Leofoto pan head vs Acratech pan head

[@dpfreedman]

A little late to the game but I thought it's worth mentioning that the Leofoto VH-30R (which I own) has a rotating Arca clamp on top. Orienting the clamp fore and aft or port and starboard is effortless.

[@TomKaszuba]

Thanks for that info…..

[@NiranjanNanda]

Thanks you sir for sharing this. I am an amateur and had bought an Acratech GP ballhead back in 2013 and till date it performs as new. The smoothness is still there; none of the mechanisms have gone bad. I am sure it is same for this pan head. The difference between an American company and a Chinese company is there and will be there. USA companies like RRR, PromediaGear, Acratech are way way ahead of these newer chinese companies which just copies their products.

[@davidakoubian3025]

It does seem to be the case in many situations. Acratech builds them like tanks. Often some of the other companies will make some minor changes, which are often good for a lot of people, and I think that inspires change in some of the existing companies designs. Tripods are great examples as the Chinese companies often fill the voids in size that some companies won't address as they don't see the profit needed in that margin. I think the competition often helps the market as it creates competition.

[@yukin1990]

Many Chinese Companies only Copy from others..... unfortunately......

[@PHILI041]

I had to return my VH 30R. The reason being, the bearing “washers”behind both levers rusted after using it for a short period. I’m a landscape/seascape photographer and as such I’m shooting a lot in adverse conditions. Had these bearings been plated or made from stainless steel then this would not have happened. In fairness they did replace the head, no problem but having the same issue with the new one. Other that that I love this head. I use it in conjunction with a levelling base and it works really well. It’s a fantastic bit of kit for the price but if they addressed that issue then it would be outstanding.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I wonder if on the consumer end it is possible to put stainless washers? I don't do many seascapes but do on occasion.

[@PHILI041]

@@davidakoubian3025 Unfortunately not David. There’s a number of ball bearings that are kept in situ by a groove on the back of the “washer”. You could always get two washers made, but I honestly don’t think this would be a practical solution. I can see myself using this head for many years to come, it’s a fantastic design and very rigid and I’d have no hesitation in recommending it. I would very much doubt if the Acritech version has this problem but you get what u pay for.

[@davidakoubian3025]

@PHILI041 thanks, definitely something folks shooting in those conditions should consider.

[@georgedavall9449]

Contact ‘Leofoto USA,’ as they offer great Customer Support! I might take this up with my contact there? Has it been resolved, or fixed? Realize this is a late comment, but just came across it in my searching on heads. Best!

[@PHILI041]

@@georgedavall9449 I'm not aware if the issue has been resolved.

[@rlin]

thanks for the great comparison. i've used the acratech for years and am considering the leofoto for a second tripod. i agree (with 5:12) that rotating the clamp orientation on the acratech can be difficult with fingers alone, but will add that the knob has holes in it so you can insert an allen key into it for additional leverage. it seems to me that having the changeable clamp orientation as a feature and not needing a hack is worth it. one more thing to note about the knob-release (vs lever-release) clamp version of the acratech: the knob is identical in shape to the knob for the panning adjust and, while definitely user error, i have accidentally turned one when i've meant to turn the other in the dark

[@laurenoe]

The Acratech is so much better. No mods, better quality, the quick release version, yeah, expensive but 100% worth it and a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. People also pay top dollar for a used one, so re-sale is possible too. Scott - the guy behind Acratech, is in California, ships things immediately and has awesome customer service. You get what you pay for.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I've used it for years and agree great quality. My point was simply say some folks won't pay the money for an Acratech head, this could be an alternative. Scott has been friend for many years.

[@laurenoe]

@@davidakoubian3025 gotcha. Maybe instead of justifying a lower price, lower...everything, maybe show that yes...things will be fine if someone stretches and gets an Acratech. Wait a little longer, save a little more, have something worthwhile that lasts forever? I guess if you did that you might be less credible? Great gear should be applauded and promoted. Hmmm...I guess I seem like an Acratech fangirl?

[@davidakoubian3025]

@laurenoe I've been a workshop instructor for over 30 years, and speaking from experience, a lot of people won't or can't pay the additional money. It is like telling someone a Subaru is safe and affordable, I own several, but you should instead buy a Mercedes because the quality is better. Have you tried the Leofoto head? If not, maybe you should see that it is an affordable alternative for some folks.

