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 45ยฐ 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 180ยฐ. 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.