Acratech

[jr_senator]

Acratech line of ball heads. Experience, thoughts, etc?

[OldA1]

I bought the Ultimate V2 when it was first released and love it. No problems with the 1D3 and 70-200 2.8 IS at any angle. They still sell the original but discontinued the version 2 for an improved pseudo gimbal feature (GV2) that looks interesting. I also have the Acratech leveling base - both very high quality and I have no desire for anything else.

Peace
Mark

[crn3371]

I have the original. It's well made, nice easy to tighten rubber coated knobs, Arca Swiss compatible,as OldA1 said, I see no reason to try anything else.

[da_nige]

I have the GV2. Its great and holds the 500 f4 no problem.

Neil

[jacobsen1]

I'm another GV2 user and I love it. I started with a RRS BH-40 and didn't like the enclosed ball. I switch to acratech's ultimate but the 45º base was a bit awkward for me. So I switched again to the GV2 with a RRS lever clamp and I've been LOVING it. The gimbal works very well when needed (with a 100-400 or 300 f/4) and it's very easy to clean out.

http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-100-400l/img_2374.jpg

[medic583]

Bought a used acratech ultimate and like the above... the 45 angle is sometimes awkward when adjusting. Yet... have to say I LOVE the ballhead... holds the 200-500 without any drift... great purchase :)

[andydajo]

Sorry no experience on them but I've just purchased the Markins Q3 ballhead and it supports my Canon 1D MkIII + Canon 500mm f/4 L IS in any position and it's rock solid. http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3.php