Acratech Ball Heads

Camera Brands

Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal Head
Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal Head

A cratech Ball Heads. For years, the recommended ball head was the Arca Swiss. This jewel of Swiss engineering weighs 1¾ pounds, was silky smooth and just really worked well. I would still recommend it, except for two reasons. The price has become obscene (about $400) and a new ball head is now available that gives us a viable alternative. Known for their Acratech Ultimate ball head, Acratech has released a variant on the theme with the V2 ball head. Weighing just 0.45 kg with a 38mm ball, the V2 can support over 25 lbs - 14. This new head is made by AcraTech, a precision machine shop in California. It just so happens that the head of AcraTech, Scott Dordick, is a machinist AND a photographer. Although ball heads are nothing new, Scott has brought some exciting innovations to his creation.

 

Prices below were obtained from average internet prices and may have changed from the posting date
Acratech GP BallheadAcratech GP Ballhead Lightweight Ballhead Functions as a Gimbal Head. Functions as a Leveling Base. 25 Lb Load Capacity. The Acratech GP Ballhead is not only a first-class ballhead, it can also function as a gimbal head for shooting with telephoto lenses, and even be used upside down as a leveling base for stitched panoramic images. The GP Ballhead makes it possible for you to pan parallel to the horizon, even on very rough terrain, so there's no need for a separate leveling base for accurate panoramic images. All of this, and it only weighs 1 lb. It also includes a quick release clamp with bullseye level, double-speed knob and detent pin (which prevents the plate and anything attached to it from sliding out of the quick-release clamp when it's partially loosened). $399.95.
Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal Head.Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal Head. The Acratech GV2 Ballhead/Gimbal Head is a sturdy, heavy duty, yet compact ballhead that is similar in design to most conventional ballheads (unlike the unique Ultimate head). However, the GV2 model has been improved so that it can be locked down when the head is in the 90° orientation, which effectively turns this ballhead into a gimbal-style head. This will now allow the camera to pivot around its center-point, gimbal style.

The GV2 features a low profile design, and sports all-rubber knurled knobs that are more comfortable to use, especially in extreme weather. Typical Internet price $349.99.

Acratech Ultimate Ballhead with Quick ReleaseAcratech Ultimate Ballhead with Quick Release (Requires Plate) with Left Side Rubber Knobs - Supports 25 lb (11.3 kg) The Acratech Ultimate Ballhead is the result of innovative efficient design, created for combining low mass with incredible stopping power. Available with or without an installed Arca-type quick release clamp, it is an ideal head for those that do not require the progressive tension control of the heavier (and more expensive) Arca-Swiss B1.

The innovative design of the Acratech gives the photographer full access to 25% of a sphere at any time, and it is entirely capable of providing support in any direction so long as the tripod legs are not overwhelmed. Typical Internet price $289.95.

Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release.Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release. The Acratech V2 Ballhead is a sturdy, heavy duty, yet compact ballhead that is similar in design to most conventional ballheads (unlike the unique Ultimate head). It features a low profile design, and sports all-rubber knurled knobs that are more comfortable to use, especially in extreme weather. The built-in industry-standard Arca-Swiss style quick release clamp makes it compatible with the many different plates available from Arca-Swiss, Kirk, Wimberly, Really Right Stuff, Foba, Novoflex, etc. Typical Internet price $329,95.
Acratech Quick Release Leveling Base with Arca-Swiss Quick Release ClampAcratech Quick Release Leveling Base with Arca-Swiss Quick Release Clamp, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg) The Acratech Leveling Base is a leveling base that fits between the tripod (or stand) and the tripod head, and can be used with any tripod that features a 3/8" head screw. This device allows for the photo or video head to be quickly leveled, independently from the tripod. At its center is an oilless and greaseless ball that will not attract or hold dirt and debris. It allows 10° movement in any direction, and features smooth knob action for easy and secure positioning. Typical Internet price $239.95.

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