Acratech or RRS ballhead?

I'm getting ready to upgrade the ballhead for my tripod. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Really Right Stuff BH-55 or an Acratech GP. I'd like to hear pros and cons for each from people who own and use each of these. Thanks!

What lenses do you intend to use the heds with?
How far do you anticipate carrying the lens + tripod + head?

Sandy

The biggest lens (for now) will be Canon 70-200 mm L on my 5D MkII. My normal lens is a Canon 24-105 L. I'll also be doing some marco with a 90 mm and extension tubes. I'm not really worried about the weight of the head as I won't be carrying it far. I'm more concerned about the quality of the head, it's durability, precision and accuracy over time. Also, I'd like to know if one is easier to use when in a hurry and operating just by feel.

I've been around Acratech, but never owned one. Our foray into RRS heads is a couple of BH-30's. Based on the performance of those little gems, we'll own more RRS heads. They support unbelievably well for their small size, yet are silky smooth. That probably doesn't help your decision about larger versions much, other than to tell you our friend with the Acratech moved on to a RRS after using ours. He had no real problems with the Acratech, but said our RRS "felt" better.

Nick, With those lenses, you don't need a B55. The 30 would be fine. The B55 is very big and heavy .
Both RRS and Acra. are excellent. I'm thinking of moving to Acratech simply for the lighter weigt, as I do carry them around. Sold my B55 a month or so ago.
Sandy

Since I have owned the BH55 I have ceased to ever consciously think about the ballhead. Using it is smooth, trouble free, solid and intuitive. Yes it is heavier than some options, but it will always do the job. What more could one ever want or need?

I use the BH-55 and have been exceedingly happy with it. Absolutely rock solid in performance and their customer service is wonderful. I hear Acratech is excellent too though.

I only have experience with Acratech. It has been through sand, rain and snow and has done well. I don't know how long I've owned it, but it goes back to my film days and was used with my 4X5. Last year I had a small problem with a spring on the clamp and emailed them about getting a replacement spring. They wrote back and said, heck, just send the whole thing in and we'll clean it, inspect it, and replace the spring. No charge. I had about a 7 day turnaround and got it back in fine order. That goes a long way with me.

I agree with Sandy that the BH-55 is bigger than you need for those lenses. However, if you ever plan on using anything bigger and want one ballhead to handle everything, it should be fine. If you're never going beyond the 70-200, I'm not sure the extra weight is worth it.

Max

I have both ballheads. While the BH-55 is an outstanding ballhead, if I had it to do over, I would have saved the money and gotten two of the Acratech. Both work equally well for my 4x5 and digital (5DII with 70-200 4.0). The Acratech is also much lighter. The BH-55 is a bit of overkill for my needs, but works great. So does the Acratech. Bottom line is that you cannot go wrong with either, so it depends on what you need and what your priorities are.

Thanks for all your comments. They have been insightful even if my choice is still up in the air. I am leaning toward the RRS ballhead, but I might go with the smaller BH40. All in all, it seems that either one will serve my needs now and into the future when I acquire a 400 mm lens. Thanks again.

"...serve my needs now and into the future....

Right on target!

I had the same dilemma couple years ago and my biggest lens is Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. I had a look at BH-55, Acratech GP and Arca Swiss Z1. I know all three of them are great. BH-55 is the best but very heavy. I end up getting Z1, it is sitting on my GT3541LS since and loving each other and I love them both.
The other option is the Photo Clam, they make Arca Swiss like heads in lots of different sizes.I have not seen many people using them, but heard lots of good news about them. You might want to check them.
Good luck.
Mo

Acratech all the way. They make the finest ballheads for outdoor photographers, in my opinion. They're light, durable, strong, precision made pieces of kit. The open ballhead design never gets gummed up with mud, sand or other debris and doesn't require lubrication - ever. I've got an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead that's 8 years old and works as good as new despite the fact that it looks like it's been through war. Their customer service is second to none and they don't charge a fortune for their product.

A couple years ago I wrote a review of the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead.