Acratech Ball Head
Feb 12, 2020 10:24:29 #
I’m still contemplating a new ball head and found Acratech. I like the concept and they have one with built in gimbal position. Does anyone have one of their ball heads and what do you think?
Feb 12, 2020 10:30:38 #
Photolady2014 wrote:
I’m still contemplating a new ball head and found Acratech. I like the concept and they have one with built in gimbal position. Does anyone have one of their ball heads and what do you think?
What kind of lenses do you contemplate using and for what subjects ? - I know, not a direct answer to your question....
....I am wondering if it has to be a ball ? - Acratech also makes a nice pan/tilt for large lenses. - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Acratech-Long-Lens-Head-1160/332602313387?epid=1001633472&hash=item4d70a48aab:g:otsAAOSwubJeDH5v.
Feb 12, 2020 10:40:48 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
I have one of Acratech's ball heads and so far I am happy with it, but I have had it for not very long and have use it a little bit only.
And, I came from a pretty cheap/standard/no brand ball head.
Haven't use the "gimbal" position yet.
And, I came from a pretty cheap/standard/no brand ball head.
Haven't use the "gimbal" position yet.
Feb 12, 2020 10:49:23 #
I like the fact that it is Small, compact, and lightweight. I don't know if it is heavy-duty enough. Someone let us know.
Feb 12, 2020 11:25:54 #
I do not have that exact head but can say I have several pieces of Acratech equipment. All work flawlessly. But also owning a standard gimbal of different manufacture I have always been suspicious on the performance/stability claims of a ball based gimbal. For a gimbal to work smoothly on all axis planes it must be very stable and needs to be easy to get it balanced just so with each lens and have very smooth action. But I admit I have not tried one. Acratech is a great company to deal with. They have a 30 return policy for exchange or refund if you’re not happy so long as the item is returned in like new condition. Can’t beat that. Good luck.
Feb 12, 2020 12:07:05 #
Photolady2014 wrote:
I’m still contemplating a new ball head and found Acratech. I like the concept and they have one with built in gimbal position. Does anyone have one of their ball heads and what do you think?
Acratech makes good quality heads!
Feb 12, 2020 12:07:23 #
I’ve had the Acratech GP for about 6 years now. It has performed very well. I like it’s light weight design and easy maintenance. Take the time in the beginning to get the tension adjustment right and from then on you’ll find it very easy to use. Their clamps are all Arca-Swiss compatible. One of its best qualities is that when adjusted properly it handles long lens well. I can use it with my 100-400 fully extended and set at a 45 degree downward angle and experience no creep. The conversion to being self leveling is a bit cumbersome but it does work. I prefer the RRS leveling base instead. All in all the Acratech ball heads are excellent. I have no qualms about recommending them.
Feb 12, 2020 15:53:49 #
I have the Acratech Nomad ballhead. I'm very happy with it. It weighs only 0.9lbs. but has a capacity of 25lbs. It has an open design that allows any debris to clear away instead on being trapped in the ball socket. It's very precisely machined. It has a fluted base that provides better grip when mounted or removing it from the tripod. It's Arca-Swiss compatible.
I have my Kirk L-bracket on the Acratech ballhead
(Download)
Open design allows debris to clear away. The fluted base provides better grip for mounting and removing ballhead
(Download)
Feb 12, 2020 17:07:48 #
imagemeister wrote:
What kind of lenses do you contemplate using and for what subjects ? - I know, not a direct answer to your question.... ....I am wondering if it has to be a ball ? - Acratech also makes a nice pan/tilt for large lenses. - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Acratech-Long-Lens-Head-1160/332602313387?epid=1001633472&hash=item4d70a48aab:g:otsAAOSwubJeDH5v
.
....I am wondering if it has to be a ball ? - Acratech also makes a nice pan/tilt for large lenses. - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Acratech-Long-Lens-Head-1160/332602313387?epid=1001633472&hash=item4d70a48aab:g:otsAAOSwubJeDH5v.
I did look at that option. My biggest so far is the Tamron 150-600. I'm still contemplating the Sigma 60-600. Most of the time however I use my Canon 100-400 with 1.4.
Feb 12, 2020 17:08:59 #
Feb 12, 2020 17:09:48 #
Photographer Jim wrote:
I’ve had the Acratech GP for about 6 years now. It... (show quote)
Great info, I'm still leaning that way.
Feb 13, 2020 05:44:10 #
My wife uses the the Acratech GP ball head, had it for years and loves it!
Only thing she would change is to get the one with the lever clamp that wasn’t available when she got hers, zero problems with it and it’s so easy to clean is you get sand or sea water on it.
I prefer the RRS BH55 but it’s a lot heavier, she hates the RRS, each to their own.
Only thing she would change is to get the one with the lever clamp that wasn’t available when she got hers, zero problems with it and it’s so easy to clean is you get sand or sea water on it.
I prefer the RRS BH55 but it’s a lot heavier, she hates the RRS, each to their own.
Feb 13, 2020 05:59:22 #
I still use my gp-s. Had it for about 10 years now. Still works as good as day 1.
Feb 13, 2020 07:05:34 #
Photolady2014 wrote:
I’m still contemplating a new ball head and found Acratech. I like the concept and they have one with built in gimbal position. Does anyone have one of their ball heads and what do you think?
Hi, I just finished a very comprehensive review of the new GXP for them and found it to be a super product. Very lightweight and STRONG. Quite alot of pluses to it. Used it in a number of configurations, tripod, monopod, automobile window mount, with a sidekick gimbal attachment, all worked flawlessly. Highly recommended. Waiting to have it published on numerous sites, not out there as of yet.
Hope this helps.
Bob Falcone
Feb 13, 2020 07:22:02 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.