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

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!

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'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.

Wow, awesome thumbs up! We are truly honored to have your unsolicited and honest review. Our sincere thanks!

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.

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.

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!

I love my old Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 804RC2 head, heavy but a proper set up, ideal for heavy lenses

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

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.

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.

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..

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.

I've been using an Acratech ball head for 2 years now and love it. Acratech heads are great products.

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 recently bought a uniqball head. Levelingbase, pan/tilt and ballhead all in one. Works fantastic as soon as you get used to it

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.

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!!!

You can't beat the Really Right Stuff combination of ball head and leveling system. I've been using it successfully for years.

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.

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..

Huge fan of Acratech heads. Had one for years and it is zero maintenance. Honestly zero maintenance.

I have watched this video several times, trying to convince myself I didn't need this head. So I bought one, I blame you.

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.

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.

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.

“Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 Hybrid”. Best head ever and perfect for panoramas.

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.

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.

Thomas, not to rain on your parade, but I've been a land surveyor for more than 35 years and the first thing we learned was to level up a tripod head close enough to then be able to fine tune the instrument (CAMERA) we attached on top. First rule: put a single leg on the UP hill side, then make sure the legs are firmly planted and finish up by using the leg height releases to bring the head level. Having a single leg uphill or directly opposite from where you are standing also means that you won't be "straddling" a leg when looking through the viewfinder or display and can easily get to the camera for viewing and making adjustments. Also, try to keep the eyepiece/viewfinder at 'eye level' to prevent neck and back strain. It is important to have a level camera setup when doing a pano shot, but also helpful to clamp down the rotating release between exposures to prevent the wiggle you mentioned. I quickly priced the new Acratech Long Lens Head you recommended along with a center post leveling tripod and reached nearly $1,000! For those of us on a budget, a few simple tripod field techniques can help improve steadiness and our images.

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.

“Internal gubbins” Love it 😂

Did you know that this is 2020 and we now have camera's with IBIS as well as lenses with IS? You simply do not need at tripod of any kind to shoot Pano's. I shoot 6, 8 or even 12 image Pano's and all hand held. It's magic I know but it works perfectly well.

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!

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.

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.

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...

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!

You should consider the ball head Arca Swiss P0. Easy to level and use for landscape photography. Well, for any kind of photography, actually.

arca-swiss p0 was my solution to this problem. No special tripod needed, no excess of knobs to twist for each axis.

"internal gubbin's"...forty years of mechanical design & engineering and I still love learning new technical words! Thank You, Thomas! ;)

Love my Acratech GP ball head! Precision made 100% quality piece of equipment!

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.

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

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.

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.

So I watched this whole video to find out you’ve bought a pan and tilt head. 🤦🏼‍♂️

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 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 .

“Moo point” 😂😂 one of my favourite joey from friends quotes 😂

Thomas, they are available in the UK from Bob Rigby Photographic.

I use a Manfrotto geared head. No need to level the tripod, as the head has L/R and U/D bubbles and three dials to adjust rotation, up/down and left/right angle. The only issues are it’s weight and that rotation, although play-free is not quick.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Love my Acratech GP Ballhead with Lever Clamp!

Great Choice, Acratech, and they make other leveling products, and phenomenal ball heads

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.

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.

Can you do video about combustion

2 words, Thomas: RRS BH-55 (is that 2 words?) Buy nice or buy twice.

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

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 Vid, one small correction.....I work pro video......BOWL MOUNT, not ball head when its on the sticks.

SIRUI K-40X Ball Head with Quick Release Plate Recommended

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”.

Great solution to a tricky problem!

Those bowl heads have been std equipment for Pro videographers forever.

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. 😬

(1) Arca-Swiss P0. Best bit of photographic gear I've ever bought. Solves all the issues mentioned and works as a proper ball head with one-handed lock/unlock control via a large collar - great for when you are wearing gloves. The pano control is a secondary knob to lock/unlock and the pano rotation is on top of the head so you don't need a levelling tripod (or to level your tripod) for pano work. Arca-Swiss is expensive but top quality engineering with no wobbles. (2) Get a tripod collar for the 70-200 - it will increase stability on the tripod and allows quick portrait/landscape rotation.

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!

"I'm Done With My Ball Head." I suppose there's plastic surgery, but really...

Awesome video of my favourite photographer! I like Manfrotto! :) Greetings!

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.

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.

Next video: I bought a video fluid head

lol... you are running out of topics so you are doing gear reviews again..

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!

Thank you, Thomas, for this very informative video! Very educational for someone just starting out.

