Acratech ulitmate or Markins Q3?

Is anybody using these ball heads? Any 'in the field' advantages/disadvantages? They cost around the same in Germany so thought of asking you guys. I need to replace my current ball head.

thank you.

Prashant, I'm afraid I've used neither of the heads you mention, but have heard good things about both. Have never heard a negative comment about Markins, their users seem to love them. Have heard a couple small negative comments about Acratech but nothing major as I recall.

Have you considered Really Right Stuff? They also make excellent heads. I have the BH-55 and the BH-40 and have been extremely happy with both.

Hi Bill,
Problem with the RRS is, I'll have to order it from the USA and then it will get really expensive with the customs duty and the postage.

I have the Acratech. Mine has been abused by travel, weather, and dirt extremes and it has functioned flawlessly and shows few signs of wear. It tightens down quite easily and I've used it with my 4X5 without slippage. It's a great little ball head, though I might wish to shave a few ounces if I were ever to replace it.

I use the Markins Q3 Traveler ballhead with a lightweight tripod for hiking, and I really like it.

The Traveler version of the Q3 allows my tripod legs to fold back over the head for maximum portability.
Hard to believe that such a lightweight head (same weight as the regular Q3) can hold so much weight, but I've never had any slippage with it.
The only nit I have is that the level bubble is covered by the camera plate ( ), but I have a level bubble on my tripod and hotshoe, so that's of little concern.

Either is likely to be fine. I've been using the AcraTech for about five years, almost daily. It's the only piece of gear I can't destroy. It's even been hit by a train now! Works like new. I mainly bought it because I liked its open design. Its easy to keep clean in dusty conditions and in freezing rain and snow. It has never locked up on me.


Kent in SD

I use the Markins Q3 on a Gitzo 1540. A very light combination. I bought it for travel use. I find it to be a GREAT piece of gear. I routinely put a 5D with the 100-400 on it and it is more than capable of handling that size gear. The build quality of the Markins is superb. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another piece of Markins equipment.

I have the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. Absolutely no complaints. It does not have adjustable tension, a feature that some folks like. When and if I get a second ball head, I will consider the RRS, based on its reputation.

I have the Acratech Ultimate and like it for light to med weight setups, I've used it with a 500/4 and it is serviceable but not nearly as good as my Foba Superball for that weight. Usually I use my full size Wimberly with the 500. If you do get the Acratech, make sure you order one with the rubber knobs. The metal knobs will wear the skin off your fingers!
I used it in the southern oceans in January and did not worry about salt spray, and sand because it could be rinsed off in fresh water in the sink. Very easy to take care of and resistant to all kinds of abuse.

I have the acratech and like it very well too. Its a quality product made with pride. Its very durable and because the ball is exposed, there is no risk of getting crud in there. If I were to buy one again, I think I might opt for their V2 instead. This was my first ballhead coming from panning heads. I like the ultimate design, but I think the V2 might work a bit better for me.

I too have the Acratech and it is one fabulous ballhead. It works everywhere and takes a real beating. I actually managed to damage mine and the company sent me a free replacement with express shipping. The customer service is second to none. Highly recommended!

This is an easy one - Acratech. No other ballhead is as durable and easy to use. I've beat mine to death; it's been muddy, sandy and wet and it works flawlessly after 4 years of very hard use. It never needs lubrication due to the open ballhead design. Their customer service is second to none, too.