[@eamonhickey]

@@davidakoubian3025 Appreciate your approach, David. I want an evaluation of the thing from the perspective of an experienced and/or credible source. I don't want to be told what I should buy, or what I should value. Those are my decisions. I just want solid information, so I have the best chance of making the decision that's right for me.

[@JeffreyAReid]

A moment for some perspective, thanks Dave for the video. Thanks for including what you WANT in YOUR video. Maybe what you want or don’t want emonhickey isn’t so important. Try just being grateful to Dave for taking the time to make this video. Sorry if I am misinterpreting your sentiment but it’s hard for me not to see it that you might benefit from taking a step back and realizing the world is not interested in what you want, and how you want it and guess what It doesn’t give a damn what I want either. Just my two cents.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you. I have very nice ball heads from RRS, Kirk Photo, and Markins, and nice fluid heads from Manfroto and Benro, but not a simple pan and tilt head for landscape. Was looking at Acratech so your Leophoto option tweaked my curiosity. Will give it a look. Take care.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Follow up. Found another head from SunwayFoto that is even cheaper and I think it actually built better than the LeoFoto. Also the SunwayFoto DT-03S was $79 on Amazon, compared to the LeoFoto of $175 on Amazon. The SunwayFoto does not have a spirit level but my LeoFoto Ranger tripod LS-284CEX has one so no real deficiencies there. Take a look. Really surprised me. Thank you.

[@Jake-zc3fk]

I have the Acratech, and the clincher for me is the ability to quickly and easily change the top clamp orientation. I do this constantly going from the camera cage to the foot of a long lens. And regarding over tightening the knob for that, the way this is designed the tolerances are so nice and tight that you need only to finger tighten that knob and it is rock solid. If it is too hard to loosen then you are at fault, not the knob.

[@EdwardSmith-vq6ew]

I agree the quick change for the orientation of the clamp is perfect. Takes all of about 2 seconds.

[@robgerety]

I use a lot of leofoto stuff and it is all excellent quality and reasonably priced. I also have several Acratech heads and I really like them a lot. I will not be changing. For one thing, I prefer the lever camera clamp option and I prefer the ability to quickly change the clamp orientation. Also, I like to keep the heads I use as low as possible and I believe the Acratech is ever so slightly lower. Not a big deal I guess. But, I am sure many will be very happy with the Leofoto head. Just not me. I do love my leofoto tripods.

[@georgedavall9449]

Good comment rob

[@boristahmasian9604]

Thank David for another great useful video. I like the lever too. And the price difference is huge. Modifying the Arca plate holder is the way to go.

[@davidakoubian3025]

Thanks. I took a file and removed a little of the powder coat, and it is easy to switch the orientation in the field now. Again, I am sure it voided any and every warranty. I am not encouraging people to do it, but it can be done...disclaimer...

[@boristahmasian9604]

@@davidakoubian3025 Thanks for sharing. It is understood, hacks are the responsibility of the hacker!! No disclaimers needed bro. I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge and thank you for sharing.

[@davidakoubian3025]

@@boristahmasian9604 thank you!

[@Kref3]

I use the VH-30R on top of a Leofoto leveling plate for regular photography. Never made a panorama with it, I am not really interested in panoramass. But I am always a bit baffled that not more people use the combination of leveling plate and two way tilting pan head instead of a three way ball head. It is so easy to first level the base and then adjust the camera with the two ways of rotation alone. There is never a slanted horizon with such a combination. Ballheads are ok because they are easy and quick to operate, but if I use a tripod, I usually want to be precise and not quick.

[@owengee7415]

Exactly, If i want to adjust my compostion a bit to the left, with a ball head, id loosen it then the whole thing would flop vertically as well. Levelling base and 2 way head is the way to go

[@terryloewenberg2764]

I have a Acratech GV2 ballhead and the Acratech long lens/pano head. Also, the Acratech leveling head that I occasionally use with the pano head. They were pricy but worth it every dollar. I actually called Acratech when I was shopping for the pano and they had a cosmetic reject (can’t tell where) that gave me a quick significant discount. You get what you pay for.

[@davidakoubian3025]

Acratech has great stuff, but there are some folks that can't afford it. The Leofoto is a great alternative for those folks.

[@Ryanlikealion]

Good comparison thanks. I already have the Acratech and love it. Was tempted to buy a second one for when my partner is with me and using the spare tripod but the Leofoto makes a bit more sense for the price.

