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.
The clamp also feature a spring-loaded detent pin that projects into the pockets or windows that are cut into the bottom of most manufactures (Acratech, Kirk, Really Right Stuff, etc.) quick release plates. This detent pin will prevent the plate from accidentally sliding out in the event that the knob is partially loosened.
| Load Capacity | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
| Height | 4.25" (108mm) |
| Quick Release | Yes, Arca-Swiss type |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | Dual 1/4"-20 and 3/8" |
| Weight | 1 lb (450 g) |
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
what sold me on this ballhead was how easy it was to maintain. no matter how dirty it gets, it is a breeze to clean because of its open design. when tightened down, the camera does move to the right slightly, but it is too insignificant to really hinder any shots being taken.
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
Light-weight, sturdy, and easy to use. Great for outdoor use or studio. Great for landscape photography.
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
easy to use incredibly smooth I use it for macro and landscape work
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
It allows me to use it in any direction. And, I have Acratech plates for several cameras and thus didn't have to buy new ones. We shall see how long it stays as fluid as it is now. Lightweight is right.
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
It is very lightweight and since there are no hidden and lubricated parts very easy to clean after use is dusty conditions.
Once locked it is rock solid. There is a very slight horizontal shift during locking, which is noticeable only with very long lenses. It can be minimized by properly setting the "tension" knob.
The friction (tension) control is not as nice as on traditional ball heads - but for me this is not a major issue. The only other complaint I have is that when the head is "dropped" into the portrait orientation the metal shaft rubs directly in the metal "slot" and pivoting is somewhat "sticky". Maybe this is what the GV2 "fixes".
Overall I am very happy with this for hiking and generally shooting outdoors.
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
After evaluating 4 quality ballheads companies, I chose the Acratech V2. I was so pleased I purchased a 2nd and will probably purchase a 3rd. I will now sell my 4 tradional heads on ebay.
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Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
I am very pleased with the ball head but have only used it a limited time. I would prefer a different quick release plate (must be ordered separately) of some combination of this ones base and Manfrottos attachment mechanism. But that is being pretty picky. Only time will tell if the ball continues to support a fairly heavy camera and lens after lots of use.
Comments about Acratech V2 Ballhead with Quick Release:
Highly recommended product. Great quality and engineering, lightweight, very easy to setup and use. Rock solid! With Gitzo 1540 it makes a great tripod setup for on-the-go photography. This is my first ball-head (so I don't have a real comparison with similar products) but I certainly will never look back at traditional tripod heads after using the Acratech V2 for just a few days.
Expertise: Photo Enthusiast
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Manfrotto 3030
Items I Recommend: Gitzo GT1540 6x
Displaying reviews 1-8