Why not try a pano head? Example - www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Panoramic-Indexing-kilograms/dp/B07DQ71GNV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1HIZ9DCJPGX9R&keywords=pano+head&qid=1553723602&s=electronics&sprefix=Pano+%2Celectronics%2C470&sr=1-2
Hi Thomas, there are lots of cheap replacements for the faulty Manfrotto clamp on the market for your old ball head, but the replacement I have been successfully using for many years now on two different Manfrotto ball heads is made by “Hejnar Photo” which are superbly engineered and clamps every dovetail plate and L-plate I have encountered. Not inexpensive but highly recommended. All the best Gordon
I somehow much prefer accessory reviews than camera reviews. Every single camera has a 100 videos about it but those QOL improving things are hard to discover!
Yeah, and it's a real true review, not a sponsored vid with all the points directly from manufacturer provided materials (we'll give you this tripod and that head, but you have to say exactly this and that, and show all the 'cool' features that are already in 50 other sponsored reviews on YT... in the same order). Also, it shows why one would choose something over some other accessory, what are the pros and cons. Others should learn from this, how to make a good review. Good work!
I've had an Acratech ballhead for at least 15 years, and it's still working perfectly. It so simple and very well made, with very little that can go wrong.
Umm, yeah, i'm that guy... So glad you picked one up off E-bay Thomas. As others have mentioned you can use this head with a 'leveling base' on a standard tripod. I use an Acratech one which has proved to be a great combination. I see Slik make a relatively light and inexpensive 'Leveling Unit II' which might be worth a crack but the locking mech might be a bit fiddly. For those of you who are a bit skeptical (especially at the price) I have been using this system for about 8 years and found it to be flawlessly efficient for switching between standard and pano compositions. The key is once the base is level, the plane of rotation is always horizontal, even when tilted. Panning clamps (like 3 Legged Thing in the video) must not be tilted. This might be contrary to standard panoramic practice but I have found it to be especially useful for a standard 'tilted' composition, plus a left and right shot for a 'wide format' easy stitch. If it doesn't work you still have the original composition. My workflow is full of 3-frame horizontal format options. There are caveats like wide angle but you might be surprised what you can get away with. When needed, you can easily tilt the clamp to horizontal, rotate the L- bracket to vertical and boom! - full on pano mode (especially if used with a nodal rail). Still not convinced? This is simply how a 2-way video head works which always need a level panning motion, but also perpendicular tilt. I still use a ball-head occasionally but find the 'infinite' adjustment a nuisance when altering compositions. This thing stays level to the horizon no matter how I pan and tilt. I have never regretted my rather expensive decision.
The Acratech ball heads are also PHENOMENAL. I’ve had one for years and it’s been through hell and back, and it still works perfectly. The ball head is open so they rarely stay dirty, don’t get jammed and are so easy to clean. I can’t think of a better ball head for landscape photography. Oh, they’re lightweight too. Oh, and you can flip the head to create a level plane for panoramics.
I bought the larger TC9 version of the Ifootage when it came out. It's a great stand with one main problem. That stupid bubble level on the tripod mounting surface. With no other level on the tripod. I asked Ifootage about it. They told me to take off my ball head, level it with the bowl, and remount my ball head, then tighten the allen screws back up to lock ball to the Ifootage ball. I asked if they wanted me to do that every time I move my tripod. They said I should get a head with a level on it's base. I even asked about another ball head to have one with a video head and one with a Acratech 1165. It wasn't available. I ate the expense and bought a LeoFoto LM 404CL. It's lighter, Taller, has a bubble level on the top of a leg and a bubble level on the bowls surface you mount your head too. It's also larger leg sections. And I can get extra 75mm bowls, and halfballs and other stuff. Oh, LeoFoto has smaller tripods that have a ball level head to use for travel too. I don't think I used the IFootage ITC9 even once for a shoot.
Congratulations Thomas!! You are now the proud owner of one of the best Tripod heads out there. I have been using the ACRATECH GP BALL-HEAD, Panoramic Head & the Leveling base for years. They are highly engineered to outlast anything out there on the market. Simple and lightweight. I have never had an issue with any of the items. You should look at getting the Leveling base & GP Ball-Head to complete your suit. You'll never regret it.
I’ve been using the gp. I would really like the pano head but feel I need a ball head as the leveling base isn’t enough for some of my uneven situations. Do you typically switch out between the gp and pano head?
@@tjjackson1863 I now only use the leveling base and the pano head. this combo works in every situation. You can do a rough adjustment with the tripod legs, then finetune the leveling with the leveling base.
Not sure if someone mentioned, but two items, that is a bowl adapter on the tripod, not ball head. Also, you can add a separate leveling base to any tripod. In fact, I use a leveling head atop my monopods, allows me to have more freedom of movement. Good video, glad you are finding solutions
Fortunately I watched a video(s) similar to this over 6 years ago. Never bought a ballhead. Bought a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head with QR plate combo. The precision it provides and the reassuring click of the plate lock is outstanding.
Interesting comments, Thomas. Just FYI, Acratech also makes a nice leveling base. In addition, I think that another important piece of gear to mention for Quality panoramas is a Nodal Plate. This makes it easy to rotate one’s camera around the lens’ nodal point, which effectively eliminates distortion when stitching multiple images.
If you are looking to replace your ball head in a wallet friendly way I highly highly recommend the neewer ball head, it's about £15 on amazon. I was given one brand new and absolutely love it. Very secure very good build and without spending big bucks.
I really appreciate your taking the time to share the problem-solving process and not just a recommendation with a list of benefits and features. For anyone else seeking a similar solution, such a head is essentially a type of gimbal, and frequently marketed as a "video pan head". Of course one needs to do the research and due diligence: a bargain-basement gimbal or pan-head will likely be just as wobbly as a ball head, and worse a major annoyance if the axes aren't truly normal (square) to each other. My own frustrations with ball heads shifting when the locking mechanism is tightened pushed me into looking at a geared head. Similarly, the problem of perspective control and precise composition for landscapes has pitched me down the rabbit hole of researching shift-lens solutions for digital cameras. Sure, I know how to make "corrections" in software, and there are a number of cameras that claim they can do this automatically, yet once you've seen what a shifted lens can achieve, it is difficult to "unsee" it.
Yes! This will change your life, trust me! I can’t believe more stills photographers don’t get the benefit of a bowl for levelling, and the fact that a video head ensures that everything is now square and level when panning or tilting!!!! I use a video head, but will never go back to a ballhead! Wait until your other members of the fab 4 see it!
I don’t know why people struggle with inferior ballheads. Just invest in an RRS BH-40 or BH-55 with clamp and be happy for the rest of your photography life. Nothing beats RRS for smoothness, function and durability. Having said that, glad Thomas found a solution that works for him.
Buy once buy right ! To be fair the quality of Acratech gear is the match of anything out there. As for RRS, their stuff is also top notch, hence the price. They did ship to me once in the UK, it took 1.5 days from the time of order to delivery to my door, I remain mightily impressed in that regard.
Acratech are absolutely fabulous heads, and I've tried a few. I use it on my RRS tripod so you can't say I didn't consider RRS heads - they were next on the list, but Acratech are much lighter, and most importantly, their GP ballhead has a 'floating ball' that any dirt just falls through.
@@edwarddow8196 how do you know they're inferior if you've never owned one? It's that kind of elitist mindset that makes me hate the photography community sometimes. Not everyone can afford to spend hundreds and hundreds on a head.
