Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: anth on December 19, 2011, 11:10:22 am

Title: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: anth on December 19, 2011, 11:10:22 am

I am considering the purchase of an Acratech GP ballhead. I would be interested in anyone's experience with one.

I've previously used a RRS BH55 and found it to be excellent, but it's not something I could imagine hiking or backpacking with. Hence the interest in a lighter tripod.

All of my lenses are relatively light (longest being a 70-200 f/4), using my 30D or 5D. I don't foresee getting anything longer/heavier than a 300mm f/4.

Minimal weight and ruggedness are important.

Thanks for your opinions and comments.

Cheers,

Anthony

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: JeanMichel on December 19, 2011, 05:27:28 pm

Hi,
I have an Acratech ballhead --I guess the predecessor to the GP and a levelling base, on a Gitzo tripod. They are very light and work like a charm. I use them with a Canon 5d2 and a 24-105 lens.
Jean-Michel

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on December 20, 2011, 12:47:08 am

+1

But I would by it without the Acratech QR and mount an RRS lever type QR.

Nothing wrong the Acratech QR, really, but I used to mix up the buttons for pan and camera release. So I wanted to pan but ended up with camera sitting loose.

I'd suggest that the RRS BH-40 has about the same weight.

By the way, I went the other way:  Acratech Ultimate -> RRS BH40 -> RRS BH55 -> Arca Swiss D4, but I loved the Acratech, just hated the QR.

Best regards
Erik

Quote from: JeanMichel on December 19, 2011, 05:27:28 pm

Hi,
I have an Acratech ballhead --I guess the predecessor to the GP and a levelling base, on a Gitzo tripod. They are very light and work like a charm. I use them with a Canon 5d2 and a 24-105 lens.
Jean-Michel

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: afx on December 20, 2011, 01:21:26 am

I have the original head. Due to me using  different plate system originally I am now using it with a Markins QR.
Nice lightweight travel head. With a 300/2.8 it is borderline....

cheers
afx

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: anth on December 20, 2011, 01:49:59 am

Thanks for the replies!

Quote from: ErikKaffehr on December 20, 2011, 12:47:08 am

But I would by it without the Acratech QR and mount an RRS lever type QR.

Acratech now makes their own lever-type QR - is that what you're referring to?

Quote from: afx on December 20, 2011, 01:21:26 am

With a 300/2.8 it is borderline....

Thanks! Sadly, that won't be a problem anytime soon - a 300mm f/2.8 is not part of the 5-year plan.

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on December 20, 2011, 03:46:32 pm

Hi,

I have nothing against the Acratech Lever type QR. I had some reservations about the screw type relese.

Regarding lenses, I was using my Acratech Ultimate with Minolta 400/4.5APO and 2X extender, but that is not a very heavy combo.

BR
Erik

Quote from: anth on December 20, 2011, 01:49:59 am

Thanks for the replies!

Acratech now makes their own lever-type QR - is that what you're referring to?

Thanks! Sadly, that won't be a problem anytime soon - a 300mm f/2.8 is not part of the 5-year plan.

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: Jerry Clement on December 21, 2011, 01:03:08 am

I'm on my second (don't ask) Acratech GP ballhead, and like them a lot. I do a fair amount of hiking, and find this ballhead up to the challenge.

(http://www.pbase.com/stormchaser/image/140459114.jpg)

Title: Re: Thoughts on the Acratech GP ballhead?
Post by: brianrybolt on December 21, 2011, 05:37:28 am

Excellent ball-head.  I use mine is conjunction with the levelling head when doing architecture and landscape work.  Strong, lightweight and dependable.
Brian