Posted by Bret Edge on February 13, 2011 at 5:55 PM
After several years of use I feel qualified to write a thorough review of the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. If you're in the market for a new ballhead, you should definitely add the AUB to your list of products to consider.
Posted by Frank Damon on February 14, 2011 at 1:38 AM
Bret: I totally agree with your review of this great ballhead. I got mine about 3-4 months ago and haven’t destroyed it yet, but I don’t trash it as much as you do! I really love it and don’t know how I ever lived with the other ones I have had. It maneuvers very easily and I haven’t messed up, YET with any of the knobs. Just a matter of time, I know, but I am trying to pay attention to this.
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on February 14, 2011 at 11:00 PM
Weird, I just heard about this ballhead this weekend for the first time with the same positive remarks! Actually, it was called the best bullhead for macro photography, and i think it maybe. Thanks for the review, Bret!
Posted by Andreas Resch on February 15, 2011 at 5:15 AM
I have this one for a while now and can highly recommend it - the best I ever had.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 15, 2011 at 10:20 PM
I'm glad you've all found my review helpful.
Anne: Did you pick up an Acratech ballhead? I think you'd love it!
Andreas: Glad to hear the Acratech is working well for you. I can't imagine any reason it wouldn't work for an outdoor photographer, unless you're consistently using giant lenses.
Posted by Scott Fricke on February 16, 2011 at 6:51 PM
I have been looking at ballheads since my Manfrotto broke (ball suddenly broke into 3 pieces) a few weeks ago. After reading your review I went to their website and was going to buy the Ultimate and called to get the option with the right hand knobs. Ended up talking to them and what my exact needs were and went with the GV2. He asked if I was on a budget since the GV2 is $70 more than the Ultimate, I said I was and he found a cosmetically marred head and gave me a significant discount. I bought 3 quick release plates that were also marred and got them at a significant discount as well. He also said their "warranty" policy is very generous, usually replacing damaged parts for free, even if it wasn't related to the manufacturing. It was a pleasure getting to speak to actual people, photographers knowledgable about their products, and have them go out of their way to get me what I needed for what I wanted to spend. Thanks for review and the post Bret!
Posted by Bret Edge on February 16, 2011 at 8:33 PM
I'm glad (but not surprised) to hear that Acratech took care of you, Scott. Congrats on the new purchase!
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on February 20, 2011 at 12:10 AM
Bret, I don't have one at this time since I invested in the RRS BH55 and don't have the funds to drop on another ballhead. It's on my wish list, for sure! I know I'll be able to sell my BH55 when I do take the plunge, but there are other more pressing things I need in my bag at this time, unfortunately If I could just win the lotto, right!?!
I love this company and this product. I have used it for several years now. I managed to bend the QR control knob, called expecting a charge to repair, they said send it in, we will fix it and they did, no charge. I have never regretted buying this ballhead.
Discussion
8 repliesRead the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead Review.
Anne: Did you pick up an Acratech ballhead? I think you'd love it!
Andreas: Glad to hear the Acratech is working well for you. I can't imagine any reason it wouldn't work for an outdoor photographer, unless you're consistently using giant lenses.