@@TheSackless Perhaps it's just the particular head that Thomas has, but if loosening the base to allow panning causes the whole thing to wobble then it's an inferior product.
Amazing how people are going for low cost solutions for tripod and are disappointed. I went for Really Right Stuff tripod, head and accessories 5 years ago and convinced this is the only system I will have to buy for a very very long time. It's a bit pricy but well worth the investment while dressing all the use cases described in your video. By the way, I always looking forward for your posts. Continue the good work, thanks!
I got the same problem with a L- bracket for my D750 and solved it by getting a Wimberley C-12 quick release clamp....now at least this issue is fixed....i bought the Manfrotto ballhead cause of your recommendation....so if we ever meet at one of your workshops....you owe me a beer...😂 Great video....by the way
Can you confirm that Wimberley C-12 fits to this Manfrotto XPRO ballhead? Just bought one, and I made my mind changing the top plate even before seeing this and other reviews of Manfrottos clumsy mechanism.
Thanks for the great video. I just had this same quandary a few month ago, and was surprised at the dearth of heavy-duty leveling head-bases, and the few that would work didn't have a bubble level. I found my solution in one of the Feisol Elite Series tripods with their accessory leveling base that has a bubble level offset from where the head mounts, making it perfectly visible in all situations. The leveling base works just like the one you demonstrated. Can't believe other mfg's don't offer something similar. The model is the Feisol CT-3372 M2 Elite Rapid with the Feisol LB-7572 Leveling Base. For the head, I went with the FLM CB-43FTR with SRB-60 Quick Release Clamp. So now I have bubble levels everywhere and so far the combo works brilliantly with an L-bracket. Feels very solid and didn't break the bank..
Thomas I for one love a good gear video that doesn’t say “hey look at me what I got”... no you did a great gear video of “look at what works and what doesn’t work”.... that’s a good video Thank You and Waffle On..
I've had the original Acratech ultimate ball head for more than a decade. Don't use a tripod that much, but when I do, I still love it. It easy to clean, very fluid, very light and very sturdy.
Wes, You do not need a leveling bowl head if you have a GP. Look for video on their site about how to convert the GP to a leveling head. It is stupid easy and works fantastic. ruclips.net/video/8OffEGXjhbk/видео.html He covers this option at 3:33 in the video. Once you watch the AcraTech video, you can thank me....quite the entertainment value.
Steve Miller I know all about how the GP works... I own one, remember? 😂 But its a lot simpler to leave the GP on the bowl than it it to unscrew the top flip the head over and bolt the top back on every time I want to take a panorama. It’s a nice concept, but its sill more work than the bowl.
@@timtucker2007 I was hoping to find some solutions and alternatives in this this thread, but I think a lot of people don’t understand the point of the way he’s doing it, even though he explained in the video. You can’t have the panoramic feature above the ball or whatever mount you’re using if you’re doing multi-row panoramas and/or aiming the camera anywhere off a perfectly level plane, even with single row. You also need a nodal slide. Some of this can be taken care of in software to allow for less equipment, but not all.
I posted a video about the clamp issue last year as it cost me a lens and almost my camera... It's clearly a design flaw, and although Manfrotto wouldn't admit this they did concede that there was a serious issue with my individual unit and offered me a replacement.
So I'm in "good" company, I also had my camera fell off the tripod because the clamp didn't close properly... Hundreds of euros to repair both the camera and lens 😒
I'm glad you made this video Thomas. I was starting to believe that you were the only photographer who owned the Manfrotto ball head and didn't have clamp issues. I have exactly the same problem and so does the last 5 photographers I've met who were also using it. And in case anyone is interested, Manfrotto only guarantees that part for a year, then they want £78 to fix it! Time for a change.
Agree...I took the plunge and have never second guessed it. I have their MC-34 Monopod with the MH-01LR head and their TVC Series 3 with a BH-55 head, plus some of their flash mount brackets. Every single product is awesome. I haven't yet purchased their gimbal head for my 500mm because I already have the Wimberley but I have no doubt that it is top notch.
I bought a Really Right Stuff BH40 ball head off eBay used. Works so well, I don't see the need to use a long lens head, especially since it's $350. Maybe if you have a super long lens like a 600 or 800mm, I could see it. But, otherwise, you can get BH40 for about $380 new or about $280 used, which will be more versatile. The quality of RRS heads can't be denied, but the prices are a bit painful! Everytime you use the BH40, you notice its quality.
I fully agree!! I had an Acratech Ultimate ballhead that I loved until it started sagging after being tightened down. That ended that and I bought the BH-55. My BH-55 has been over many miles bouncing around on planes, trains and automobiles and across so many trails and it's still perfect!! Really Right Stuff makes the BEST camera support gear I've ever seen!!
I’m having the same problems with my Manfrotto ball head, a different model than your’s. Drives me crazy. Thank you for your video. You’ve kicked me into action to replace it!
I’ve tried more brands of ball heads than I care to think about. Finally took the plunge and bought a RRS BH-55. Never looked back since. They also have superb leveling bases.
I LOVE my RRS BH-55!! I used to own an Acratech ballhead. I stopped using it because no matter what I did it would always sag several degrees. My RRS BH-55 has been rock solid after many years of use.
Thomas: the Acratech LLH works great with the Acratech leveling base. This combo can be put on any tripod and allows you to quickly set up a level shot or pano. The levelling base is also available on eBay.
Three years with your Manfrotto... I purchased a RRS (Really Right Stuff) carbon fiber tripod as well as a ball head, “L” plate and smaller miscellaneous bits eleven years ago, still working perfectly... I did a lot of research, read many reviews, and as they said “Buy once, cry once”.
Off the back of this I bought a bowl head centre-column for my 055CXPro3 and this head and it is the best combo ever. Just so little faff. With a 5DIV's inclinometer I can get level in all planes so quickly - great for landscape, portraits and architecture. Thanks so much for this vid.
Arca-Swiss P0 with their Pan system 1 and nodal slide is good for me. Gives the ability to take multi-row panoramas without any perspective distortion. Easy to take a part and I don't need separate L-bracket any more. Very expensive though.
Older video but note that LeoFoto also has five very similar heads, all beautifully machined and much cheaper for sure than Acratech. The Leofoto VH70R (447g) is in my bag as we speak ;) Leofoto also have leveling bases (either built-in to their tripods or available separately and Sunwayfoto have make leveling bases too (I have one of those). I think Leofoto's are slightly better though having a means to mate to the head to make movement impossible.
YES - great Head! - I'm not convinced by Tom's explanation at 06:39, when the rotation happens above the ballhead you can tilt the ball to any angle and the edges of the pano will always line up. If the rotation is below the ball and you have a large tilt then you will get images that don't align - so a straight edge will appear as: \_/
I love my p0 head. I was able to eliminate the leveling base and pano kit. Its small, lite, and compact. I opted to put a Really Right Stuff quick release on it but looking back i would instead go with Monoball p0 with "MonoballFix" to make it a little slimmer. www.arca-shop.de/en/tripod-heads/p-series-monoball/p0/323/monoball-p0-with-monoballfix?c=443
I don't know why so many dealers in the USA sell Arca stuff with such a high markup - Robert White ship internationally and charge 1/3 of the price www.robertwhite.co.uk/arca-swiss-monoball-ball-and-socket-p0-with-monoballfix-device.html
I’ve had several heads from Acratech. They make great equipment. They never wobble always tighten without slipping. They are worth the money they charge for their gear.
