Posted by Jack Garrett on August 9, 2011 at 12:50 AM
I'm planning on buying a new ball head and I've heard the Acratech Ultimate is an exceptional product. Does anyone here have one? Also open to suggestions...
Posted by Sarah Marino on August 9, 2011 at 1:05 AM
Hi Jack - I have the Acratech GV2 and I absolutely love it. My largest lens is the Canon 70200 f/4 and this ballhead is perfect for my needs. I have found it to be very reliable and easy to use. I only have two very small complaints. If you have the camera pointed up at an extreme angle, the knobs can interfere with one another. Also, you have to make sure that the tension knob is set correctly or your camera can flop over unexpectedly, even if it seems secure when tightening the main knob. For example: a friend of mine was taking a look at my tripod set-up and he loosened the tension setting. I did not realize this and just tightened the main knob when I next used the ballhead. The camera seemed secure but then flopped forward when I let go of it because the tension setting had been loosened. These are both very minor complaints. I would absolutely buy the GV2 again and recommend it to anyone who will listen.
Hi Jack. I have two of the GV2 heads and love them. I am able to use them with a Wimberly Sidekick with my 500 mm with no problems. As Sarah mentioned you just have to learn the knobs and make sure they are adjusted correctly. No different than any other I have owned. They are very light and easy to clean. I would highly recommend them.
Jack- I have the Acratech GP. Very similar to the GV2 but the GP can be used for panos. Like new. I am thinking about selling it. Give me a shout at 970-513-233 or shoot me an email.
I've got 2 of them. Without a doubt, it's the best ballhead you can buy for outdoor photography. One of mine is 7 years old, beat to hell, and is still going strong. Acratech's customer service is second to none too, which is something on which I place a very high value.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 9, 2011 at 9:56 AM
I've got the Acratech Ultimate and have been using it for years, not quite as long as Bret, but getting there. If I were to buy it again, I think I'd go with their V2 or GV2. My only issue with the ultimate head is that it cannot move to the right of vertical, so if you're on a left sloping hill, you need to really get the legs very close to level. But, it is more flexible for 35mm setups where you want to tip the head for a vertical shot ( I just rotate the back on my 4X5). I would recommend that you opt for the rubberized knobs on the ultimate.
Its an sturdy and lightweight head. I use it to shoot with both wooden 4X5 and metal monorail 4X5 and its been stable up to Fuji 400T and Nikon 300M lenses, both requiring the cameras be extended to its max just over 12". I've also used it with a 35mm setup with a Canon 70-300 f4-5.6, and its never been a problem. Its also tough and durable. I've taken it through some tough terrain, banging it on sandstone walls in slot canyons and backpacking with it out in the rain or knocking it into pine trees when bushwhacking. Its got a little wear on the edges, but I've never had any trouble with the clamp, ball or the locking mechanism.
Posted by Jack Garrett on August 9, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Thanks for the great input. I just made arrangements to purchase Bob's GP.
Posted by Jim Casteel on August 9, 2011 at 1:06 PM
I will also put in a vote for a GV2. I had a V2, the base was not rotating correctly after it fell down a waterfall last summer. I contacted them about getting it repaired (non-warranty). They would have none of it. They said their stuff should be able to handle that and replaced the entire bottom of my ballhead for free. They then upgraded me from the V2 to a GV2 for $30. Stories like this is what got me to purchase their products to begin with.
Great company to work with. You just ended up with a great product Jack!
Just a note that the "Ultimate", GV, and GP models are each different.
Like Bret, I have an old Ultimate ballhead (I bought one the first year they came out, so something like seven or eight years ago). Like Mel and Bret, mine is similarly well-used from hauling it through slot canyons, backpacking, and bushwhacking. It's one of the few pieces of photography gear that I don't think about replacing with something better, even in idle speculation. I think about changing bodies, changing lenses, changing tripod legs... but like RRS L-brackets and singh-ray filters, the Acratech just plain works.
Their leveling base is also a tidy piece of gear if you get into stitched panoramics, but that's another story!
Discussion
8 repliesIts an sturdy and lightweight head. I use it to shoot with both wooden 4X5 and metal monorail 4X5 and its been stable up to Fuji 400T and Nikon 300M lenses, both requiring the cameras be extended to its max just over 12". I've also used it with a 35mm setup with a Canon 70-300 f4-5.6, and its never been a problem. Its also tough and durable. I've taken it through some tough terrain, banging it on sandstone walls in slot canyons and backpacking with it out in the rain or knocking it into pine trees when bushwhacking. Its got a little wear on the edges, but I've never had any trouble with the clamp, ball or the locking mechanism.
Great company to work with. You just ended up with a great product Jack!
Like Bret, I have an old Ultimate ballhead (I bought one the first year they came out, so something like seven or eight years ago). Like Mel and Bret, mine is similarly well-used from hauling it through slot canyons, backpacking, and bushwhacking. It's one of the few pieces of photography gear that I don't think about replacing with something better, even in idle speculation. I think about changing bodies, changing lenses, changing tripod legs... but like RRS L-brackets and singh-ray filters, the Acratech just plain works.
Their leveling base is also a tidy piece of gear if you get into stitched panoramics, but that's another story!