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!
This has never been an issue for me... but I can see it as a "plus" on the Acratech. However, like I said, I've had my RRS stuff in plenty of bad situations, never had sand or crap in the head area.
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.
I've got exact same ballhead Andy. Its terrific. The only thing I don't like about it is that the knobs are a little small. Its cold up here in the winter and I don't like taking my gloves off!
After plenty of use to know, I can say that RRS' knob (on the BH 55) and the Lever (on the BH 40) are both superior to Acratech's smallish knob.
Acratech, Kirk, Really Right Stuff: Conclusions
So, my conclusions.
Comparing the Acratech GV2 to the RRS BH40 and the PCL Panning clamp - the Acratech setup is slightly lighter (1/3lb.) in weight - but the RRS is shorter, and keeping things lower is better IMO. The PCL Panning Clamp is easier to level out than the Acratech leveling base - I found that setting up a shot and being ready was much faster and easier with RRS than with the Acratech setup. The action of the RRS is much smoother and more fluid, than the Acratech.
Costs are essentially the same, Acratech GV2 vs. RRS BH-40 ($370 each) adding the necessary pano gear, it's another $350 for Acratech and $360 for RRS.
Build quality of the Acratech is excellent - and as aktse pointed out, the open ball design makes for easy cleaning. Operationally and functionally, the Acratech works as advertised and certainly is strongly made, will hold up easily to their stated claim of a 400mm f/4 lens. But as good as the Acratech is, the RRS is ever so much better IMO. Smoother operation, knobs and levers are easier to grab, operate, use. Easier to level out for panoramas (the PCL panning clamp vs. the leveling base).
I've mated the RRS BH-40 and PCL-1 Panning Clamp to my Gitzo 2530 tripod with a Markins plate on it and it's a great combination.
For heavier lenses, windier conditions, or wherever I need a more robust setup, I have the Gitzo 3531 Systematic, with a Gitzo Leveling Base, and the Really Right Stuff BH-55 mounted on top. Since it has the leveling base, this rig can do panoramas, too, and I don't need to use the PCL-1 Panning clamp - just need to stick the nodal rail on top of the ball head, level it, and done.
I don't understand how this could be? With the whole open side, it seems like this would the easiest design ball head to do just this. What am I missing?
Edit: In fact, the vids on Acratech's site show and talk about this.
Ok, so I feel like a total dork for asking this... but...
How do you shoot with this set up???
I've seen the videos from the site... and this is what I don't get...
If you put your camera on the head, with or without a grip in landscape mode, your shutter will be on the top right hand... no problem to shoot...
But if you drop the ballhead on the opening to shoot portrait, the shutter on a non grip camera falls to the lower right corner... and on a grip camera to the lower left corner... doesn't it???
And yes, I know that some of you will say, well... just turn the ballhead to make the drop on the left side... but doesn't that make the ballhead itself get in the way of holding the camera???
I hope my question makes sense... I've been without sleep for a couple of nights...
Meaning "It sounds like you're only somewhat satisfied with the Acratech. Are you trying something else next?"
I said above, "I've mated the RRS BH-40 and PCL-1 Panning Clamp to my Gitzo 2530 tripod with a Markins plate on it and it's a great combination.
For heavier lenses, windier conditions, or wherever I need a more robust setup, I have the Gitzo 3531 Systematic, with a Gitzo Leveling Base, and the Really Right Stuff BH-55 mounted on top. Since it has the leveling base, this rig can do panoramas, too, and I don't need to use the PCL-1 Panning clamp - just need to stick the nodal rail on top of the ball head, level it, and done."
Since the page you linked to on your personal blog is gone, I take it that these comments and that removal mean that you again support Really Right Stuff. I guess it's back to our scheduled programming. Thanks for sharing your experiences with other brands though.
I said above, "I've mated the RRS BH-40 and PCL-1 Panning Clamp to my Gitzo 2530 tripod with a Markins plate on it and it's a great combination.
For heavier lenses, windier conditions, or wherever I need a more robust setup, I have the Gitzo 3531 Systematic, with a Gitzo Leveling Base, and the Really Right Stuff BH-55 mounted on top. Since it has the leveling base, this rig can do panoramas, too, and I don't need to use the PCL-1 Panning clamp - just need to stick the nodal rail on top of the ball head, level it, and done."
Indeed you did, but I thought the object was to replace the RRS gear. Are you reporting that you've not found a worthy successor? Perhaps there's no longer a need for replacement.
Indeed you did, but I thought the object was to replace the RRS gear. Are you reporting that you've not found a worthy successor? Perhaps there's no longer a need for replacement.
