Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 3, 2007 at 4:32 PM
I'm wondering if people have some comments about these two heads. While I usually like my 3-way pan tilt head because I can isolate which way I'm moving, I can't deny that I'd love to shave a couple pounds off that tripod when I'm hiking. I can't really afford to trade the Manfrotto in for a Gitzo right now, but I could start with a ball head and get the tripod down from 8 lbs to 6 lbs.
Is anyone using the BH25? I don't shoot anything that would have a combined weight of 8.8 lbs or even close to it and I have no aspirations of becoming a wildlife photographer with a bag of heavy superteles. Will this head functionally work in the field? Can it support a 4x5 field camera if I end up going that route? Is the fact that the pan and ball functions are controlled by one single knob a big problem? It seems like this would make it very difficult to do any pano setups. The price with the RRS lever clamp is very attractive as is the super low weight, but I worry that the limitations of this head will make it difficult to use.
With the Acratech ultimate head, I like that it is less than a pound in weight and still has a 25lb capacity and is fairly affordable to me at under $300. Does this head work well? Does the ball shift as you apply pressure on the set screw? Is it easy to set the correct pressure with the small thumbscrews? The reviews I've seen of Acratech heads have been positive. It seems nice that you can clean the exposed ball, but does this lead to wear issues from contamination too? Also, is the V2 head much better than the Ultimate in use? The price difference between these isn't too much.
Does anyone have other suggestions for a lightweight ballhead that won't break the bank but will still perform well.
Mel-
Posted by Paul Beiser on August 3, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Hi Mel,
I have used an Ultimate for 4+ years now, and it's truly an awesome head. I would not trade it for anything. They make several more heads now (V2, more 'conventional') but I still think the Ultimate, is well, still the Ultimate . I found the Ultimate (i bought a V2, used it and now I want to sell it) to work better for me - it's a little more compact and I like the way it is easy to quickly change for portrait mode.
From Hawaii to the sand of the deserts, I have seen no wear on head. The ball does not shift as pressure is applied. All in all, a truly great piece of gear (and look at the plates as well - they sell one that has a thumbscrew that opens fully with just a little over 1 turn - really like that as well).
I've been using the Acratech head for 3 years now and it's been the best ballhead I've ever owned. I've never cleaned it and it's as smooth as day one, even with all the fine sand we have here in Moab. It's scratched and nicked, and hasn't exactly been babied and I've never had a problem with it. Also, when you lock down the knobs, it doesn't move at all. Their customer service is awesome, too. I highly recommend the Ultimate!
Posted by Arthur Lund on August 3, 2007 at 8:20 PM
I owned the Acratech Ultimate Head for several years. It served me well.
I traded up for a Really Right Stuff BH-40. I am not sure that I traded up.
I am still growing out a fingernail that got smashed with it. The really right
stuff can come with a lever closure that is definitely a plus. You can always
tell if you actually locked the camera in by just looking. I would be inclined
to go with the acratech without a clamp, and then buy the lever clamp from
Really Right Stuff. One additional difference to look at is to check the height
of both heads in comparison to your present head. I found the added height of
the Ultimate head to be an advantage for me.
Art L.
Posted by Brad Beeler on August 4, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Mel, Any reason you are not considering the Kirk heads? Just curios as I too am looking at moving back to a ball head, after toating around the Manfrotto 410 Geared head for some time now. I too am having the same delima you are.
Thanks
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 4, 2007 at 12:54 AM
Mel,
I've had the RRS BH-40 on my Manfrotto MF055-3 for over a year now and love it! This is my first ball head and I went throught the same research you're going through - there are a lot of good choices out there. I have the lever quick-release plate with spirit level. It's strong enough to handle my 4x5 both for shots and walking around over my shoulder. The ball movement is very smooth with easy adjustable tension. Also the pan-only adjustment is great for panoramas. I like the neoprene cover it comes with, nice protection which has come in handy. The NH-40 is quite a bit lighter than the 55 and stronger than the 25. I don't think the 25 would handle your 4x5, especially if the 4x5 isn't a lighter field type.
I'd be happy to meet if you'd like to check it out.
I've had the Acratech Ultimate for about three years and really enjoy it! While I've looked at other heads, I've not worked with them, so I don't feel that I can compare them. But, the easy & simplicity of the Acratech head is great.
I'm typically shooting w/ a Pentax 67 or Fuji G617. The only time that I have difficulties with it is when I'm putting my P67 on it w/ my 400mm lens (and, sometimes w/ the 2x extender). The setup does become ungainly and the ballhead may slip a bit if I'm not careful. But, that's in part because I have 15 to 20 pounds of camera & lens sticking out from the top, and not necessarily centered over the top of the head. The better that I center the rig, the more secure everything sits (and, the better I feel)...
Good luck,
Tim!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 4, 2007 at 10:15 PM
Brad,
No particular reason not to consider the Kirk or Markins or anyone else. These two head just seemed to meet my desire for ultra low weight to offset my ultra high weight Manfrotto 3021 and they were affordable. My only constraint is that I can't afford stratospheric prices.
I have an Acratech, but only use it when weight is an issue. I have the 1st version with the metal knobs. If you decide on the Acratech spring for the rubber knobs, the metal knobs have a hard edge to them and really irritate your fingers after a short time. My main ballhead is a FOBA Superball, it is heavy but works beautifully in most conditions. The FOBA does not like rain or misty conditions as it tends to lock up, drying the ball and spraying it with a small amount of silicone spray brings back the silky smooth movements. If I were to buy another ballhead I would get the RRS 40 version.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 17, 2007 at 1:11 PM
Update -
After looking around a bit more at the offerings, here is what I found.
