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| The Ultimate Ballhead from Acratech Inc. Original design and new V-2 model |
to V-2 or not to V-2 ... by Paul Sumi
As a longtime Ultimate Ballhead owner, I greatly appreciate the virtues of Acratech's original Ultimate Ballhead. Its' light-weight, easy-to-clean design, and ability to hold up to 25 pounds of camera and lens make it one of my favorite photography tools. But after reading Steve's review of the new V2 Ultimate Ballhead, I wondered if it was worth it for UBH owners to upgrade to the new version.
Steve is an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it” kind of guy: "if you already have the original Ultimate Ballhead there is no reason to rush out to replace it." But I saw enough new and improved features that I had to find out for myself. I went to Acratech's website, bought the new V2, and had it in my hands the next day. (Living in Southern California, where Acratech is based, has its advantages).
In the field, both ballheads work equally well. If you like the original UBH, you'll love the new V2. I have become a fan of the V2's adjustable tension which gives me greater control making small camera adjustments. The real winner for me, though, is that I no longer have to do the "twist and turn."
This takes a little explanation. The 45-degree angle of the original UBH ballhead ring sometimes prevents the camera from tilting/panning in the desired direction. Steve points out in his review that this is easy enough to remedy and that one soon becomes used to making the necessary "twist and turn." Well, guess who never got used to this? The V2's horizontal ring allows equal freedom of movement in all directions.
The bottom line is that I'm keeping the V2. But I am also keeping my original UBH as a backup and to possibly attach to that lighter set of tripod legs I've been fantasizing about.
So, is the new V2 a must-have upgrade for UBH owners? If you're perfectly happy with the original Ultimate Ballhead, I agree with Steve, keep using it. If like me, you can't get used to the "twist and turn," well, I'd still tell you to think hard first. But if you decide to get the V2 anyway, I know you won't regret it.
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| Photographers in the Wave. ©Steve Kossack |
Comment
I appreciate very much everyone's input and thoughts that are shared with me on the great vast world of photography equipment. As one that knows, likes, and uses equipment a lot, I don't take the time to "test drive" much of it. I do a lot of research before I buy my gear ... I know you do also, that's why you are reading this :-)
Gear that helps us do our job is very important and to know which is right for you is a very difficult maze to negotiate at times. Having -the wrong one- is not only detrimental to your photography but sometimes is a roadblock to having -the right one-! Advice from people that do what we do, and learning what they are successful with, and how they work is very helpful.
Personally, I'm far more concerned with the -being there- than the f/8 part but I realize that without what works for me ... I Don't Work!
Thanks for the field information Paul!
More information from Acratech.
A review of the Acratech Leveling Base.
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View the DVD series Steve Kossack Photographing the Great American Landscape
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