ATTN: Acratech and Kirk Users

AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
edited February 6, 2009 in Accessories
Teach me about your ball heads, L Plates, and Pano Rails.. I'm interested in your direct experience!

I'd like to know about a head for a Gitzo 2530 Tripod. Biggest lens? For the most part, 70-200 L IS or smaller, but occasionally a 300 f/2.8. Good for hiking, carrying all day. Need a plate system, too, for Canon 5D Mark II and Canon G10. I see Kirk has a nice selection.

What's your favorite, and why? What good stuff have you heard? What's not-so-good? Where are the best reviews you've seen?

What about Gitzo ballheads - anyone use these? Are there any others I'm missing?

I'd like to hear from youse guys! :ear
Andy

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Comments

  • catspawcatspaw Registered Users Posts: 1,292 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    I've Acratech and if I get what I want to get, you can ask me at Catalina :ivar Current camera is too lightweight to be useful to your question.
    //Leah
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Might need to look at these, too:

    http://harrysproshop.com/Arca_Swiss/arca_swiss.html
    Andy

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  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited January 12, 2009
    Andy, you're not happy with RRS any more? ne_nau.gif

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    My brother has the ArcaSwiss Z1, and it is a wonderful piece of engineering. Extremely smooth. It is certainly the top-notch choice if you ask me, and its load capacity is huge.

    Personally, I have the Kirk BH-3 on my shopping list. In in-store testing, I found it as smooth and well designed as the ArcaSwiss, but of course the BH-3 is smaller, and does not have the load capacity. The BH-1 was larger and heavier than the ArcaSwiss, and looked it. I have not field tested the Kirk, but I have decided on Kirk primarily due to the bang for the buck...their ballheads are less expensive than ArcaSwiss (whose isn't?) and RSS.
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  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    W00p y'all know me, I don't waste any time :D New gear from Acratech on the way.

    GV2 Ballhead:

    ballhead-features.jpg

    Leveling Base:

    level-base.jpg
    Andy

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  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Whatcha putting on it? I know you are not ballheadless... (that didnt sound right)
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  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    cmason wrote:
    Whatcha putting on it? I know you are not ballheadless... (that didnt sound right)
    lol3.gif

    headscratch.gif
    Andy

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  • aktseaktse Registered Users Posts: 1,928 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    New gear from Acratech on the way.

    GV2 Ballhead:
    thumb.gif

    And I was about to recommend acratech and this ball head.

    I originally picked it over RRS for one main reason -- open ball head design and I never realized how helpful this was until after I got back from the latest shootout. Sand was everywhere!

    There are two gotcha's with this head
    1) There is a tension screw (knob?) that you can adjust and I didn't realize that until someone told me. Some people blame that the head isn't secure, will wobble when tighten, etc., but in reality, you just need to adjust the tension to your desire.

    2) I'm lazy, don't always set up the head in the correct position, and will be searching for the knobs a bit. I can feel the knob size difference in the RRS more.
    http://aktse.smugmug.com/
  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    lol3.gif

    headscratch.gif

    I guess I am assuming you are adding to your collection rather than replacing something...
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  • catspawcatspaw Registered Users Posts: 1,292 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    W00p y'all know me, I don't waste any time :D New gear from Acratech on the way.
    Leveling Base:

    level-base.jpg

    sexy! post a review of the leveling base if you can? I was debating between that and their pano slide vs. RRS. I've their original ball head (think horse show photography = dust = open design PLUS), and have been really pleased with Acratech's customer service and help so far. I'd love to stick with them.
    //Leah
  • Glory2Jesus4PhotographyGlory2Jesus4Photography Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Andy this is the same exact setup I have been eying I would really appreciate your feed back on it when you get it and put it to use.
    Thanks
    Andy wrote:
    W00p y'all know me, I don't waste any time :D New gear from Acratech on the way.

    GV2 Ballhead:

    ballhead-features.jpg

    Leveling Base:

    level-base.jpg
    I know my spelling and grammar are poor some times my spell check says "I got nothing
    for you" and there/ their is no grammar check yet so please forgive me Jesus did.
    My Web site:
    http://Glory2Jesus4Photography.smugmug.com/
    My blog: http://glory2jesus4photography.blogspot.com/
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    cmason wrote:
    rather than replacing something...

    Oh I'm replacing.
    Andy

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  • AndrewTAndrewT Registered Users Posts: 22 Big grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    I second the Arca Swiss Z1.

    I have been using it for a couple of years now and love it. It is rated to carry 122 lbs., well beyond the rating of your tripod. When I was shopping I had my list down to the Arca Swiss and the Markins that a friend had picked up. The Markins is also rated at close to 100 lbs.

    Here is the review that I found online for the Z1:
    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx

    As for L-brackets my only experience is with Kirk. I have been very impresed with the build quality of both that I have owned over the years. But I am sure you won't be disappointed with RRS either.
    Nikon D300 | MB-D10 | Nikkor AF-S 105 VR | Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 | SB-600 | Gitzo G1227 MK2 | Arca Swiss Z1 | Nikon P6000
  • NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    Acratech Ultimate Balhead V2.