I just got one of these, LOVE IT! Not the best for all panoramas, but i prefer it to my Leofoto BH-40 clone which is a great ballhead, but it's heavy and 3 knob ballheads just annoy me these days!
I second this, had an AS P0 for more than a year and none of the problems you described. I also do not get why not use the camera built in level or simply mount a cheap level on the flash shoe. With the AC P0 you shouldn’t also need the levelling ball-gizmo which should make for an even simpler n lighter kit. Plus the genuine AC plates are tiny n light. I can afford to carry 4 whereas before for the same weight I could only manage 1 or 2. Plus AC a wealth of attachments n brackets for whatever one fancies (properly developed n tested of Swiss quality) and spare parts for life.
You can get a bubble level that goes between the tripod and head for just a couple dollars on Amazon and eBay. The bubble part sticks out beyond the head. I have a few, and they work well.
@@davidaearthy That's not what I meant by that. I had the impression that you were complaining about the fact that the video is only about him switching from a ball head to a pan and tilt head and therefore you think it's boring/unnecessary. But if I'm wrong about that I'm sorry, no hard feelings eh?
Honestly I don't mind your gear videos. What differs this one from the camera ones is that you seem to be more passionate and interested in the video today. Love your work!
I can tell you I have an Acratech ballhead. I LOVE it. It plainly just works. It works with heavy gear and it never ever complains. Worth every penny. They make a levelling bast too. Also my ballhead lets me flip it upside down for panos too.
Thank goodness you have ditched the ball head! Watching your magic videos I have been concerned that you used a ball head, I have always hated them, even the top of the range Manfrotto ones. In my professional days I used medium format and large format almost exclusively and found the best head of all was a Manfrotto geared head. Absolute magic for fine, accurate adjustments with big heavy cameras. Glad that you are back on form and looking forward to more in the field videos. Cheers, Bruce
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Bob Rigby are a UK stockist (www.bobrigby.com). Fantastic service - I bought an Acratech GP Ballhead from him about 2 years ago and was struggling to decide between the standard clamp and the lever clamp. He sent both versions to me to check out and only charged when I decided and sent the other back. I went with the standard clamp as the lever clamp had the same issue you discuss in your video - bubble level covered by camera which the quick clamp does not. Incidentally the GP Ballhead is a clever design which can be used as a traditional Ballheads - but you can reverse it to make it a levelling head and also has a basic gimbal function too. Enjoy your channel. Many thanks
To be fair, the clamp issue is not really related to the thing being a ball head. The base issue is. I appreciate the review on the Acratech head though.
Manfrotto makes a tripod spacer 120-38. They cost about $25. Worth it to buy yourself some room from the base to work those fiddly knobs with gloved hands. Also if you went with the RRS ta-3 leveling base, it’s bubble level is offset you can use the level no matter what head is on it.
I've been using an Acratech Panoramic & Tilt Head with QR since Feb. I coupled it with the Acratech Leveling Base, which I strongly recommend. I also use their Nodal Rail. The head holds up to 25 lbs., so you can use it for long lenses, too. I find this combination to be ideal for landscapes, seascapes, and woodland photography. It really shines with panoramas. The nodal rail is really overkill and a PIA unless you're doing something like architectural photography. Not worth hauling out in the field. My Kirk BH-1 ball head is suffering from loneliness and jealousy since I switched to the Acratech head and leveling base. Don't forget the leveling base, Thomas. A lot easier than messing with your tripod legs. ;)
So sorry that you’re out of luck with this tripod but thanks so much for letting us know about this important feature because because those who are inexperienced would not guess and you just saved me from making a mistake so thank you.
that clamp that you're describing in the beginning cost me a brand new 5 day old Canon 5D Mark IV and 16-36L lens last year while at the top of Faroe Island's highest point. It malfunctioned and down the side of the mountain and cliffs my camera went and never to be seen again. It just keep tumbling and bouncing and tumbling and bouncing all the way until I lost sight of it. Yeah I never threw up!! ~Ron
I love my Acratech and the owner was very helpful when I had a few questions before I purchased. While I don’t have the same one as you ... I have the GP ballhead but the quality build is most excellent . Congrats on your upgrade!
Dennis Linden I have one. I do like it, until the weak pan clamp pin fails to hold the pan base and then you can’t remove it from the tripod. Happens to me all the time. I love everything else about it, except this very important but weak pan clamp screw. WHY !!!! These guys can’t game up a bit on the clamping power and this would not be a problem. And yes MANY people complain about this. And j actually own another Acratech head and it does the same damn thing..... frustrating
Acratech is an excellent company with wonderful well engineered products. You can also slide one of their leveling bases under the LLH. Been using their GP head for over 10 years.
I owned the Acratech head in combination with a leveling base several years ago to carry my 4x5 large format camera. The leveling base replaces the bawl head of the tripod so I could keep using my old tripod. I sold leveling base and head, when I also sold the camera. Now I went back into LF film and started to look for the head again. The price still is a problem. But in 2023, we have alternatives. I purchased a Leofoto VH-30R head wich works exactly as the Acratech for 1/3 the price (less than 200 EUR opposed to more than 600 EUR here in Germany). And I put the leveling base Leofoto LB-60N (90 EUR) in between. Perfect combination. I am not certain if the Acratech was not a tiny bit more study, but for lack of direct comparison I can only say: It does not feel like it.
I have and recommend photographers use the Arca Swiss D4. It's probably the best geared tripod head available. It's pricy but built like a tank and will last for years into the future. It's also a joy to use.
I've had the same problem with the head (I own it), and a little bit of grease saved it - it now works like new! Absolutely smooth. Try buying some bearing grease or something like that and try to grease the problematic part(s) properly. I went from fighting with the ball head almsot breaking my camera at one point to loving to use it again. :)
Only problem I can see is those bowl head tripods don’t offer as much movement as your regular tripod head so you may find yourself having to level with tripod legs for very uneven ground. 😬
I sold Bogen/Manfrotto tripods for decades and while I really like their legs and heads I never liked their various quick release mounts/plates. For 10 years now I've been using a Markins ball head with an Arca Swiss compatible plate and compatible L-Bracket on my cameras and it all works like a charm.
I don't know if I commented on this video before, but.... thank you for reviewing the acratech head. I had to wait a year to get it, as it was out if stock here in the USA. Now that I have it as nd used it once already, I am never going back to a ball head again. I went through 3 ball heads in the last 10 years. They either locked up with sand / salt. Or, the stem between the ball and plate would not stay tight causing the camera to flop when in portrait position. Even with a small prime lens. Also with the acratech being arca swiss, I can use an l bracket and also switch between my zyhuin webill s quickly without having to switch out plates. The acratech is rather expensive, but with the build. I don't see it breaking down .
Hello Thomas! I recently replaced my Benro ballhead with the Acratech LLH + Leveling base and the combination of both has been absolutely great! After having my BH tip 90d a couple of times with my Sony 200-600mm and coming dangerously close to falling over, I had had enough and started looking for something more stable. These aren't cheap (except when compared with their top line heads) but you can't put a price on the assurance of having your gear stay on top of the tripod and not on the ground.
He always does a mini review when he gets something new. The odd review is fine. He just doesn't want to do it all the time. Think of it as a filler untill his next adventure.
Great advice. If you remember I had spoken to you about the manfrotto ball head I think I was the first public person to have issues the Gary did and they replaced his. I could not get mine replaced. So I went to 3 Legged Thing at the NEC. I love the bowl head. There was a guy there a small company that have some amazing heads think you need to give them a look. I’ll email you the details of the company. Very very nice heads just like that one you have just got.