One of the problems with adjusting your ballhead separately either horizontally or vertically is that is won’t happen. It you make a tiny adjustments on the ball both directions change. You have to futz and futz around till you get it right.

i kept the ball and got an arca swiss clamp and used the origional screw from my old ball head to attach. I also have a 3 way from my view camera that works great too.

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. ;)

Really Right Stuff tripod and ball head,best combo in the market

The acratech is Tilt head for monopod, sports and birding photograper use it alot , if you need extra 15° angle ball head movement add an extra leveling head to your tripod

I'm an old fart who began by lugging around heavy wooden 3 & 4 part leg tripods with field cameras so a few pounds is not much. That is why I still carry one of my Slik 780DX Pros and their 807E 3-way tilt pan head. Everything locks down solidly, NEVER EVER gives me the "Wobblies/Shakes/or Shivers!"

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.

I would highly recommend the manfrotto 400 gear head; accurate and reliable; big/ bulky; not cheap by any means; rent or borrow one and you will like it. I got a great deal: second hand from Adorama.

I retired my 498rc2 ball to my monopod. I too was getting tired of the inaccuracies of the ball head with my manfrotto 055xprob. I switched out to the mhxpro-3w, a 3 way head that, even though it's not perfect, is actually pretty good for panos. Especially for the price. I try not to tighten my locks too much, as I used to have a lot of trouble with some early ballheads sticking over time, till I loosened up on the tension. That wasn't always that good either, cause if I nudged the tripod a little the ball would let the camera move. With a 3 way, if you level the pod first, then level the head, panos come out pretty good...that is, until my ham hands do something hamhanded!

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.

You mention tilt/shift lens in passing, it's worth noting quite a bit more for people who may be interested in those fantastic optics: The "drop" function ("fall" or "shift down") is not just the equivalent to rotating a ball or (hinged head) downward. The rise & fall of a TS lens does far more, creatively and less destructively, than what you get when you simply point a camera downward or upward; 1. It maintains parallelism of vertical lines (this matters even in a natural scene because for instance trees do generally grow straight up/down and look unnatural when tilted), 2. When shifted down it enhances the nearness "feel" of the classic near/far composition, because the angular spread of the projected image magnifies the side of sensor (film) farther away (near in the photo) from the centerline of the optic. 3. Using rise or fall rather than pointing a camera up or down reduces typically photographic lens distortion ie "wide angle distortion" and last of all 4. All TS lenses must generically project a "larger image circle" in order to be able to be used with their movements, and so in general they are better optically than other lenses made by the same brand. The larger image circle is why for instance you can use a Canon EF TS on the Big Fuji GFX med format cameras with their bigger sensor. Conclusion: the ultimate lenses for landscape work are tilt shift lenses. Their weaknesses are that they are manually focused, single focal length, and pricey. History: traditionally large format film cameras used for the landscape (the view camera) had "camera movements" whereby the rise/fall & L-R shift is build into the body of the camera (hence the bellows and hinges and locks). And that is what one sees if you look at any picture of Ansel Adams or Ed Weston etc. at work. A full blown complete camera is indeed a machine that has the ability to move the lens with respect to the plane of the light capturing plane. Anything else is a snapshot camera by comparison. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/View_camera Very few people are going to use a view camera today, but photography is an art and a science, and the fundamentals exist whether or not they are popularly understood. Landscape is a classic genre and can still be pursued with all the classical considerations even if the tools are modern. Practitioners who want to be fully educated should understand view camera movements. Last bit: Here's a channel where the artist Nick Carver is very much like Heaton in devotion to landscape duty, but he's using equipment that would have been state of the art in 1976 including a view camera: kzfaq.info/love/LcKQhTO6i0oq10S234vWyA

The patents listed on the bottom of the Acratech head are all design patents, which cover only the precise appearance of that head. Those patents in no way limit someone from producing a functionally equivalent head as long as that head doesn't look exactly like the Arcatech head.

1. You can buy Acratech heads easily in the UK, from an excellent small supplier. 2. You could have replaced the clamp part of your Manfrotto head, very easily. 3. You can fit a spacer to overcome the problem you show at the end of your video - easily.

I switched to fluid heads. No need for panorama head, no need for gimbal bracket for long lenses. The only concession is you need to use L brackets and bowl head tripods. Also a good fluid head can be had for less than that Acratec thing.

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

I replaced my ball head with a Manfrotto 502, and I prefer that. It's designed for video, but it handles my 70-200 2.8 with a tele-converter with ease. it automatically balances the camera, so it levels out and wont flop no matter how loose you have the drag set. The only issue is it's big and heavy.