@@julienajarry 😎 free palestine

[@ElayneOkaya]

They are amazing to have but you should only buy equipment and gear that can pay for itself.

[@JakeIrish]

Julien, I have to comment - you state you help people "realize true cost" by justifying a $5,818 expense (divided by the number of years it will last). This is one of the most basic financial No-Nos, and you're giving viewers an emotional coping mechanism to justify a very specific high-cost. Your advice should never be used when making expenses under a production/freelance business. How to actually find *True Value* (not Cost): Cost doesn't matter - the tripod could cost $750,000,000 and you should feel nothing. Because the real question is: Does it have value? You need to account for the time value of money, which means a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future due to its potential earning capacity. 3 methods to find this: 1. Net Present Value (NPV) 2. Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 3. Payback Period. WILL THIS TRIPOD exceed your base level rate of return in such a way that the cost of this tripod is paid off relatively quickly? Will it take you 3 months to make your money back? If yes, then okay maybe you could buy it. (obviously you should finance a purchase like this, so on paper you are making the money back in 3 months, but slowly paying off for years). Will it take you 5 years to payback? If yes, then absolutely do not buy it. Because in finance, you should have used your capital elsewhere because you're now negative. Sorry and Cheers - from a financial nerd / professional filmmaker.