Focus Fluid Head. The Focus 12 Fluid Head only weighs 5.5 pounds, and features a fluid drag system that results in smooth moves across the board. This fluid head has a few selling points, including a 100mm ball base, +/-90° tilt motion, a Sachtler Touch-and-Go 16 plate system, a bubble level, and a telescoping pan bar. Additionally, you can load up to 26 pounds of gear on the Focus 12.

Feature Packed. We’re gonna go a little bit more in depth here and get familiar with the mechanics of this thing. This fluid head is made of 127 individual parts that are hand assembled straight from the Cartoni factory in Rome, and features the same spring-loaded counterbalance system used for the OG Focus head. This model includes individual tilt and pan modules, which each contain two main sections that have thin concentric rings inside them. These rings interact with one another while a silicon paste fluid between them provides resistance. The two sections never disengage from each other, so movement is consistent and smooth.

But Wait…There’s More! When using the Focus 12, you’ll notice a large ring around the center. This is the pan drag control, and is even easy to use without looking. Every aspect of this fluid head is designed with ergonomics in mind, even the smallest hand controls are easy to use. There is also an illuminated bubble level to help keep your rig even, even in the dark!