ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1 DP Double Pan with Quick Set Device "Flip-Lock", Supports 122 lbs.

by Arca Swiss

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000NFDZXG
• Item model number: 801114
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

ARCA-SWISS monoball Z Stronger, lighter A leader of tripod head design for over 40 years, ARCA-SWISS is setting new standards revisiting their B-series models and introducing the Z-Series, just as elegant, and even more perfect. The size and weight of the ball heads have been significantly reduced. The ball and fastening are now assembled using a patented bayonet mount. Various accessories can thus be quickly mounted to adapt the tripod as required. In addition to the proven, patented Arca-Swiss features, including aspherical ball heads, axial clamping and PMF (progressive motion related friction control), the Z-Series also boasts new technical developments and optimized materials and coatings. The new series can withstand an incredible 60 kg (122 lbs) off-axis. Z-Series heads are available as Version Z SP (single pan) and Version Z DP (double pan). The monoball Z DP with its second panning mechanism below the camera mount keeps the camera perfectly vertical to the swinging plane, for perfect panoramic stitching of multiple images.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, April 22, 2010

By 

Vivek Gupta - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1 DP Double Pan with Quick Set Device "Flip-Lock", Supports 122 lbs. (Electronics)

I've had two heads in the past. The first was the basic head that came on a cheap tripod that I got when I was a teenager and was really meant to be used with a video camera. The next time around (about 15 years ago) I purchased a Bogen 3021 tripod and what I thought would be a very flexible Bogen - Manfrotto 3028 Super 3-D Head (how can you go wrong with a name like that). The tripod was great and the head was incredibly flexible for setting up for a shot and taking the picture. However, it was not great for shooting anything moving, because It wasn't easy to track things with the design of the head and it tended to move a bit or settle while tightening it in position. Years afterwards I started reading about tripod heads and specifically ball heads. After taking a year to decide I bought this one, which I've now owned for 6-7 months now.

I am a very happy person. The head with it tensioning system works great for adjusting to various lenses that I have so I can put it in place and not have it flop around, but with just a tiny adjustment I can loosen it and be able to smoothly track items. Others posted problems they had with the flip-lock mechanism in reviews that I had read, however I didn't have any problems once I understood how it worked. The build quality is fabulous, however it is heavy, so needs a fairly rugged tripod to support it. I am currently using the Gitzo GT2541EX Series 2 Carbon 6x 4 Section G-Lock Explorer Tripod as my tripod and the combination is fabulous. I have taken the setup to soccer games and a vacation in Costa Rica and have head no problems. I have used a Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Canon EOS 20D on it with no problems. It even holds the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens without a problem. I did buy two quick release plates for this, one to use on my camera and one to keep on my 100-400 as that is mounted directly to the head. I am looking forward to taking my next panoramic pictures as well with the double panning capability.

All in all a worthwhile investment as I hope to get many years of use and enjoyment out of it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best head in the world, July 1, 2011

By 

Andre Erlich (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1 DP Double Pan with Quick Set Device "Flip-Lock", Supports 122 lbs. (Electronics)

Simply irreplaceable item for anybody with large (and heavy) telephoto lenses. Once set it does not move, drift...stays solid.

Excellent product