[@KaReEdCa]

Great Video. I've always wanted the Acratech, but I just can't justify the $500 on a ballhead. I ended up buying the Leofoto VH-30 and I love it!. I had on my old ball head a panning clamp, and turned my VH-30 into the VH-30R. and recently I picked up the PCL-60 which is a panning quick-release clamp head. All in all, I'm in $250 for my favorite head style.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I did somewhat the same with a second VH-30 that I picked up. Works great!

[@KaReEdCa]

@@davidakoubian3025 nice. I subscribed btw... Your channel has popped up in my feed the last couple of days. Great info thanks.

[@KaReEdCa]

@@johnsmith1474 um...did you understand what was Witten? Lol

[@travisingle4053]

Great video. I am currently using the Leofoto and looking at switching to the Acratech. The Leofoto head I have is the VH-30R instead of the VH-30N. The difference is the R model has a panning clamp which makes it super fast to turn the clamp 90deg.

[@davidakoubian3025]

Depending on which lens I am using that can be an advantage for sure.

[@itachi_shakur893]

Hey, are you selling your vh-30r ?

[@Jimages_uk]

Have you looked at the Buddiesman VH-3 III? I spent quite a lot of time looking for this kind of head, and now own the VH -3III, it has been flawless, and comes with an infinitely adjustable top plate

[@davidakoubian3025]

I haven't, but I will have to check it out. Thanks.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I have the same head and love it!

[@brianbrooking496]

Which of the two is the same Head?

[@seabreezeof]

I use the Leofoto VH20 weighs less than a lb, holds upto 26.5 lbs check it out, has panning head, so easy to rotate for different shooting orientation. They also have the VH 10 even lighter and holds upto 22lbs

[@MichalisTsirakis]

Hello and thanks for the review ! One question: i have attached the pd standard plate on the bottom of my camera so i can put it on my backpack's peak design capture clip. How can i shoot vertically in these two ways head? I dont think L bracket is an option here because i still want to be able to attach my camera into pd capture clip.

[@davidakoubian3025]

The head can go to the same vertical position as a ballhead, but the problem here would be the Peak Design Capture plate.

[@MichalisTsirakis]

@@davidakoubian3025 So what are the options here? Different ball head? Or in general for vertical photos/panoramas you need a L bracket?

[@davidakoubian3025]

@@MichalisTsirakis I use an L bracket

[@ChrisMoffat-ov3lx]

David, thank you very much for a most informative video. I have ordered the Leofoto VH30R (available in the UK) which has a 360 degree rotating clamp at the top, so you don't need an Allen key to change the orientation of the quick release plate. Michaelis, there is a British company called "3 legged thing" who make and sell L-brackets compatible with the Peak Design capture clip v3. They may be worth considering. They have a range of universal L brackets which they sell under the name "Ellie". Their website is very helpful.

[@ctzerbe1]

I use the quick release Acratech, it's great. I have also used the Leofoto, it's good but not as robust, and the quick release on the Acratech is a big plus for me. I general I really like Leofoto, gear and own a couple of the CEX tripods.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I changed my quick release plate after a few friends had their camera take a dive. User error, but just being cautious.

[@Kref3]

I had an ArcaSwiss ballhead with a quick release once. But they did not offer specific L-brackets for my Sony A7RII, but only generic brackets that do not really integrate onto any camera, but are always only accessories that make the feel of the camera unbalanced when used handheld and that you always have to remove to open battery or card covers on the camera. So I boughtan L-bracket from another manufacturer, that fits perfectly on my Sony, does not block any covers and that actually makes the rather small body more comfortabe in my rather big hands. I used this with my ArcaSwiss quick release and guess what: It damaged the release. Because the quick release requires the perfectly fine machined slopes that ArcaSwiss only guarantees. I was told by an AS sales person, that they even take the thickness of the paint into account when designing their plates. If I used an „after market plate or bracket“ that was not machined to the centigrade slope and to the 1/10 mm, you will of course break the quick release. So what was my reaction? Did I throw away the camera specific after market L-Bracket and bought the original AS bracket? Nope. I threw away the damaged quick release and replaced it with a normal screw release that can tolerate any plate or bracket. Now of course AS is not Acratech, but I can imagine, that they have the same issue with their quick releases. I do not want them anymore.

