The Acratech Ultimate Ballhead features a very efficient design 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. It can be combined with a Wimberley Sidekick to give exceptional gimbal-type control of all but the most gargantuan of 35mm & medium format supertelephoto lenses.
Occasionally it is necessary to reorient the controls of the Acratech to access a particular angle, because the clamp is mounted at a 45° angle to the ballhead. Thus, if one needs to point straight down on one shot and then five degrees backward on the next, one must reorient the clamp 180°. This is quickly mastered and not a detriment to ownership, as the benefits of traveling with such a lightweight design are realized every time it is carried.
Model #1123 features a rubber main control knob positioned on the right-hand side, and is more comfortable to operate in cold temperatures.
Note! A quick release plate is not included, and Acratech offers a range of camera-specific plates, as well as a generic plate. It can also be used with any "Arca-Swiss type" plate, available from Arca-Swiss, Foba, NPC, Novoflex & Wimberley.