The Markins Q3 is a viable option, that I was not previously aware of. Very light and can supposedly hold something like 63lbs. The weight listed is something like .73 lbs Costs the same as the Acratech. Some people have had trouble with the panning lock, others have not. I have not read of any problems with the ball lock or tension knobs.
Kirk BH-3 is not as light and not as nicely finished as the Markins, but does a fine job regardless. I didn't dig into this one any more than that.
The BH-25 is supposed to be quite nice, but it does not have a separate panning control. This might be fine if I were looking for a travel only option, but since I will use this head at all times, I did not think this would be acceptable.
I ended up ordering the Acratech Ultimate with all rubber knobs, right control, and an Acratech universal plate.
And I'm getting a little crazy and ordering a Velbon El Carmagne 630 shortly. My hiking tripod will go from 8lbs to 4lbs.
Discussion
9 repliesIs anyone using the BH25? I don't shoot anything that would have a combined weight of 8.8 lbs or even close to it and I have no aspirations of becoming a wildlife photographer with a bag of heavy superteles. Will this head functionally work in the field? Can it support a 4x5 field camera if I end up going that route? Is the fact that the pan and ball functions are controlled by one single knob a big problem? It seems like this would make it very difficult to do any pano setups. The price with the RRS lever clamp is very attractive as is the super low weight, but I worry that the limitations of this head will make it difficult to use.
With the Acratech ultimate head, I like that it is less than a pound in weight and still has a 25lb capacity and is fairly affordable to me at under $300. Does this head work well? Does the ball shift as you apply pressure on the set screw? Is it easy to set the correct pressure with the small thumbscrews? The reviews I've seen of Acratech heads have been positive. It seems nice that you can clean the exposed ball, but does this lead to wear issues from contamination too? Also, is the V2 head much better than the Ultimate in use? The price difference between these isn't too much.
Does anyone have other suggestions for a lightweight ballhead that won't break the bank but will still perform well.
Mel-
I have used an Ultimate for 4+ years now, and it's truly an awesome head. I would not trade it for anything. They make several more heads now (V2, more 'conventional') but I still think the Ultimate, is well, still the Ultimate
From Hawaii to the sand of the deserts, I have seen no wear on head. The ball does not shift as pressure is applied. All in all, a truly great piece of gear (and look at the plates as well - they sell one that has a thumbscrew that opens fully with just a little over 1 turn - really like that as well).
Good luck!
I traded up for a Really Right Stuff BH-40. I am not sure that I traded up.
I am still growing out a fingernail that got smashed with it. The really right
stuff can come with a lever closure that is definitely a plus. You can always
tell if you actually locked the camera in by just looking. I would be inclined
to go with the acratech without a clamp, and then buy the lever clamp from
Really Right Stuff. One additional difference to look at is to check the height
of both heads in comparison to your present head. I found the added height of
the Ultimate head to be an advantage for me.
Art L.
Thanks
I've had the RRS BH-40 on my Manfrotto MF055-3 for over a year now and love it! This is my first ball head and I went throught the same research you're going through - there are a lot of good choices out there. I have the lever quick-release plate with spirit level. It's strong enough to handle my 4x5 both for shots and walking around over my shoulder. The ball movement is very smooth with easy adjustable tension. Also the pan-only adjustment is great for panoramas. I like the neoprene cover it comes with, nice protection which has come in handy. The NH-40 is quite a bit lighter than the 55 and stronger than the 25. I don't think the 25 would handle your 4x5, especially if the 4x5 isn't a lighter field type.
I'd be happy to meet if you'd like to check it out.
I've had the Acratech Ultimate for about three years and really enjoy it! While I've looked at other heads, I've not worked with them, so I don't feel that I can compare them. But, the easy & simplicity of the Acratech head is great.
I'm typically shooting w/ a Pentax 67 or Fuji G617. The only time that I have difficulties with it is when I'm putting my P67 on it w/ my 400mm lens (and, sometimes w/ the 2x extender). The setup does become ungainly and the ballhead may slip a bit if I'm not careful. But, that's in part because I have 15 to 20 pounds of camera & lens sticking out from the top, and not necessarily centered over the top of the head. The better that I center the rig, the more secure everything sits (and, the better I feel)...
Good luck,
Tim!
No particular reason not to consider the Kirk or Markins or anyone else. These two head just seemed to meet my desire for ultra low weight to offset my ultra high weight Manfrotto 3021 and they were affordable. My only constraint is that I can't afford stratospheric prices.
After looking around a bit more at the offerings, here is what I found.
The Markins Q3 is a viable option, that I was not previously aware of. Very light and can supposedly hold something like 63lbs. The weight listed is something like .73 lbs Costs the same as the Acratech. Some people have had trouble with the panning lock, others have not. I have not read of any problems with the ball lock or tension knobs.
Kirk BH-3 is not as light and not as nicely finished as the Markins, but does a fine job regardless. I didn't dig into this one any more than that.
The BH-25 is supposed to be quite nice, but it does not have a separate panning control. This might be fine if I were looking for a travel only option, but since I will use this head at all times, I did not think this would be acceptable.
I ended up ordering the Acratech Ultimate with all rubber knobs, right control, and an Acratech universal plate.
And I'm getting a little crazy and ordering a Velbon El Carmagne 630 shortly. My hiking tripod will go from 8lbs to 4lbs.