[+90° to -75°] The other reviews on this head are unfair and not accurate, in my opinion. We've used an ACE L fluid head for almost 2 years and are very pleased with its operation, counterbalance and smooth panning/tilting. The composite material has held up perfectly well. We looked at competitive heads and bought the latest ACE XL instead - a vote of confidence. The buyer should be aware that with the extended payload range of the XL versus the L that there is no longer a 0 setting for counterbalance, and the unit is rated for 2-8kg versus the L which was rated for 0-6kg. The lowest counterbalance setting of 1 on the XL is similar to the setting 2 on the L. This is less of an issue than it might sound like since the 0 counterbalance setting on the L seems more useful for setup than operation, and neither head is ideal for tilting a truly light camera setup (naked mirrorless with prime lens). I was tempted by the lure of continuous counterbalance adjustment, but found that the repeatable workflow offered by a decent number of discrete settings is superior in the real world. My experience with the less expensive competitor mentioned by another reviewer were very negative, leaving me to wonder if the discrepancy is due to significant variability in quality by that manufacturer or simply lack of discernment by the review. Ultimately the real value in the Sachtler Ace heads is the combination of impeccable results which they are able to provide and the great price point.

[75 mm Half Ball] Everything we needed, except the kitchen sink.

[Yes] I've been using the Manfrotto 504HD for about 10 years or so, and it felt like it was not as responsive in terms of panning, but especially tilting. I did a lot of research and Sachtler Ace XL was the one that most of the videographers recommended at this price point. I put it on Manfrotto Carbon sticks, and man, what a difference in every aspect! Tilting and panning are silky smooth, but most of all, the WEIGHT!!! The 504HD I never realized how HEAVY it was until I started using this Sachtler. Of course, my additional Carbon sticks are super lightweight, which made it even nicer! I would highly recommend this fluid head if you want to 'upgrade' from Manfrotto fluid heads within this price range. You will not be disappointed.

[Yes] This is a great fluid head at a reasonable price. I've used Sachtler heads for a few years now and they are definitely an improvement from your standard Manfrotto heads. I highly recommend the ACE XL because it can carry a decent payload in a compact, ergonomic, and rugged form factor. I use it with the Manfrotto 535 legs and an FX6, Ninja V, and wireless transmitter on top most of the time and this handles it like a champ.

[Fluid Head] I've owned 4 of these for almost 2 years now and have put them through some pretty strenuous shoots and have had no problems. I was super skeptical when making the decision to buy and have not regretted it. These are every bit the head and sticks Sachtler systems are at half the price (no offense Sachtler, I love you too). I have put full size broadcast cameras with 40x barrel lens rigs on them with no compromise in stability, smoothness and support. Same with larger (17) prompter systems. Comfortable spring settings, pan and tilt tension...easy leveling, stable arms, smooth plate slide adjustment, extra bolt storage, solid locks on the leg stages...I'm completely satisfied with them.

[Yes] The best solution with a low budget

[Yes] Very impressed with this fluid head. My previous fluidhead was not the smoothest but the Sachtler Ace XL is very smooth with numbered resistance settings for both panning and tilting. It also has a tension setting that helps prevent your equipment from falling forward or backward when attaching them. One thing to check before purchasing. Will it fit your tripod? I have a Gitzo Tripod with a 75mm plate. This fluid head needs a 75mm bowl head adaptor. This is a drop in for Sachtler tripods.

[75 mm Half Ball] The Sachtler Ace XL is a great fluid head. I've used this it for over 2 years now. It's been used in the rain, snow, heat, traveled in countless check bags around the country, and it still works like the first day I bought it. It handles sony alpha series cameras to a red scarlet-w. I moved to this from a head without the ability counterbalance and it's a gamechanger. The Ace XL is nice and small but strong enough for most cameras. I definitely recommend Sachtler.