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Review Summary
2012-06-17T21:00:00
I tried several different heads on my monopod until I put this one on it. I'm done trying different monopod heads. This head tops them all. I purchased this without a clamp and topped it off with my RSS clamp. Using an RSS L plate on my camera and the gimbal feature of this ballhead gives my camera a well balanced, stable monopod platform with smooth vertical movements in the gimbal position. The best platform I've found for a monopod. The gimbal feature is surprisingly versatile and smooth, but, I doubt it would compete with a true gimbal head. Don't kid yourself...there's good reason a true gimbal head costs what it does. I haven't tried this on a tripod...it's staying on my monopod.
DAVE R.
2011-09-05T21:00:00
I love this ball head. Lightweight and easy to use.
Mel
Precision CNC-machined
25 lb (11.3 kg)
4.25" (108mm)
Yes, lever-operated Arca-style (plate sold separately)
Yes
Yes
Yes
1/4"-20 and 3/8-16" (reducer bushing included)
1.1 lb (482 g)
The Acratech GV2 Ball Head / Gimbal Head with Lever Clamp is an updated version of the existing GV2 head. Rather than a rubber knob, this model features a locking lever for securing the Arca Swiss-style clamp that constitutes the quick-release element.
The GV2 is a sturdy, heavy-duty, yet compact ball head that is similar in design to most conventional ball heads (unlike Acratech's unique Ultimate head). However, the GV2 model can be locked down when the head is in the 90deg. orientation (in the "gimbal slot"), which effectively turns this ball head into a gimbal-style head. This allows the camera to pivot around its center point. A bushing on the ball's stem and a pin on the bottom of the ball enable this smooth rotation - free, gimbal-style movement.
The built-in industry-standard Arca-Swiss-style quick-release clamp makes it compatible with the many different plates available from Arca-Swiss, Kirk, Wimberley, Really Right Stuff, Foba, Novoflex, etc. The clamp also features a spring-loaded detent pin that projects into the pockets or windows that are cut into the bottom of most manufacturers' (Acratech, Kirk, Really Right Stuff, etc.) quick-release plates. This detent pin will prevent the plate from accidentally sliding out in the event that the knob is partially loosened.
In addition, this model uses a "leveling" q.r. clamp, which features a large 15mm bullseye bubble level that extends out of the side of the clamp. The GV2 features a low-profile design and sports all-rubber knurled knobs that are comfortable to use, even in extreme weather.