[@ortegapcs]

Could you please explain us the hack you did on the Leofoto head? I'm interested on buying it, but the issue of the orientation is critical for me

[@davidakoubian3025]

I used a hair dryer to slightly warm up the screw in the center of the base, just a little heat, then using a hex key, loosened it enough to lift the base and rotate it. I simply tightened it down after that, again not too tight. When I need to reorientate it, I simply use a hex key. You don't need to warm it after the first time. It just takes a little heat to break loose the screw.

[@pgsanta]

I like Leofoto, as far as Chinese brands go. I think their machining is excellent. I have a tripod I use for travel when I don't want to take my RRS set up, but I'm not a fan of the VH-30. I purchased one instead of the Acratech, and on a trip the washers around the main tension point broke. Leofoto refused to do anything for me. I have since gone to the Acratech, and it's a tank.

[@owengee7415]

Mine broke as well. I cut off one of the levers and replaced it with a knob as the 2 levers which look identical was mental. the washers breaking meant tension wasnt adjuatable, it was either locked or completely free but thats fine for me. If/when it completely breaks its going to have to be the acratech

[@alohamark3025]

I have a question about the Acratech Panoramic Head with the quick release lever. B&H says the QR model is either incompatible or not sold (packaged) with the leveling base. I don't see anything in the photos that would preclude pairing the QR lever head with the leveling base.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I had a quick release on mine for a while. I would reach out to Acratech on that.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I think I will need to try the hack though!

[@ChrisMustermann]

I recently got the VH30R and unfortunately noticed that the bubble level in the center is relatively inaccurate. My camera’s built-in level always shows a tilted image even when I’ve aligned the head perfectly. I experienced the exact same issue with the replacement model. How does the Acratech head compare in this regard? Is the bubble level more accurate? Additionally, the Leofoto was relatively stiff when tilting, even though I had completely loosened the right knob. How does the Acratech compare here? Are the tilting movements smoother? Thank you for your effort!

[@davidakoubian3025]

I have noticed that none of the heads I have ever used, all brands, are completely accurate with being level. I know with doing panoramics, I have to level the tripod, the head, and only rotate the head when possible. I also place a bubble level in the hot shoe of my camera for critical work where it has to be level. Then I go and check tripod, head, camera, and bubble level on the camera to see if I can get it spot on.

[@ChrisMustermann]

@davidakoubian3025 Thanks for your reply! If I replace the VH30R with the Acratech I would have the same problems, or is the Acratech much more precise? What do you think? A second question: Is the Acratech smoother than the Leofoto?

[@davidakoubian3025]

@ChrisMustermann the Acratech might be a little smoother, but not much if it is. I think the leveling issue is pretty much the same and may vary for each head.

[@leonfisher]

As a result of some sale I was able to get a VH-30 for $106. Too good a deal to pass up. ( I did a hack as well, mine involved a belt sander. )

[@davidakoubian3025]

Yikes! I used a small file and found that just removing the powder coat paint allowed easy rotation in the field. Did you sand it all the way down? Great price though!!!

[@leonfisher]

@@davidakoubian3025 I only use the head with an L-bracket and don't foresee ever being able to afford a zoom lens long enough to require rotating the mount. So, no field adjustment is required in my use. I'd tried to just modify the alignment pin but didn't like the resulting play. I then removed the pin altogether and secured the alignment with a bit of epoxy. Thanks for your response.

[@KaReEdCa]

hum...I didn't have to do any hacks to swap the clamp. All I had to do was to gently tap it out with a hammer. I've switched the head 2x now I swapped it for the RH-2L (Panning clamp), and now the PCL-60 (Panning quick release clamp)

[@davidakoubian3025]

@@KaReEdCa that tapping out with a hammer would be the hack.

[@KaReEdCa]

@@davidakoubian3025 🤣🤣🤣

[@krimke881]

What I really can't stand, is the need for the small metal knob on an stupid long rod, instead of just a big grippy knob that rests into the frame. When the face is smashed into the back of the camera the long knob is always in the day. And the levers are too small. It feels like you have to be careful with the head, instead of having a second-to-nature-feel, a tactile feel, if you will. The acratech wins every time here. but pricewize, I wil go for the Lefoto. there's plague and colera to choose between. SO good, and SO anying :p

[@davidakoubian3025]

I guess I don't have a big face because I don't find that problem.

[@mguerramd]

Ok it’s been over a year now, how is the Leofoto functioning compared to the Acratech?

