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| the new V2 Ultimate Ballhead from Acratech Inc. |
a make-over ... the new V2 Ultimate Ballhead from Acratech
In our quest for instant gratification we seem to want everything now. We assume that what is now is always the best ... after all, why would we have it if it wasn't? On the other hand, there are those of us that feel nothing is enough or good enough and it could always use some improvement! My thoughts have always been somewhere in the middle. What is, is. If it gets better, let me know. Well, the folks at Acratech have just let me know! There is an improved Ultimate Ballhead headed our way.
Application is everything in my work flow. If it will do my job when I get to a shooting location, that's the one for me. I can't use a piece of equipment in the field if can't get it there in the first place. That is to say, if I don't take it with me for one reason or another, it has no useful purpose for me. Weight and dependability in a ballhead are important considerations for me. If I'm "road shooting" then almost any ballhead that performs well will do. The weight of the ballhead, or even its' dependability doesn't matter. All that is needed when working from a vehicle is to have a ballhead at my disposal. I have three different tripods for different applications and more than that number of ballheads.
I've always liked the Ultimate Ballhead from Acratech. The reasons are simple. The price was affordable in comparison to most others making my first purchase possible. This also meant that I could have more than one ballhead; a heavy one on my heavy tripod for car shooting and the Ultimate on my light legs for hiking and backpacking. In the beginning I had an Ultimate on both legs so I did not have to remove and re-install it when changing tripods. Now that I have two different lightweight tripods, the price of the Ultimate ballhead allows me to have ballheads on every tripod I own.
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| getting photographic equipment to a location has always been of concern to the landscape photographer |
Over the years I've found that the Acratech ballhead will do anything that the others will do in the field. It's design makes it easy to clean and there is not much you can do to it to make it unusable. While hiking into the back country with my tripod, I am concerned about the weight I am carrying and the dependabilty of the equipment I bring with me. Yes, this head is not as "silky smooth" or quite as easy to "nudge" (move slightly when tight) as some others I have used, but the trade off here was more than worth it. After a short learning curve, I became comfortable with its operation and have never looked back!
The design of the original Ultimate Ballhead was different than any I had used before and at first, as stated above, took a little getting used to. It didn't take long to discover a motion and movement to it that has become quite natural. Certain positions where only possible on set-up. Movement to more extreme positions meant a loosening of the pan knob in conjunction with loosing the control knob and a turn of the head. While this sounds a whole lot more complicated than it is in reality, I found myself doing it in the field without thought. I still do!
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| the new tension knob on the right is easily adjusted |
The new V2 makes all the above points moot! I think the redesign is clear enough in the illustrations presented here. There is no longer a need to turn the ball and swivel the pan. You can achieve any position, including dropping the camera to a vertical orientation in 35 mm format if you are not using an L bracket, in any set-up! There is also no longer a need for a left or right orientation of the control knob in 35 mm format. You simply set the platform to suit your working style.
For those that have longed for the tension control of the more heavy and expensive ballheads, there is great news on this front as well! The new design allows for adjustable tension to taste and style. A small turn of the tension knob at anytime will bring instant results and I've yet to make the head nonfunctional by adjustment, a problem I've had with many heads. It won't lock up! I think this new design is as good or better than any ballhead now available ... size, weight, price ... period!
Even better news is that all the specs stay the same as the original Ultimate Ballhead:
- Weighs less than 1 lb (.45kg) with quick release clamp.
- Easily holds over 25 lbs (11.4kg) at any angle.
- Full movements allow any camera position.
- Precision C.N.C. machined.
- Compatible with Kirk, Arca, R.R.S., and many other QR plates.
- Beautiful satin black anodized finish.
- Fits all standard tripods (1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads).
- Engraved degree markings.
- Solid precision feel.
- Made in U.S.A.
- Ball will not shift when tightened.
- Oilless and greaseless ball will not attract or hold dirt and debris.
- All knobs are secured so they cannot vibrate loose and fall off.
The Bottom Line:
If you already have the original Ultimate Ballhead there is no reason to rush out to replace it. The older model is a good and sturdy design and you are most likely already very comfortable with its use and function. Other than the new tension capability, and it is considerably better, there is not a lot of difference to be noted in the field. If you've not used the previous model I think you will be quite pleased with the performance. If you have, I know you'll appreciate the improvements. The V2 answers the needs and requests of those existing owners. It's most rewarding to see a company that listens to its' customers and is willing do make improvements. Acratech is a company that seems to understands our desire to f/8 and be there! If you are in the market for a new or second ballhead, a lighter and in most cases a less expensive one, this is it!
Read a user report on the V-2
More information from Acratech.
A review of the Acratech Leveling Base.
Check all the DVD series Steve Kossack Photographing the Great American Landscape
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