Acratech GPSS Ball-Head Perfect for Travel Tripods

I purchased this because it is a technically smart design, adds a form of a gimbal action and is well made. It could be smoother and it takes a little time to learn how to best use the tension settings.

I get it, made in the USA, and made of the highest quality components. I love the detent pin, as this is one of the few "Arca-Swiss" heads that include that, Sirui being the other. The quick locking lever is very nice. Quality and excellence all around. There is nothing to complain about except being so expensive. $250 is probably the upper limit of what I would consider reasonable, $350 max. Regardless, I bought one with my own money. I would have bought one a long time ago if the cost was a little less.

This ball head is a great choice for general purpose photography. The fit, finish and overall manufacturing quality is excellent for my purposes. I will admit to having been on the fence for quite a while between the GP and the Ultimate models. I appreciate the quality materials used, the professional design engineering that went into it and the Made In The USA tag. That last would not have been a deal breaker, but it gives me a good feeling. Pricing was not cheap but the cost was reasonable and competitive with comparable RRS heads. If Acratech ever puts the Ultimate on sale some time, I might buy that one as well. I have been in touch with several photo enthusiast friends and recommended they seriously consider Acratech products for their shooting needs.

Tried different tripod heads for same or different purposes being satisfied in some cases but mostly so-so. Then a friend of mine suggested to look for Acratech products. Briefly: I got the Gp-ss ballhead and tried it. In one sentence: It's a must have product. Robust but lightweight, easy to use, high quality build. Highly recommend it.

I was looking for a light, high quality ballhead to go on a carbon fiber tripod, with the idea of having a lightweight system for hiking. I initially purchased the Ultimate Ballhead about 10 years ago, and ended up purchasing a GP Ballhead, and recently acquired a GPSS Ballhead to use on several different tripods. They are light, high quality and effective. I have used them on a Canon 5DM#, Canon 1Dx, Canon 6D, Nikon D810A, and Nikon 750, all very successfully. I do some teaching and keep more than one one tripod-bullhead setup with me when on the road. I frequently loan these out to others when their setup is ineffective, making our photo sessions go smoother. No reservations recommending this bullhead.

I was searching for a small, portable, but sturdy ballhead that could work for my Nikon d810 and my Olympus OMD EM1, mark ii. This ballhead has excellent mobility and it is sturdy. I chose the lever release since that is what I have been used to with other ballheads. I am a little bit frustrated because on the lever release, the level is underneath where you would attach your camera. I usually set my shot up first and then level from there. This level is worthless. Of course, you could purchase a separate level from Acratech for more money, but that is ridiculous. Also, I think the camera plate should come with the ballhead. Plates have been included with other ballheads I have used.

This is a great Ball Head. Small, Compact, very functional