A Heads-up Idea
by Steve Traudt
Nothing
will help your photography more than a good tripod. Using a tripod slows you
down, improves your compositions, contributes to sharper images and allows the
full range of apertures and shutter speeds. Bogen and Gitzo are my favorite
brands. You want a tripod with independent leg spreading and ability to get low
to the ground. It needs to be tall enough so you can work without hunching over.
A tripod needs a certain amount of weight to do its job properly; if it is too
light it causes more harm than good due to vibrations. My tripods weigh at least
4 pounds. A good tripod is an investment and will cost $150 or more.
What you put on the tripod is also important. Most photographers agree the “ball head” design is the most versatile. One master knob controls all movements. Ball heads are fast to use and have a slimmer profile than a pan-tilt head with the 3 handles sticking out all over!
For years, the recommended ball head was the Arca Swiss. This jewel of Swiss engineering weighs 1¾ pounds, was silky smooth and just really worked well. I would still recommend it, except for two reasons. The price has become obscene (about $400) and a new ball head is now available that gives us a viable alternative.
This new head is made by AcraTech, a precision machine shop in California. It just so happens that the head of AcraTech, Scott Dordick, is a machinist AND a photographer. Although ball heads are nothing new, Scott has brought some exciting innovations to his creation.
First, some specs…
 | Weighs 15oz with quick release clamp |
| Easily holds over 25 lbs at any angle |
| Full movements allow any position |
| Precision C.N.C. machined |
| Available also with left side controls |
| Compatible with Kirk, Arca, R.R.S., ClearSight, and many other QR plates |
| Beautiful satin black anodized finish |
| Fits all tripods (1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threads) |
| Engraved degree markings |
| Solid precision feel |
| Made in USA |
| Ball will not shift when tightened |
| Oil less and greaseless ball will not attract or hold dirt and debris |
| All knobs are secured so they cannot vibrate loose and fall off |
The 15 oz weight is a delight. At first, you don’t believe it can be study enough, but it is! When I add this head to my carbon fiber tripod, the whole package is 5 pounds, perfect for hiking.
It easily holds my camera and 100-400 zoom. Since I work so much in sandy, dusty environments, I appreciate the open style which allows me to easily clean the ball. There are no places for grit to be trapped.
All the knobs are “captive” which means they won’t unscrew themselves and be lost due to vibrations in the car, etc. The knobs all are all “rubberized” which gives a very nice feel and makes them easily gripped.
Of course, it is set up to use the Quick Release plates including those from AcraTech, Really Right Stuff, Mike Kirk and others. The QR knob has a special “high speed” feature which allows you to open and close the throat with one twist of your fingers.
The quality of the machining has to be seen to be appreciated. I have used this head for 6 months now and absolutely love it. It is rock solid, does not creep and is extremely smooth. Two of my friends have recently purchased this head as well. The good news is that while still expensive, the $279 price is much more reasonable than the Arca Swiss.
Their web site is: www.acratech.net Check it out.
Or phone them at: 909-394-1802
