I promised Asher that i'd put this article up a few weeks back for those interested in my take on the UBHv2....
I ordered my Acratech v2 direct from the US and probably didn’t save much over the UK cost when you take the into account the import duty. However the delivery was fast and I added a couple of plates to the order which made it a little more cost effective.
The first thing you notice when you get it out of the box is its weight or lack of. At less than 1lb (.45kg) you immediately question whether its built to do the job. I can assure you it is!
I use a Manfrotto 055bpro tripod, which in itself is quite heavy, but putting such a lightweight head on it offsets the immediate need for a carbon fibre alternative (well almost!)
The Acratech v2 is a clamped ball design with two screws being used to tension the clamp. Both screws are rubberised and are easy to operate. The smaller screw sets up the main tension while the other locks off the clamp.
I decided to opt for a QR plate which includes a detent pin (for security) and rubberised plate clamp screw, which has a very coarse thread. Having used the Manfrotto QR system, I found the Acratech security pin less than ideal.
The overall build quality is superb with all edges generously radiused to ensure they aren’t sharp.
In the past I have been reluctant to use a tripod due to both laziness and the lack of a decent ballhead. So I decided to test this out and force myself into the habit of using one by taking it to a couple of Zoo visits.
My kit list for these outings included 20D, 1DN, 100mm macro, 70-200 and EF300 with 1.4x and 2x TCs.
I very rarely use a tripod or monopod with the EF70-200, so I’ll concentrate on using the Acratech with a 1DN and EF300.
I bought the appropriate lens plate for the EF300 and it fits well, the fitting requires an allen key (supplied). The screw itself is not captive e.g. not undercut. Acratech state that such undercutting weakens the fixing and i’d agree.
The lens plate fitted the EF300 like a glove and likewise one turn of the QR clamp screw provided sufficient room to slide the plate onto the Acratech ballhead mount before tightening. I found the detent pin a little awkward. I do wonder whether a lead in chamfer may help?
I loosened the large ball clamp screw and set the smaller screw clamp tension so that the rig was free to move with light friction. The rig balance was excelllent and the movement very smooth.
However, when it came to locking and unlocking the main clamp, while my eye was in the viewfinder, I kept inadvertently loosening and tightening the QR plate. In fact it almost became 2nd nature. So I decided to mount the plate the other way round. Maybe it was the wrong way round in the first place, but the manual I recieved was for version 1, so it was hard to tell.
I then tried the EF300 with a 1.4x TC, The balance was slightly off (due to pivot point change), but a slight adjustment of the clamp plate was enough to compensate.
Finally, I decided to mount the EF300 with a 2x TC and this time the balance went awry. Yes I could tighten the clamp, but to be honest I was pushing my luck. Perhaps I should invest in a sidestick of sorts!
The rigidity of the Acratech is surprisingly good for such a light ballhead. I managed to achieve 1/40 sec shutter speeds at 420mm (EF300 + 1,4x) with IS switched off. Although at 600mm (EF300 + 2x) , I didn’t really get anything sharp until 1/100s, even with a cable release.
In the past I have always compensated from lens dip, in other words I tend to lock the head off marginally higher than what I was focusing on, as the shear weight of the rig would flex the head. There was no sign of such flex on the Acaratech up to 300mm.
For macro work, the mount plate is on the camera and is customised for the 1D series cameras. It fitted the body excellently and its small footprint (unlike the Manfrotto QRs) didn’t seem to get in the way when holding the camera body vertically. Furthermore there was no sharp edges to dig in to your palm!
Macro work requires flexibility of movement coupled with rigidity. I can honestly say that it didn’t matter where I positoned the camera it stayed put and was rock solid.
Lastly, I mustn’t forget to mention the panoramic base. This is also smooth to operate and the scales are actually engraved in the material rather than printed, so as the paint wears off they will still remain legible.
Conclusion
A well made and rigid ballhead providing flexibility in a lightweight design at a good price. I’m a little dubious about the detent security pin, but the rubberised knobs are a must have. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone, who like me photoghraphs diverse subject matter. I sincerely wish Acratech made a sidestick of comparable quality and cost, then I would not have to forkout silly money for an alternative product.