    It requires some fine tuning with the second knob and may not be not as smooth solid as RRS 40mm and 50mm, at least under heavy load (like 50D with a grip and 100-400 extended), but since I'm not that big on tripod usage anyway it offers a great bang for the buck, and it's definitely light, reliable and altogether a very nice piece of machinery.

    Plates (L and straight) are/were from Acratech, Kirk and RRS.
    It's a real toss, can't say anything bad about any of those.
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
  • stuffjunkiestuffjunkie Registered Users Posts: 156 Major grins
    edited January 12, 2009
    I (too) have a Acratech GV2.
    [ sheesh...go to work for a few hours and a whole thread goes by...]

    I first bought a Arca Swiss B1E. It's very sturdy and Oh so smooth. However it lacks a basic pan feature....so I went shopping last year.

    I bought the GV2 w/o the clamp. I was concerned that the stud would interfere w/ RRS plates that I already had. So, I purchased the ballhead w/o the plate and added a RRS lever clamp.

    I dropped the GV2 on a Gitzo 3541LS. It's solid with a 300 f/2.8 and a 400 f/5.6. Used it in Utah. Loved it!!!!

    The tension screw previously mentioned can be overlooked and give you a start when the big glass starts to droop. I've used the gimbal feature a time or two and it's nice when you don't have need for a real gimabal mount.
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited January 13, 2009
    Will be interesting, my Acratech V2 has no problems with a 3kg camera+flash+400mm lens combo on a smaller set of legs than the G2530.
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • Miguel DelinquentoMiguel Delinquento Registered Users Posts: 904 Major grins
    edited January 13, 2009
    I own the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead (V1). It's wonderful, light, and strong. Holds my Bigma just fine. Since I use it outdoors frequently, I appreciate how easy it is to clean.

    M
    Eye In The Triangle Photography
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 14, 2009
    1.5 days later, I have my stuff from Kirk - new L-Plate for Canon 5D Mark II, an L-plate for Canon G-10, and a foot plate for 70-200 f/2.8 L IS.

    The stuff is solid, well made, smooth corners, fits the camera like a glove. Props to Kirk, looks like a fine product. I wish they had the markings on the L-plate, to show where the center of the sensor is, no biggie, I can just mark it myself with some nail polish I guess.
    Andy

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  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 14, 2009
    Kirk L Bracket vs. Really Right Stuff L Bracket
    454950096_NVSwC-L.jpg

    Kirk in front, RRS the rear.

    In a nutshell, the Kirk:

    * fits like a glove
    * smooth finish
    * sturdy, well made
    * it's missing the Sensor Plane markings - but this was no big deal, I just put a mark on the spot :D

    Price - $140 for each.

    I'm really glad there's a ready substitute for the Really Right Stuff plates!
    Andy

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  • Moogle PepperMoogle Pepper Registered Users Posts: 2,950 Major grins
    edited January 14, 2009
    Those were the very items that I was looking at to purchase myself!
    Food & Culture.
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  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    I'm really glad there's a ready substitute for the Really Right Stuff plates

    Why?
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited January 15, 2009
    Manfr3d wrote:
    Why?

    +1 headscratch.gif
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  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    Manfr3d wrote:
    Why?

    http://blog.moonriverphotography.com/2009/01/i-no-longer-support-really-right-stuff.html
    Andy

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  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    kdog wrote:
    Andy, you're not happy with RRS any more? ne_nau.gif

    -joel
    No. Read More at my personal blog.
    Andy

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  • cmasoncmason Registered Users Posts: 2,506 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    **** MOD EDIT **** (Andy removed some non-relavent stuff)

    I also would like to say that I think you have done a good job of separating your persona here on DGrin, where you have been cagey about this decision, and your personal view, where you have been direct and clear. I think it was and is the right way to handle it. Nice job!
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  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    *** MOD EDIT **** Post removed by Andy.
    Scott
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  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited January 15, 2009
    Andy wrote:
    No. Read More at my personal blog.
    **** MOD EDIT **** (Andy)


    Please let us know how the Acratech stuff works out.

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    Side note, I also just bought one of these Markins Tripod Bases Catone showed me this when we were at 12,000' in the Sierras for a week, look like a good thing to have.
    Andy

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  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,940 moderator
    edited January 15, 2009
    All,

    Please let's keep on topic.

    Thanks,
    Ian
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • marlofmarlof Registered Users Posts: 1,833 Major grins
    edited January 15, 2009
    I like my GV2 and leveling base too. Too bad I got it before the quick release clamp got upgrade with that spirit level. Maybe I should check what it'd cost to send in my head (the clamp is locked pretty tight...) and have the clamp replaced? As for plates: I like the plates by 4gdphoto.com, especially since they're custom made for my Olympus camera bodies and Digital Zuiko lenses.
    enjoy being here while getting there
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