The Acratech is well made and has all the pieces and parts to be a replacement. But it's not as good as the RRS, so no, it's not a worthy successor. I don't think there is, really.
The Acratech is well made and has all the pieces and parts to be a replacement. But it's not as good as the RRS, so no, it's not a worthy successor. I don't think there is, really.
Did you try the Kirk, (which looks rather like an Arca Swiss)? Or is it inappropriate for your work? They look quite tall, so maybe that disqualifies it.
Comments
and yes, I DO believe there's been a bit of photography in there
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/
After plenty of use to know, I can say that RRS' knob (on the BH 55) and the Lever (on the BH 40) are both superior to Acratech's smallish knob.
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So, my conclusions.
Comparing the Acratech GV2 to the RRS BH40 and the PCL Panning clamp - the Acratech setup is slightly lighter (1/3lb.) in weight - but the RRS is shorter, and keeping things lower is better IMO. The PCL Panning Clamp is easier to level out than the Acratech leveling base - I found that setting up a shot and being ready was much faster and easier with RRS than with the Acratech setup. The action of the RRS is much smoother and more fluid, than the Acratech.
Costs are essentially the same, Acratech GV2 vs. RRS BH-40 ($370 each) adding the necessary pano gear, it's another $350 for Acratech and $360 for RRS.
Build quality of the Acratech is excellent - and as aktse pointed out, the open ball design makes for easy cleaning. Operationally and functionally, the Acratech works as advertised and certainly is strongly made, will hold up easily to their stated claim of a 400mm f/4 lens. But as good as the Acratech is, the RRS is ever so much better IMO. Smoother operation, knobs and levers are easier to grab, operate, use. Easier to level out for panoramas (the PCL panning clamp vs. the leveling base).
I've mated the RRS BH-40 and PCL-1 Panning Clamp to my Gitzo 2530 tripod with a Markins plate on it and it's a great combination.
For heavier lenses, windier conditions, or wherever I need a more robust setup, I have the Gitzo 3531 Systematic, with a Gitzo Leveling Base, and the Really Right Stuff BH-55 mounted on top. Since it has the leveling base, this rig can do panoramas, too, and I don't need to use the PCL-1 Panning clamp - just need to stick the nodal rail on top of the ball head, level it, and done.
Oh for the curious:
Gitzo 2530/1 + Markins Plate + BH40 + Pano Clamp & Slide, Total weight 5lbs.
Gitzo 3531 + Gitzo Leveling Plate + BH55 & Slide, Total weight 7lbs.
The Gitzo Leveling base and the RRS PCL-1 clamp weight nearly the same (about 1lb).
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Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
Ok, so I feel like a total dork for asking this... but...
How do you shoot with this set up???
I've seen the videos from the site... and this is what I don't get...
If you put your camera on the head, with or without a grip in landscape mode, your shutter will be on the top right hand... no problem to shoot...
But if you drop the ballhead on the opening to shoot portrait, the shutter on a non grip camera falls to the lower right corner... and on a grip camera to the lower left corner... doesn't it???
And yes, I know that some of you will say, well... just turn the ballhead to make the drop on the left side... but doesn't that make the ballhead itself get in the way of holding the camera???
I hope my question makes sense... I've been without sleep for a couple of nights...
Here is a link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snMEHqu4gSs&feature=channel_page
If you look at around 1:54 of the video, hopefully you'll see what I mean...
www.kabestudios.com
I use a little bit of everything gear wise...
Nikon/Canon/Sony/GoPro/Insta360º/Mavic 2 Pro
Remote trigger.
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Meaning "It sounds like you're only somewhat satisfied with the Acratech. Are you trying something else next?"
I said above, "I've mated the RRS BH-40 and PCL-1 Panning Clamp to my Gitzo 2530 tripod with a Markins plate on it and it's a great combination.
For heavier lenses, windier conditions, or wherever I need a more robust setup, I have the Gitzo 3531 Systematic, with a Gitzo Leveling Base, and the Really Right Stuff BH-55 mounted on top. Since it has the leveling base, this rig can do panoramas, too, and I don't need to use the PCL-1 Panning clamp - just need to stick the nodal rail on top of the ball head, level it, and done."
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
Indeed you did, but I thought the object was to replace the RRS gear. Are you reporting that you've not found a worthy successor? Perhaps there's no longer a need for replacement.
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
And other than that???
www.kabestudios.com
I use a little bit of everything gear wise...
Nikon/Canon/Sony/GoPro/Insta360º/Mavic 2 Pro
Did you try the Kirk, (which looks rather like an Arca Swiss)? Or is it inappropriate for your work? They look quite tall, so maybe that disqualifies it.