After trading several emails with the helpful staff at Acratech, I ordered a new GV2 yesterday. I believe they started shipping last week so I was wondering if anyone has any hands-on experience with one yet?
I know it's 90% the same as a V2, but I'm curious how people like the new gimbal feature.
The GV2 arrived today. It actually only took 5 days to get here, which is pretty good for a cross-border shipment.
Coming from a machining background, my first impression is this ballhead is it's one beautifully machined product. There is zero slop in any of the moving pieces and everything you touch just screams quality. It's also obvious they spent a lot of time perfecting the finishes of all the parts in the assembly.
The rubberized knobs are a nice touch and all of the adjustments are very precise. I don't really need the gimbal feature of the ballhead yet, but it looks like it would work well when I get some longer glass (now if only Canon would bring out a 400 f/5.6 with IS). The biggest draw for me to this head after trying out a V2 (non-gimbal) at Vistek in Toronto was its incredible light weight while maintaining a rock-solid platform to work from. It weighs only 450g (just under 1 pound), yet it can support 25 lbs. In ballhead mode, it can be used with a 600mm f/4 or a 400mm f/4 in gimbal mode. I think the only reason for the reduction in lens size for the gimbal mode is just because the load would be hard to balance with an 11 pound lens tipped on its side. The locks are certainly up for the challenge of holding that weight.
I'm really looking forward to putting it through its paces when I get my new Feisol CT-3342 this week. I'm confident they'll make an excellent combo.
I spent about 6 hours in the field with it so far and I am very impressed! I can't get over how light it is. The Feisol CT-3342 combined with this head makes for an amazingly rigid platform that disappears when you sling it on your back. I can and will carry it for hours without issue.
Just received mine in the mail 4 days ago, and I have only been able to use it for an hour or so (damn work anyways). This is the first "high-end" ballhead I have ever owned, and can only compare it to my friend's Markin head. Not being a total mechanically inept person, I must say the machining, fit, finish, and overall design of this head is awesome. Smooth is an understatement. One knob to do all the functions, with very little force/twist needed to turn it, is freedom. My camera rig isn't that heavy (Canon XT w/ battery grip and F2.8L 70-200),,,,,this, like I said, in being the first nice ballhead I have owned, I have no worries in it loosening up or 'creeping'; it locks it down hard, in any angle. I have it mounted on my Gitzo G1298 Basalt tripod, so it makes for a very light carry. Gimbal feature is excellent, and fast, to put in that position. Very happy.
I'm trying to decide between the RRS BH-40 Pro II and the GV2 to go with G15040 legs. The gimbal feature is a bit more than I need at the moment but based on weight and price it is very attractive. On thing I can't seem to find on the Acratech web site is any specs. Height, base diameter etc. If any one has any input I'd appreciate the help greatly.
Jul 14, 2007 at 09:12 AM
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