Acratech Ultimate Ballhead w/ Quick Release w/ Detent Pin & Left Rubber Knobs
The Acratech Ultimate Ballhead is the most efficient design ever 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. It can be combined with a Wimberley Sidekick to give exceptional gimbal-type control of all but the largest of 35mm & medium format supertelephoto lenses.
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 your tripod legs are not overwhelmed. It may seem odd that such a small device would work well on a large tripod such as a 1500 series Gitzo, but in fact it does just that.
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.
This version includes a quick release clamp, with safety detent pin, and all rubber covered left-side control knobs.
Note: A quick release plate is not included, and Acratech offers a range of camera-specific plates, as well as a standard 1/4"-20 plate. Or can be used with any "Arca-Swiss type" plate, available from Arca-Swiss, Foba, NPC, Novoflex & Wimberley.
- Absolutely no migration after tightening the clamp
- Silky-smooth black anodized finish for precise positioning
- Open design facilitates quick maintenance
- Calibrated panning bed
- "Dry" ball does not attract dirt or dust
- Fully captive controls will not come off from prolonged vibrations
- 10-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
| Maximum Camera Supported | Large format cameras |
| Load Capacity | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
| Height | 4.1" (10.4 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 reducer bushing supplied) |
| Weight | 1 lb (450 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Long exposures (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 4 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Acratech Ultimate Ballhead w/ Quick Release w/ Detent Pin & Left Rubber Knobs:
Well made, very good quality. It is smooth yet locks in position easily and rock solid.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
Comments about Acratech Ultimate Ballhead w/ Quick Release w/ Detent Pin & Left Rubber Knobs:
Very stable for its size and weight, excellent build quality. Clever "open ball" construction makes it easy to clean the ball. The best mid-price, lightweight ballhead I have used.
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
Comments about Acratech Ultimate Ballhead w/ Quick Release w/ Detent Pin & Left Rubber Knobs:
Great ballhead for the money. I've owned it for about a year and a half. I haven't experienced any slippage. I usually set it with the quick release knob in front, with the panoramic knob on the lower right and the ball knob on the left, this allows for quick adjustments by feel and prevents me from loosing the quick release without wanting to. Best ballhead I could find for the price and it hasn't disappointed me.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Holds position
Cons
- Prefer latch-type clamp
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Long Exposures
- Macro Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Acratech Ultimate Ballhead w/ Quick Release w/ Detent Pin & Left Rubber Knobs:
I am an amatuer landscape photographer with concerns about gear functioning well in the field. The rubberized knobs make winter phtography a little easier. The ball is easy to manuever and fix tightly in place. Position holds as well in vertical position as it does in the horizontal position. It is also easy to clean.
I prefer the swivel latch quick release clamp, so I bought the head with the detent pin. As it turned out, the Arca-type clamp works so well in the vertical position, I have no concern the camera will slide out, and the detent pin turns out to be more of a psychological tool rather than a necessity.
Displaying reviews 1-4
Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
- Price: $10.00
- GBP 6.32
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.25
Universal Camera Plates
- Price: $48.75
- GBP 30.81
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Macro Focusing Rails
- Price: $336.99
- GBP 213.01
What's in the Box
- 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Reducer Bushing
- 10-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
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