[@davidakoubian3025]

I've had no issues using the Leofoto. For me saving the money has been good!

[@mguerramd]

@@davidakoubian3025 Excellent to know thanks. I got the Acratech but wanted to gift one of these type heads to an employee so a Leofoto may be just the ticket.

[@amaitra]

The acratech one is around $479 ? Isn't there some value / premium one needs to pay for "idea"?

[@davidakoubian3025]

The Acratech is a great head. I am simply comparing options for people.

[@amaitra]

@@davidakoubian3025 more consequentially, they are the ones who came up with the "idea" of this kind of head. Would it be ok if I started selling a book "my poems" that basically copies the poems of "shakespeare"?

[@davidakoubian3025]

@amaitra should all cars be Fords? I'm a huge fan of the Acratech, but not everyone uses all of its features, nor can afford spending $479 on the head. Maybe after using the Leofoto head, they might step up to the Acratech if the features meet their needs.

[@amaitra]

@@davidakoubian3025 not the same comparison - ford did not "invent" cars. Many innovations are patended and the innovator gets to take advantage of it for 18 years. Cloning - even with small tweaks is easy. I would be fine if they paid ;licensing fees to acratech - I use one of acratech ballheads and like it. If we (the community) do not respect innovation, the innovators will die out and we will not get any more innovations. No - such a head (I do not have it) is not "obvious" - we have had heads made for quite some time and no one thought of it or chose to design one.

[@krimke881]

What none of them have, is a big enough leveler bubble. I find most gear doesn't. Should've been built in a lot bigger, so it's A LOT easier to level. I mean, they obviously think accuracy is important, as they have grades and position markings on the whole head. both of them. And that is too sloppy for the price.

[@davidakoubian3025]

@@krimke881 I've had no issues

[@GrahamSEdwards]

Did the Acratech patents expire? The Leofoto seems like a Chinese knockoff.

[@davidakoubian3025]

I'm not a lawyer, so I wouldn't know, but there are enough differences in the 2 heads.

[@boristahmasian9604]

You are probably right. The rotating head that David mentions in the video is a big difference though. I was the marketing guy for Toughbuilt brand and our own supplier/manufacturer copied our stuff and we could only stop them from selling them in the US but the rest of the world was up for grabs. If these guys are selling in the US, as you mentioned, either the patent has run out or the company does not have the resources to take legal action.

[@davidakoubian3025]

@Boris Tahmasian I think a huge difference would be the "hack" that I did to make it a pano head vs simply a 2 way head.

[@boristahmasian9604]

@@davidakoubian3025 I love Acratech products. I have the Ultimate ball head and love it. In this case, the Leofoto is almost identical and way cheaper. I would go with your hack. I really do not care about voiding the warranty. The product looks pretty simple and solid. Not much can go wrong needing warranty.

[@William-Stewart]

The real difference is strength. Acratech will take 12kg. Leo will break at 6kg…. I learnt that

[@davidakoubian3025]

That's good to know, especially since my heaviest lens on the body is 6 pounds or 2.7 kg.

[@geoffhoward2171]

What did you do to break the Leofoto, I've been using one for a few years now and have to say I have found it as robust as you should ever require and as regards your 6Kg comment mine has easily supported 8-9Kg, so I can only assume you are extremely rough or heavy handed with yours. Used on an iFootage Gazelle tripod with bowl head.

[@William-Stewart]

@@geoffhoward2171 No, it just broke. It couldn't support the advertised weight and it broke.

[@keithchapman8380]

Move from tax rich state of cali and cut the price n we'll all buy one!!

[@michelterral5907]

i am a amateur photographer. To bad you don't show the movement you can do with this pan heads ..your opinion does not help to much

[@davidakoubian3025]

I didn't think I needed to explain the concept of a pan head...pans left and right...pretty simple. I would think a video of such a simple concept would be kind of a waste of your time.

[@michelterral5907]

@@davidakoubian3025 and your time too !?

[@michelterral5907]

@@davidakoubian3025 sorry i was in a bad mood ..thank you for your review ..i was curious if possible to tilt camera with big lenses 90degre with ease ..without using a l braquet....

[@davidakoubian3025]

@@michelterral5907 I haven't gone to quite 90 degrees, but I haven't had any issues.

[@CZOV]

LOL talk about highly overpriced gear. Aliexpress provides me with same junk at sub-100$