Thomas, Bob Rigby Photographic are the sole UK supplier of all Acratech products, including a fantastic levelling base. I have used Acratech ball heads for a few years and they are excellent. One tip though, don’t over tighten the mechanisms as that can lead to the same problem you have encountered with the Manfrotto.
Thomas, excellent choice! Acratech make fantastic products that are of the highest quality. I use their GP ball head and love it. To solve your problem with your Induro tripod, look into Acratech’s leveling base. I bought one used for $100 Canadian. It screws on your tripod, and then your tripod head screws onto it. It will solve your problems!
Behind the rectangular sticker on the side of this head there is a hidden little tiny allen screw, if you tighten that the play will provably get solved!!!! Same happened to me!!! So maybe you can still use it for something else!!!! Great work Thomas!!!
Hi Thomas. I had the same problem with the release plate on the Manfrotto head and replaced the whole mechanism and it’s perfect now. I think it was a about £15 from Manfrotto spares: you get a new spring plate and new bits and bobs that make it work and it’s a better design than the old one, having a proper spring rather than a bit of plastic tubing trying to be a spring. Takes only a few minutes to fit though it won’t fix the wobble of course, but this may give you more life out of the head and make it useful ‘just in case’.
Been using an Acratech Leveling Base w/ a video fluid head. I find it much quicker to level than a stiff bowl head tripod. But yea, Acratech has been a good experience so far.
I'm glad I don't need to do panos too often! Having a ball head is so convenient. I know your pain though, when I do panning shots with my smooth video head, you really do have to goof around adjusting the tripod, it gets old.
I got my marriage in heaven on a COMAN TM386C (8X carbon ply) tripod and a Cullmann Magnesit MB8 ball head. Camera eye point can go as high as 2 meters and can hold steadily camera/lens combos that are more than 10 Kgs. Was so happy with the combo that I got a lighter/smaller duo in the form of COMAN TM256C (also 8X carbon ply) and a Cullmann Magnesit MB6 ball head. Enough for 180 cm eye point and 5 Kgs combos. Happiness...
Hi Thomas, great video and another excellent example of the multiple functions available with Acratech gear. I have been using Aratech Gear for well over 10 years and have been impressed with how the owner "Scott Dordick" continues to be able to improve on his designs. If You're looking for an awesome solution for a ballhead, I would check out his latest model called the, gxp-ball-head I prefer the locking clamp style, he also makes one with a knob. Some of the great things about it are, it's super light weight, they build them in their own facility so the Quality control is outstanding, if you want to travel light, tripod and ballhead, the GXP can be quickly reversed to double as a leveling pano based ballhead (no need of a separate leveling base) also in its regular configuration, it can double as a Gimble that I often use with my 100-400 lens. I'd say it's the Ultimate Ballhead. New larger knobs make it easier to use with gloved hands. It has an open ball feature that can be easily cleaned if dropped in dirt, sand, mud, snow etc. Check it out, I'm sure you'll be as impressed with it as I am. Thanks again for your wonder videos and "keeping it real" Bruce Davis
Hi Tom, as others have mentioned, yes Induro do a bowl and half ball for your GIT304 legs. You need the 75mm bowl and half ball. The Induro one is MLA23 (I think the half ball and bowl come together), but I can't see a uk stockist right now. SRS Microsystems have the Induro Bowl only (MVB23) on offer at £29 and Park Cameras have the Benro half ball BL75, or the BL75S (short tie down for low to the ground work). Another option which is lighter weight (and cheaper) than those options is to use a levelling base that screws on to the existing flat base on your Induro. I have found the Andoer DY-60N to be good (nice smooth adjustment compared to the more expensive sunway foto equivalent and the Andoer N version has the larger 1/4" thread which you obviously want - adapters from 3/8" are a pain). Lots of options to make your Induro tripod part of your new perfect set up. Clive
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
A quick correction; you can buy these in the UK, but I couldn't find any that shipped from the UK & I needed one fast for an upcoming trip. X
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/736364-REG/Acratech_1160_Long_Lens_Head.html
B&H will ship to the UK, pricey head though
Why not try a pano head? Example - www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Panoramic-Indexing-kilograms/dp/B07DQ71GNV/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1HIZ9DCJPGX9R&keywords=pano+head&qid=1553723602&s=electronics&sprefix=Pano+%2Celectronics%2C470&sr=1-2
Bob Rigby is only UK stockist of the whole range.
Just checked Amazon here in Canada, $820!
Hi Thomas, there are lots of cheap replacements for the faulty Manfrotto clamp on the market for your old ball head, but the replacement I have been successfully using for many years now on two different Manfrotto ball heads is made by “Hejnar Photo” which are superbly engineered and clamps every dovetail plate and L-plate I have encountered. Not inexpensive but highly recommended. All the best Gordon
I somehow much prefer accessory reviews than camera reviews. Every single camera has a 100 videos about it but those QOL improving things are hard to discover!
Same for me, good accessories are underrated : )
Yeah, and it's a real true review, not a sponsored vid with all the points directly from manufacturer provided materials (we'll give you this tripod and that head, but you have to say exactly this and that, and show all the 'cool' features that are already in 50 other sponsored reviews on YT... in the same order). Also, it shows why one would choose something over some other accessory, what are the pros and cons. Others should learn from this, how to make a good review. Good work!
I've had an Acratech ballhead for at least 15 years, and it's still working perfectly. It so simple and very well made, with very little that can go wrong.
Umm, yeah, i'm that guy...
So glad you picked one up off E-bay Thomas. As others have mentioned you can use this head with a 'leveling base' on a standard tripod. I use an Acratech one which has proved to be a great combination. I see Slik make a relatively light and inexpensive 'Leveling Unit II' which might be worth a crack but the locking mech might be a bit fiddly.
For those of you who are a bit skeptical (especially at the price) I have been using this system for about 8 years and found it to be flawlessly efficient for switching between standard and pano compositions. The key is once the base is level, the plane of rotation is always horizontal, even when tilted. Panning clamps (like 3 Legged Thing in the video) must not be tilted.
This might be contrary to standard panoramic practice but I have found it to be especially useful for a standard 'tilted' composition, plus a left and right shot for a 'wide format' easy stitch. If it doesn't work you still have the original composition. My workflow is full of 3-frame horizontal format options. There are caveats like wide angle but you might be surprised what you can get away with.
When needed, you can easily tilt the clamp to horizontal, rotate the L- bracket to vertical and boom! - full on pano mode (especially if used with a nodal rail).
Still not convinced? This is simply how a 2-way video head works which always need a level panning motion, but also perpendicular tilt.
I still use a ball-head occasionally but find the 'infinite' adjustment a nuisance when altering compositions. This thing stays level to the horizon no matter how I pan and tilt.
I have never regretted my rather expensive decision.
The Acratech ball heads are also PHENOMENAL. I’ve had one for years and it’s been through hell and back, and it still works perfectly. The ball head is open so they rarely stay dirty, don’t get jammed and are so easy to clean. I can’t think of a better ball head for landscape photography. Oh, they’re lightweight too. Oh, and you can flip the head to create a level plane for panoramics.
I have one too, and love it! I don't even bother flipping the head for panoramas, its just not necessary.
Wow, awesome thumbs up! We are truly honored to have your unsolicited and honest review. Our sincere thanks!
You better send that man some goodies. :)
Love your gear Acratech. Super happy with my Acratech Video ball kit.com/Spike.Boydell/spike-s-photography-videography-kit/acratech-video-ballh
How cool to express gratitude on a consumer vlog! Respect!
