Acratech Ultimate Ballhead

The best ball head I have ever used. Compact, light weight, and sturdy. I put my Canon EOS 20D + 100-400/4-4.6 L on it, slightly tight up the knob, and it it firm like a rock.

Campact, light weight, and sturdy.

The quick release plates are too expensive.

Bogen

Superb piece of innovative engineering. Very well made, I love the exposed design impervious to dust/dirt/rain etc.

Locks down securely, I used FM3A and the 1.2 kg monster -- Nikon 200mm/f4 AFD ED IF Micro - alongwith a SB800+Wimberley F2 macro bracket on this and works like a charm. No slippage.

Build quality
Exposed design
Light weight
Terrific load capacity

Almost none -- shooting in portrait orientation a bit tricky and may involve releasing the panning base, but you get used to it.

Another Acratech :) .. I bought two
Arca Swss B1
Kaiser Pro

Never needed, probably never will.

I read many reviews first on this ballhead and that is what made me decide to give it a try. Well I have to say I'm glad I did, this is one great ballhead for it's size and weight. When you lock it down, it is there to stay, period! I do have to say that after testing it out it doesn't perform to same standard as the Arca Swiss B1, but it also 30% cheaper in price and weight. When I use it with longer lenses like a 70-200 f/4L the lens will dip just a hair after you tighten it. That doesn't really bother me because every other ballhead I have ever used does same thing, except the Arca Swiss B1. I owned a Kirk BH-3 and the Acratech performs better than it did. When I purchased this it replaced my Kirk BH-3.I thought that the design was little strange and was afraid I might not like it, but that was all forgotten after using it for couple hours on shoot I did in sand dunes. There is another awesome feature this ballhead has over any of the others and that is by the simple design you don't have to worry about sand, dirt, water, etc, getting into ballhead. After using it just wipe everything off, that is it. Overall if your looking for a very strong light weight ballhead, then don't look any further. Also if you decide to purchase one, get the model with all rubber knobs. Mine did't have all rubber knobs and I ended up sending it in and had them change out the old metal ones.

Size, weight, strength, design.

None

Kirk BH-3

AWESOME, I had one small concern with the performance of the head (it pulled hair to the left when tightened). They ended up replaceing the inside clamp, with no questions asked. This wasn't purchased new under warranty, I bought it on EBay used. That is one great company that stands behind their product.

Lightweight, iron grip, unique design, no flop. This head will hold anything I have without flinching. I tighten it and it stays there. I throw my tripod over my shoulder with my 300mm f/4 attached to my EOS 3 without worry, no flop. It doesn't have a tension knob, so it's all or nothing tight or loose, but this works fine for me. I have never used some of the high priced heads out there, so I can't compare. The Acratech for me is the Ultimate Ballhead.

Light weight, incredible grip.

The design requires you to pan some it acheive some positions. I find this difficult when tracking birds.

Giottos, Bogen.

Haven't needed. Acratech is a pleasure to do business with though.

I had the Gitzo 1276M MK2 before this, and thought that ball head was great. The Acratech ultimate is even better. In fact, the ultimate ball head may be the best ball head I have ever used. Another reviewer mentioned that the ball moved a tiny amount when tightening, this can be avoided very simply... Instead of loosening the tension lock completely to move the camera, leave some tension on it, which is better for heavy loads anyways. By leaving some tension on the ball it is not allowed to "settle" which is essentially what happens when it is loosened completely. Thus when you tighten it from a semi tight, but still easily moveable position, there is no movement when tightening. I figured this out in the first five minutes of possessing the unit. Other than that ONE tiny tiny "flaw" this thing is perfect. I mean perfect. This unit weighs less than a pound and holds 25 EASILY. I mean, you put a ten pound load on this thing, and it won't even notice the weight. You put 20 on it, and it'll be you that has problems with the weight, not the ball head. Solid at every angle, vibrations very well controlled, much less vibration than the Gitzo 1276M. This is a 5 star product. No doubt in my mind, one of the best photographic investments you can make after the camera and lenses. You might think 269 is a lot for a ball head when there are many others that do the job for less. Well, there is more to this ball head than its extraordinary performance, it exudes quality. You look at it and you know you spent your money wisely...

The highest ratio of weight to load capability I know of in a ball head. Extraordinarly light, yet extremely solid. It wouldn't flinch in a hurricane. No motion after tightening, or during tightening if proper technique is used.

This product has no weaknesses, it trully is the "ultimate".

Gitzo ball head, 1276M MK2

Not used.