Really Right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead vs Acratech GP-S Ballhead vs Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 QR?

12 years 5 months ago #163152 by Prago
I'm making a few upgrades and looking at each of these ball heads. I'm really on the fence about the Arca Swiss and RRS ballheads. I like the design of the Acratech but concerned that debris will get into the ball socket and cause trouble down the line.

The Acra Swiss and RRS seem to be at the same price point, so it really boils down to quality? The RRS is made in USA and the Arca Swiss is made in Switzerland.

I'm really on the fence here. Help! B)

SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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12 years 5 months ago #163159 by Farestad
I think you have your mind in the right area. Comparing a Acratech to a Arca Swiss or Really Right Stuff ball head isn't a good comparison. However the Acra Swiss vs the Really Right Stuff is a good match up. Both have similar specs. I do believe the size of the Acra Swiss may be smaller but they have some cool technology going on with these. But then the Really Right Stuff has it's own thing going on also. I think you have a tough decision in front of you. I could flip a coin and be comfortable with either one.

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12 years 5 months ago #163163 by Carlos
I would compare both companies warranties and how easy is it going to be to get replacement parts.

(2) Canon 7D, Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, 50mm f/1.4 USM, 85mm f/1.8 USM, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6
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12 years 5 months ago #163176 by Prago
You guys gave me some more things to consider here. I was told the RRS was closely comparable to the Gitzo GH3780QR Series 3 too. However I don't like the color that the Gitzo is available in. I know it's a poor excuse. :whistle:

SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
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12 years 5 months ago #163223 by Happy Snapper
I'd go with the RRS :beerbang:

Gripped Nikon D810 --- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 --- Sigma 10-20mm f/4 --- Nikon 50mm f/1.4 --- SB600
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12 years 5 months ago #163233 by cod
Both the RRS BH-55 and the A-S Z-1 regularly pop-up in writings I've read as two of the best ballheads in existence. Either of them should be excellent and you should likely never have to buy another ballhead again. I use the older A-S B1 and it is superb. Dirt in any ballhead is a possible concern, but with some minimal care and attention you should not have that problem.

Chris O'Donoghue
Winnipeg, Canada
codonoghue.prosite.com

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12 years 5 months ago #163260 by Sawyer

cod wrote: Both the RRS BH-55 and the A-S Z-1 regularly pop-up in writings I've read as two of the best ballheads in existence. Either of them should be excellent and you should likely never have to buy another ballhead again. I use the older A-S B1 and it is superb. Dirt in any ballhead is a possible concern, but with some minimal care and attention you should not have that problem.


:agree:

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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12 years 5 months ago #163277 by Jeffster
You picked a couple of the best bullheads. However I would go for the Acra Swiss :drool:


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12 years 5 months ago #163435 by Frisco
Mac or PC? It's all preference and so are your two options. Both are awesome ballheads that you can't go wrong. I would go with RRS if I had to pick, you get to get a matching tripod :thumbsup:

Nikon 18-55mm VR, Nikon 70-200mm VRII f/2.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, SB-700 & SB-800
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12 years 5 months ago #163661 by Travel Nut
What sort of camera and lens will you be using the most with this?


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12 years 5 months ago #163662 by Scotty
Go RRS, I've used both and own the RRS now.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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12 years 5 months ago #164033 by Sawyer

Scotty wrote: Go RRS, I've used both and own the RRS now.


You have their tripod too or just ballhead?

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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12 years 5 months ago #164086 by Scotty

Sawyer wrote:

Scotty wrote: Go RRS, I've used both and own the RRS now.


You have their tripod too or just ballhead?


I have a gitzo tripod with the RRS ballhead and RRS L-plates.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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12 years 5 months ago #164135 by Scotty


Here's my setup.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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12 years 5 months ago #164464 by James L

Scotty wrote:



Here's my setup.


Nice set up :drool:


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