@@michaelj7069 We would love to have him try our GP Ball Head.
@@customarylandsolutions9798 🙏 we appreciate your comment.
I bought the larger TC9 version of the Ifootage when it came out. It's a great stand with one main problem. That stupid bubble level on the tripod mounting surface. With no other level on the tripod. I asked Ifootage about it. They told me to take off my ball head, level it with the bowl, and remount my ball head, then tighten the allen screws back up to lock ball to the Ifootage ball. I asked if they wanted me to do that every time I move my tripod. They said I should get a head with a level on it's base. I even asked about another ball head to have one with a video head and one with a Acratech 1165. It wasn't available.
I ate the expense and bought a LeoFoto LM 404CL. It's lighter, Taller, has a bubble level on the top of a leg and a bubble level on the bowls surface you mount your head too. It's also larger leg sections. And I can get extra 75mm bowls, and halfballs and other stuff.
Oh, LeoFoto has smaller tripods that have a ball level head to use for travel too.
I don't think I used the IFootage ITC9 even once for a shoot.
Congratulations Thomas!! You are now the proud owner of one of the best Tripod heads out there. I have been using the ACRATECH GP BALL-HEAD, Panoramic Head & the Leveling base for years. They are highly engineered to outlast anything out there on the market. Simple and lightweight. I have never had an issue with any of the items. You should look at getting the Leveling base & GP Ball-Head to complete your suit. You'll never regret it.
100% this.
Just looked at the price at amazon, and damn that is expensive :(
I’ve been using the gp. I would really like the pano head but feel I need a ball head as the leveling base isn’t enough for some of my uneven situations. Do you typically switch out between the gp and pano head?
@@tjjackson1863 I now only use the leveling base and the pano head. this combo works in every situation. You can do a rough adjustment with the tripod legs, then finetune the leveling with the leveling base.
Not sure if someone mentioned, but two items, that is a bowl adapter on the tripod, not ball head. Also, you can add a separate leveling base to any tripod. In fact, I use a leveling head atop my monopods, allows me to have more freedom of movement. Good video, glad you are finding solutions
Three words... Really Right Stuff! They make the best ball heads, camera plates and lens plates. Absolutely rock solid!
Fortunately I watched a video(s) similar to this over 6 years ago. Never bought a ballhead. Bought a Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head with QR plate combo. The precision it provides and the reassuring click of the plate lock is outstanding.
Interesting comments, Thomas. Just FYI, Acratech also makes a nice leveling base. In addition, I think that another important piece of gear to mention for Quality panoramas is a Nodal Plate. This makes it easy to rotate one’s camera around the lens’ nodal point, which effectively eliminates distortion when stitching multiple images.
If you are looking to replace your ball head in a wallet friendly way I highly highly recommend the neewer ball head, it's about £15 on amazon. I was given one brand new and absolutely love it. Very secure very good build and without spending big bucks.
I love my old Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 804RC2 head, heavy but a proper set up, ideal for heavy lenses
I really appreciate your taking the time to share the problem-solving process and not just a recommendation with a list of benefits and features. For anyone else seeking a similar solution, such a head is essentially a type of gimbal, and frequently marketed as a "video pan head". Of course one needs to do the research and due diligence: a bargain-basement gimbal or pan-head will likely be just as wobbly as a ball head, and worse a major annoyance if the axes aren't truly normal (square) to each other.
My own frustrations with ball heads shifting when the locking mechanism is tightened pushed me into looking at a geared head.
Similarly, the problem of perspective control and precise composition for landscapes has pitched me down the rabbit hole of researching shift-lens solutions for digital cameras. Sure, I know how to make "corrections" in software, and there are a number of cameras that claim they can do this automatically, yet once you've seen what a shifted lens can achieve, it is difficult to "unsee" it.
Yes!
This will change your life, trust me!
I can’t believe more stills photographers don’t get the benefit of a bowl for levelling, and the fact that a video head ensures that everything is now square and level when panning or tilting!!!!
I use a video head, but will never go back to a ballhead! Wait until your other members of the fab 4 see it!
You’ve made me feel better about getting new gear. I just ordered a new geared head after having my old manfrotto ball head for about 20 years!!
I don’t know why people struggle with inferior ballheads.
Just invest in an RRS BH-40 or BH-55 with clamp and be happy for the rest of your photography life.
Nothing beats RRS for smoothness, function and durability.
Having said that, glad Thomas found a solution that works for him.
Buy once buy right ! To be fair the quality of Acratech gear is the match of anything out there. As for RRS, their stuff is also top notch, hence the price. They did ship to me once in the UK, it took 1.5 days from the time of order to delivery to my door, I remain mightily impressed in that regard.
@@TheSackless I've never owned a Manfrotto ballhead, but owning a RRS and after watching this video I have to say "Yes they are inferior."
Acratech are absolutely fabulous heads, and I've tried a few. I use it on my RRS tripod so you can't say I didn't consider RRS heads - they were next on the list, but Acratech are much lighter, and most importantly, their GP ballhead has a 'floating ball' that any dirt just falls through.
@@edwarddow8196 how do you know they're inferior if you've never owned one? It's that kind of elitist mindset that makes me hate the photography community sometimes. Not everyone can afford to spend hundreds and hundreds on a head.
@@TheSackless Perhaps it's just the particular head that Thomas has, but if loosening the base to allow panning causes the whole thing to wobble then it's an inferior product.
Amazing how people are going for low cost solutions for tripod and are disappointed. I went for Really Right Stuff tripod, head and accessories 5 years ago and convinced this is the only system I will have to buy for a very very long time. It's a bit pricy but well worth the investment while dressing all the use cases described in your video. By the way, I always looking forward for your posts. Continue the good work, thanks!
I got the same problem with a L- bracket for my D750 and solved it by getting a Wimberley C-12 quick release clamp....now at least this issue is fixed....i bought the Manfrotto ballhead cause of your recommendation....so if we ever meet at one of your workshops....you owe me a beer...😂
Great video....by the way
Can you confirm that Wimberley C-12 fits to this Manfrotto XPRO ballhead? Just bought one, and I made my mind changing the top plate even before seeing this and other reviews of Manfrottos clumsy mechanism.
Thanks for the great video. I just had this same quandary a few month ago, and was surprised at the dearth of heavy-duty leveling head-bases, and the few that would work didn't have a bubble level. I found my solution in one of the Feisol Elite Series tripods with their accessory leveling base that has a bubble level offset from where the head mounts, making it perfectly visible in all situations. The leveling base works just like the one you demonstrated. Can't believe other mfg's don't offer something similar. The model is the Feisol CT-3372 M2 Elite Rapid with the Feisol LB-7572 Leveling Base. For the head, I went with the FLM CB-43FTR with SRB-60 Quick Release Clamp. So now I have bubble levels everywhere and so far the combo works brilliantly with an L-bracket. Feels very solid and didn't break the bank..
Thomas I for one love a good gear video that doesn’t say “hey look at me what I got”... no you did a great gear video of “look at what works and what doesn’t work”.... that’s a good video
Thank You and Waffle On..
I've had the original Acratech ultimate ball head for more than a decade. Don't use a tripod that much, but when I do, I still love it. It easy to clean, very fluid, very light and very sturdy.
I recently bought a uniqball head. Levelingbase, pan/tilt and ballhead all in one. Works fantastic as soon as you get used to it
I did too, and I love it. It isn't ideal for panos, though, I think that's the biggest weakness of it in fact.
