Has anyone personal experience with this ballhead (GP):

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=69&cat=1&page=1

My primary usages would be landscape (TSE24) and flower closeups (100 f/2.8 macro). It would serve well for landscape work I think.

I have a Gitzo GT2540EX tripod similar to this:

http://www.gitzo.ca/product/72038.71837.72040.0.0/GT2541EX/_/Series_2_Carbon_6X_Explorer_Tripod_-_4_Section_G-Lock

Imaging low lying flowers requires the use of the "centre column" at a downward angle from horizontal, and this can orient the camera in a position close to being upside down (awkward). I've tried a Gitzo 3750:

http://www.gitzo.ca/product/72038.71852.82452.0.0/GH3750/_/Series_3_Magnesium_Off_Center_Ball_Head

- but the Gitzo ballhead is so sticky as to be almost unusable.

I'm wondering if the Arcrtech can angle the camera back into a horizontal position without using an angle bracket (which I have but is cumbersome, and adds weight).

Glenn

He does:

http://www.mikemoatsblog.com/


I use one. No issue so far.

Thanks D.

Also thanks for the link to the great site - I'd never heard of him before - it is a valuable resource.

From the number of hits using "search" on NSN, it seems that Acratech is a common and respected ballhead. My main concern is how far the ball can be angled from the neutral position. In theory, the Gitzo off centre ballhead is ideal, but in practice, it sucks because the ball is so sticky and it takes so much rotation of the knob to lock the setting.

Glenn

I've used nothing but Acratech ballheads for 8 years now. They are the best ballheads on the market for nature photographers. Yeah, I realize how definitive that statement is but honestly, it's true. I used an Acratech Ultimate Ballhead for years and loved it. A few months ago I switched to the GP-S. I wrote a comprehensive review of the Ultimate Ballhead on my blog a couple years ago. I'm liking the GP-S even more than the Ultimate Ballhead.

I HIGHLY recommend the Acratech ballheads.

***Full disclosure: I'm sponsored by Acratech, but only as of March of this year. I bought two ballheads and several QR plates at full price in the years preceding my sponsorship. I wouldn't hesitate to pay full price for any of their products in the future if my sponsorship should disappear.***