Danni Efraim maybe not ideal but it is damn close
I've been using an Acratech ball head for 2 years now and love it. Acratech heads are great products.
I have an AcraTech GP ball head and its a fantastically well made and simple to use tool! I'm planning to get the leveling bowl for my tripod too.
Wes, You do not need a leveling bowl head if you have a GP. Look for video on their site about how to convert the GP to a leveling head. It is stupid easy and works fantastic.
ruclips.net/video/8OffEGXjhbk/видео.html
He covers this option at 3:33 in the video.
Once you watch the AcraTech video, you can thank me....quite the entertainment value.
Steve Miller I know all about how the GP works... I own one, remember? 😂 But its a lot simpler to leave the GP on the bowl than it it to unscrew the top flip the head over and bolt the top back on every time I want to take a panorama. It’s a nice concept, but its sill more work than the bowl.
I’m a novice. I just leave it upside down.
@@weschilton There's no need to keep flipping it, just leave it upside down then it does everything. Or get an Arca P0.
@@timtucker2007 I was hoping to find some solutions and alternatives in this this thread, but I think a lot of people don’t understand the point of the way he’s doing it, even though he explained in the video. You can’t have the panoramic feature above the ball or whatever mount you’re using if you’re doing multi-row panoramas and/or aiming the camera anywhere off a perfectly level plane, even with single row. You also need a nodal slide. Some of this can be taken care of in software to allow for less equipment, but not all.
Huge fan of Acratech heads. Had one for years and it is zero maintenance. Honestly zero maintenance.
You can't beat the Really Right Stuff combination of ball head and leveling system. I've been using it successfully for years.
tedberkeley Love it too, but expensive...
Just add a levelling base under the new head, so u can use it with the induro tripod
I posted a video about the clamp issue last year as it cost me a lens and almost my camera... It's clearly a design flaw, and although Manfrotto wouldn't admit this they did concede that there was a serious issue with my individual unit and offered me a replacement.
I also had to send mine back to Manfrotto because the clamp wouldn’t release my L-bracket. They had to fix it. I no longer trust or use it.
Ian Robinson Manfrotto offered me either a replacement of that head or a Gitzo. I took the Gitzo 😉
After watching your vlog I didn't buy the arco head option on my Manfrotto tripod. Didn't want to risk the same thing happening to my gear.
So I'm in "good" company, I also had my camera fell off the tripod because the clamp didn't close properly... Hundreds of euros to repair both the camera and lens 😒
Giorgio Zattini I would recommend making a complaint to Manfrotto.
I'm glad you made this video Thomas. I was starting to believe that you were the only photographer who owned the Manfrotto ball head and didn't have clamp issues. I have exactly the same problem and so does the last 5 photographers I've met who were also using it. And in case anyone is interested, Manfrotto only guarantees that part for a year, then they want £78 to fix it! Time for a change.
Really Right Stuff has the best pano and ballhead equipment on the market in my opinion. They are not cheap, but worth every penny for the quality.
Agree...I took the plunge and have never second guessed it. I have their MC-34 Monopod with the MH-01LR head and their TVC Series 3 with a BH-55 head, plus some of their flash mount brackets. Every single product is awesome. I haven't yet purchased their gimbal head for my 500mm because I already have the Wimberley but I have no doubt that it is top notch.
John Doddato agree, you get what you pay for.
I bought a Really Right Stuff BH40 ball head off eBay used. Works so well, I don't see the need to use a long lens head, especially since it's $350. Maybe if you have a super long lens like a 600 or 800mm, I could see it. But, otherwise, you can get BH40 for about $380 new or about $280 used, which will be more versatile. The quality of RRS heads can't be denied, but the prices are a bit painful! Everytime you use the BH40, you notice its quality.
I fully agree!! I had an Acratech Ultimate ballhead that I loved until it started sagging after being tightened down. That ended that and I bought the BH-55. My BH-55 has been over many miles bouncing around on planes, trains and automobiles and across so many trails and it's still perfect!! Really Right Stuff makes the BEST camera support gear I've ever seen!!
I’m having the same problems with my Manfrotto ball head, a different model than your’s. Drives me crazy. Thank you for your video. You’ve kicked me into action to replace it!
I’ve tried more brands of ball heads than I care to think about. Finally took the plunge and bought a RRS BH-55. Never looked back since. They also have superb leveling bases.
I LOVE my RRS BH-55!! I used to own an Acratech ballhead. I stopped using it because no matter what I did it would always sag several degrees. My RRS BH-55 has been rock solid after many years of use.
I am using the newer MHXPRO BHQ2 ball head for more than 2 years, and it doesn't have any of the problems that you mentioned in this older head.
Thomas: the Acratech LLH works great with the Acratech leveling base. This combo can be put on any tripod and allows you to quickly set up a level shot or pano. The levelling base is also available on eBay.
Ulrich Tepass I agree, I also use the Acratech base. It’s an awesome solution for a non bowl tripod.
Thank you Ulrich.
Three years with your Manfrotto...
I purchased a RRS (Really Right Stuff) carbon fiber tripod as well as a ball head, “L” plate and smaller miscellaneous bits eleven years ago, still working perfectly...
I did a lot of research, read many reviews, and as they said “Buy once, cry once”.
I have watched this video several times, trying to convince myself I didn't need this head. So I bought one, I blame you.
Now, if I buy one I'm gonna blame you!
@@paranoidnetizen2717 Well, if you do buy one, get a bowl head for your tripod! Other than that.... My favorite piece of kit.
Off the back of this I bought a bowl head centre-column for my 055CXPro3 and this head and it is the best combo ever. Just so little faff. With a 5DIV's inclinometer I can get level in all planes so quickly - great for landscape, portraits and architecture. Thanks so much for this vid.
Arca-Swiss P0 with their Pan system 1 and nodal slide is good for me. Gives the ability to take multi-row panoramas without any perspective distortion. Easy to take a part and I don't need separate L-bracket any more. Very expensive though.
Yeah, I kept thinking about the P0 during this video. And the P0 hybrid is over the top wonderful.
Older video but note that LeoFoto also has five very similar heads, all beautifully machined and much cheaper for sure than Acratech. The Leofoto VH70R (447g) is in my bag as we speak ;) Leofoto also have leveling bases (either built-in to their tripods or available separately and Sunwayfoto have make leveling bases too (I have one of those). I think Leofoto's are slightly better though having a means to mate to the head to make movement impossible.
“Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 Hybrid”. Best head ever and perfect for panoramas.
that's only $900, what a steal
YES - great Head! - I'm not convinced by Tom's explanation at 06:39, when the rotation happens above the ballhead you can tilt the ball to any angle and the edges of the pano will always line up. If the rotation is below the ball and you have a large tilt then you will get images that don't align - so a straight edge will appear as: \_/
I love my p0 head. I was able to eliminate the leveling base and pano kit. Its small, lite, and compact. I opted to put a Really Right Stuff quick release on it but looking back i would instead go with Monoball p0 with "MonoballFix" to make it a little slimmer.
www.arca-shop.de/en/tripod-heads/p-series-monoball/p0/323/monoball-p0-with-monoballfix?c=443
£800 jesus christ.
I don't know why so many dealers in the USA sell Arca stuff with such a high markup - Robert White ship internationally and charge 1/3 of the price www.robertwhite.co.uk/arca-swiss-monoball-ball-and-socket-p0-with-monoballfix-device.html
I’ve had several heads from Acratech. They make great equipment. They never wobble always tighten without slipping. They are worth the money they charge for their gear.
I've been contemplating a fluid head for quite a while. I think its makes for a great alternative to a gimbal head. And flexible for every application
leofoto makes one! LEOFOTO VH-30R-US. They also have tripods with leveling bases.
You should consider the ball head Arca Swiss P0. Easy to level and use for landscape photography. Well, for any kind of photography, actually.
I just got one of these, LOVE IT! Not the best for all panoramas, but i prefer it to my Leofoto BH-40 clone which is a great ballhead, but it's heavy and 3 knob ballheads just annoy me these days!
I second this, had an AS P0 for more than a year and none of the problems you described. I also do not get why not use the camera built in level or simply mount a cheap level on the flash shoe. With the AC P0 you shouldn’t also need the levelling ball-gizmo which should make for an even simpler n lighter kit. Plus the genuine AC plates are tiny n light. I can afford to carry 4 whereas before for the same weight I could only manage 1 or 2. Plus AC a wealth of attachments n brackets for whatever one fancies (properly developed n tested of Swiss quality) and spare parts for life.
You can get a bubble level that goes between the tripod and head for just a couple dollars on Amazon and eBay. The bubble part sticks out beyond the head. I have a few, and they work well.
So I watched this whole video to find out you’ve bought a pan and tilt head. 🤦🏼♂️
LOL
@@kinto4135 good point, let’s not watch videos, just need to look at the thumbnails. So now no one need watch it. 😂
@@davidaearthy That's not what I meant by that. I had the impression that you were complaining about the fact that the video is only about him switching from a ball head to a pan and tilt head and therefore you think it's boring/unnecessary.
But if I'm wrong about that I'm sorry, no hard feelings eh?
@@kinto4135 it was a tongue in cheek comment that you took too literally. 🤦🏼♂️
@@davidaearthy yup got it
Honestly I don't mind your gear videos. What differs this one from the camera ones is that you seem to be more passionate and interested in the video today. Love your work!
arca-swiss p0 was my solution to this problem. No special tripod needed, no excess of knobs to twist for each axis.
The same solution I chose; been 3 years and still looks and performs like new regardless of conditions.
I can tell you I have an Acratech ballhead. I LOVE it. It plainly just works. It works with heavy gear and it never ever complains. Worth every penny. They make a levelling bast too. Also my ballhead lets me flip it upside down for panos too.
“Internal gubbins” Love it 😂
"internal gubbin's"...forty years of mechanical design & engineering and I still love learning new technical words!
Thank You, Thomas! ;)
"I'm Done With My Ball Head."
I suppose there's plastic surgery, but really...
Thank goodness you have ditched the ball head! Watching your magic videos I have been concerned that you used a ball head, I have always hated them, even the top of the range Manfrotto ones. In my professional days I used medium format and large format almost exclusively and found the best head of all was a Manfrotto geared head. Absolute magic for fine, accurate adjustments with big heavy cameras. Glad that you are back on form and looking forward to more in the field videos. Cheers, Bruce
Thomas, they are available in the UK from Bob Rigby Photographic.
I did not know this. Are you sure they're not just drop shipped from the states?
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Bob Rigby are a UK stockist (www.bobrigby.com). Fantastic service - I bought an Acratech GP Ballhead from him about 2 years ago and was struggling to decide between the standard clamp and the lever clamp. He sent both versions to me to check out and only charged when I decided and sent the other back. I went with the standard clamp as the lever clamp had the same issue you discuss in your video - bubble level covered by camera which the quick clamp does not. Incidentally the GP Ballhead is a clever design which can be used as a traditional Ballheads - but you can reverse it to make it a levelling head and also has a basic gimbal function too. Enjoy your channel. Many thanks
Saw Bob and most of the range at the nec photo show last week!
I know, the video is 3 years old, but I think Leofoto VH-30R could be an alternative. Especially pricewise
To be fair, the clamp issue is not really related to the thing being a ball head. The base issue is. I appreciate the review on the Acratech head though.
Manfrotto makes a tripod spacer 120-38. They cost about $25. Worth it to buy yourself some room from the base to work those fiddly knobs with gloved hands. Also if you went with the RRS ta-3 leveling base, it’s bubble level is offset you can use the level no matter what head is on it.
2 words, Thomas: RRS BH-55 (is that 2 words?) Buy nice or buy twice.
I'm fully anticipating a video in a few months explaining why this tripod head is broken/not sufficient and that you are buying another one.
Nah - Acratech is top notch quality. I think the three best in the industry are RRS, Acratech and ProMediaGear.
I don't have advice for panoramas but the Slik 2100 pistol grip has given me security for 20 years. It's not a quick release but I love it.
Love my Acratech GP Ballhead with Lever Clamp!
I've been using an Acratech Panoramic & Tilt Head with QR since Feb. I coupled it with the Acratech Leveling Base, which I strongly recommend. I also use their Nodal Rail. The head holds up to 25 lbs., so you can use it for long lenses, too. I find this combination to be ideal for landscapes, seascapes, and woodland photography. It really shines with panoramas. The nodal rail is really overkill and a PIA unless you're doing something like architectural photography. Not worth hauling out in the field. My Kirk BH-1 ball head is suffering from loneliness and jealousy since I switched to the Acratech head and leveling base. Don't forget the leveling base, Thomas. A lot easier than messing with your tripod legs. ;)
So sorry that you’re out of luck with this tripod but thanks so much for letting us know about this important feature because because those who are inexperienced would not guess and you just saved me from making a mistake so thank you.
that clamp that you're describing in the beginning cost me a brand new 5 day old Canon 5D Mark IV and 16-36L lens last year while at the top of Faroe Island's highest point. It malfunctioned and down the side of the mountain and cliffs my camera went and never to be seen again. It just keep tumbling and bouncing and tumbling and bouncing all the way until I lost sight of it. Yeah I never threw up!! ~Ron
I love my Acratech and the owner was very helpful when I had a few questions before I purchased. While I don’t have the same one as you ... I have the GP ballhead but the quality build is most excellent . Congrats on your upgrade!
Great Choice, Acratech, and they make other leveling products, and phenomenal ball heads
Dennis Linden I have one. I do like it, until the weak pan clamp pin fails to hold the pan base and then you can’t remove it from the tripod. Happens to me all the time. I love everything else about it, except this very important but weak pan clamp screw. WHY !!!! These guys can’t game up a bit on the clamping power and this would not be a problem. And yes MANY people complain about this. And j actually own another Acratech head and it does the same damn thing..... frustrating
Acratech is an excellent company with wonderful well engineered products. You can also slide one of their leveling bases under the LLH. Been using their GP head for over 10 years.
Can you do video about combustion
I owned the Acratech head in combination with a leveling base several years ago to carry my 4x5 large format camera. The leveling base replaces the bawl head of the tripod so I could keep using my old tripod. I sold leveling base and head, when I also sold the camera.
Now I went back into LF film and started to look for the head again. The price still is a problem. But in 2023, we have alternatives.
I purchased a Leofoto VH-30R head wich works exactly as the Acratech for 1/3 the price (less than 200 EUR opposed to more than 600 EUR here in Germany). And I put the leveling base Leofoto LB-60N (90 EUR) in between. Perfect combination. I am not certain if the Acratech was not a tiny bit more study, but for lack of direct comparison I can only say: It does not feel like it.
Great Vid, one small correction.....I work pro video......BOWL MOUNT, not ball head when its on the sticks.
he says "bowl head" might be hard to catch with his accent
@@georgerichardson6479 Ah, that might be it. I could've sworn he said ball head....thanks for the update
Love my Acratech GP ball head! Precision made 100% quality piece of equipment!
Also using the GP - Could not agree more :)
GPSS here, can use this for years for sure
SIRUI K-40X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate Recommended
Absolutely hated mine ;)
I have and recommend photographers use the Arca Swiss D4. It's probably the best geared tripod head available. It's pricy but built like a tank and will last for years into the future. It's also a joy to use.
Those bowl heads have been std equipment for Pro videographers forever.
Amen!
Really Right Stuff tripod and ball head,best combo in the market
“Moo point” 😂😂 one of my favourite joey from friends quotes 😂
I've had the same problem with the head (I own it), and a little bit of grease saved it - it now works like new! Absolutely smooth.
Try buying some bearing grease or something like that and try to grease the problematic part(s) properly.
I went from fighting with the ball head almsot breaking my camera at one point to loving to use it again. :)
Only problem I can see is those bowl head tripods don’t offer as much movement as your regular tripod head so you may find yourself having to level with tripod legs for very uneven ground. 😬
true, especially with the pan and tilt head Thomas is reviewing. It is not a three-way, like a ball head.
I sold Bogen/Manfrotto tripods for decades and while I really like their legs and heads I never liked their various quick release mounts/plates. For 10 years now I've been using a Markins ball head with an Arca Swiss compatible plate and compatible L-Bracket on my cameras and it all works like a charm.
Awesome video of my favourite photographer! I like Manfrotto! :) Greetings!
I don't know if I commented on this video before, but.... thank you for reviewing the acratech head. I had to wait a year to get it, as it was out if stock here in the USA. Now that I have it as nd used it once already, I am never going back to a ball head again. I went through 3 ball heads in the last 10 years. They either locked up with sand / salt. Or, the stem between the ball and plate would not stay tight causing the camera to flop when in portrait position. Even with a small prime lens. Also with the acratech being arca swiss, I can use an l bracket and also switch between my zyhuin webill s quickly without having to switch out plates.
The acratech is rather expensive, but with the build. I don't see it breaking down .
Next video: I bought a video fluid head
Hello Thomas! I recently replaced my Benro ballhead with the Acratech LLH + Leveling base and the combination of both has been absolutely great! After having my BH tip 90d a couple of times with my Sony 200-600mm and coming dangerously close to falling over, I had had enough and started looking for something more stable. These aren't cheap (except when compared with their top line heads) but you can't put a price on the assurance of having your gear stay on top of the tripod and not on the ground.
lol... you are running out of topics so you are doing gear reviews again..
I agree
He always does a mini review when he gets something new. The odd review is fine. He just doesn't want to do it all the time. Think of it as a filler untill his next adventure.
Great advice. If you remember I had spoken to you about the manfrotto ball head I think I was the first public person to have issues the Gary did and they replaced his. I could not get mine replaced. So I went to 3 Legged Thing at the NEC. I love the bowl head. There was a guy there a small company that have some amazing heads think you need to give them a look. I’ll email you the details of the company. Very very nice heads just like that one you have just got.
Thomas, Bob Rigby Photographic are the sole UK supplier of all Acratech products, including a fantastic levelling base. I have used Acratech ball heads for a few years and they are excellent. One tip though, don’t over tighten the mechanisms as that can lead to the same problem you have encountered with the Manfrotto.
Thomas, excellent choice! Acratech make fantastic products that are of the highest quality. I use their GP ball head and love it.
To solve your problem with your Induro tripod, look into Acratech’s leveling base. I bought one used for $100 Canadian. It screws on your tripod, and then your tripod head screws onto it. It will solve your problems!
Behind the rectangular sticker on the side of this head there is a hidden little tiny allen screw, if you tighten that the play will provably get solved!!!! Same happened to me!!! So maybe you can still use it for something else!!!! Great work Thomas!!!
I've used the Acratech GP ball head for a few years now and it's a great product. Their customer service has been top notch as well.
I've been using the Acratech GP-ss Ballhead on top of two different Induro tripods (CLT204 and 403) for years too, Colt. Love the setup immensely.
Hi Thomas. I had the same problem with the release plate on the Manfrotto head and replaced the whole mechanism and it’s perfect now. I think it was a about £15 from Manfrotto spares: you get a new spring plate and new bits and bobs that make it work and it’s a better design than the old one, having a proper spring rather than a bit of plastic tubing trying to be a spring. Takes only a few minutes to fit though it won’t fix the wobble of course, but this may give you more life out of the head and make it useful ‘just in case’.
Been using an Acratech Leveling Base w/ a video fluid head. I find it much quicker to level than a stiff bowl head tripod. But yea, Acratech has been a good experience so far.
I'm glad I don't need to do panos too often! Having a ball head is so convenient. I know your pain though, when I do panning shots with my smooth video head, you really do have to goof around adjusting the tripod, it gets old.
Thank you, Thomas, for this very informative video! Very educational for someone just starting out.
I got my marriage in heaven on a COMAN TM386C (8X carbon ply) tripod and a Cullmann Magnesit MB8 ball head. Camera eye point can go as high as 2 meters and can hold steadily camera/lens combos that are more than 10 Kgs. Was so happy with the combo that I got a lighter/smaller duo in the form of COMAN TM256C (also 8X carbon ply) and a Cullmann Magnesit MB6 ball head. Enough for 180 cm eye point and 5 Kgs combos. Happiness...
Hi Thomas, great video and another excellent example of the multiple functions available with Acratech gear. I have been using Aratech Gear for well over 10 years and have been impressed with how the owner "Scott Dordick" continues to be able to improve on his designs. If You're looking for an awesome solution for a ballhead, I would check out his latest model called the, gxp-ball-head I prefer the locking clamp style, he also makes one with a knob. Some of the great things about it are, it's super light weight, they build them in their own facility so the Quality control is outstanding, if you want to travel light, tripod and ballhead, the GXP can be quickly reversed to double as a leveling pano based ballhead (no need of a separate leveling base) also in its regular configuration, it can double as a Gimble that I often use with my 100-400 lens. I'd say it's the Ultimate Ballhead. New larger knobs make it easier to use with gloved hands. It has an open ball feature that can be easily cleaned if dropped in dirt, sand, mud, snow etc. Check it out, I'm sure you'll be as impressed with it as I am. Thanks again for your wonder videos and "keeping it real"
Bruce Davis
Acratech heads rock! Take a look at the Promediagear 42mm tripod bowl system! You won’t want to climb mt with it but it rocks for everything else!
Acratech make absolutely fantastic ballheads too, certainly worth a look.
Hi Tom,
as others have mentioned, yes Induro do a bowl and half ball for your GIT304 legs. You need the 75mm bowl and half ball. The Induro one is MLA23 (I think the half ball and bowl come together), but I can't see a uk stockist right now. SRS Microsystems have the Induro Bowl only (MVB23) on offer at £29 and Park Cameras have the Benro half ball BL75, or the BL75S (short tie down for low to the ground work). Another option which is lighter weight (and cheaper) than those options is to use a levelling base that screws on to the existing flat base on your Induro. I have found the Andoer DY-60N to be good (nice smooth adjustment compared to the more expensive sunway foto equivalent and the Andoer N version has the larger 1/4" thread which you obviously want - adapters from 3/8" are a pain). Lots of options to make your Induro tripod part of your new perfect set up.
Clive
Just found this video, and this is exactly what i need. The hunt is on!