Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead with Flip-Lock Quick Release (Requires Plate) - Supports 130 lb (59 kg)

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Great product works perfectly the only issue was it took a while to figure out how to get it to open because the directions were very poor in this regard. Once I figured it out it was great.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I live in Colorado and primarily do landscape & wildlife photography and sell my work, so stability in a ball head is key!. I was one of those guys that said, "why do I need to spend extra $[$] on a ball head when I can spend less, Right? Heck, its a ball head! Well, three ball heads later I finally bit the bullet and purchased my Z1, holy cow. what a difference a price tag makes! This Z1 is with out fail the smoothest easiest, fastest head to use, bar none! I looking at the RRS H55 in addition to the Z1 and based on the reviews (which are also good on the H55 by the way) I decided hands down that the oblong shaped Z1 head (at 130# at any attitude) rating was the ticket! Buy the Z1 and you wont be sorry, I promise!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Z1 Design: Good - unit performs well.

Z1 Manufacturing Quality: Very good - clearly, a well-built product.

Z1 Operation: Flawed - Friction Screw integral to Multi-function Knob seized unexpectedly and could not be released. Telephoned B&H and Arca-Swiss for assistance. Although both were very helpful, was unable to free frozen screw necessitating return of unit to B&H for replacement.

Z1 Operating / Instruction Manual: Marginal - very poorly written and minimally illustrated.

A-S Customer Service: Very helpful.

B&H Customer Service: Absolutely outstanding!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This head is fabulous. Very stable. Very smooth. Solidly built.

Some have mentioned that they did not like the quick release flip lock lever's safety switch. However, I find it comforting to know that you can't accidentally snag the flip lock lever and release the plate. Once you're used to sliding the tiny switch, it is just as fast and easy to operate as any other quick release flip lock, IMHO.

The head is VERY stable and the controls are simple, functional and reliable. My only minor complaint is the pan adjustment knob's very close proximity to the main adjustment knob. It is nice to have them close, I'm just not sure I would've put them that close. Still deserves five stars as far as I'm concerned.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

It's a good product. It's really smooth and not that heavy, it can be easily carried all around. I've only found two issues and that's why I'm giving it two stars in this review:

1. When you adjust the mono ball and release the camera, the position will change a bit, if you're not looking for it, you won't notice the problem, but under certain circumstances (like macro shots) it can get in your way. However, I don't think this will be a problem for people making night shots or landscape.

2. For such an expensive piece o gear, it should have come with a much better user's manual. The included manual is just a sheet with a couple of simple diagrams. You must figure out how to adjust some mechanisms, as the quick release. When you try to adjust the quick release mechanism for the first time so the camera's plate fits in it, you can have a hard time, because the mechanism won't move unless you apply a lot of force. Since the manual doesn't explain this, I was afraid to break the piece.

I haven't any other complains. Apart form the two issues that I described, I can only say this is a great monoball. I'd buy it again.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

You are hanging $5K + on it if you have good equipment, don't skimp on the ball head. We've tried them all - RRS, Gitzo, and AcraTech - none come close to the construction and solidity of the Arca-Swiss. Yes, it is expensive, and yes, its a bit heavy, but you clearly get what you pay for.

We hang Canon 1 series and Nikon D3 series bodies with heavy lenses on this head all day and have never had a single issue. One of the best pieces of hardware we own.

Skip the rest, get this head!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This ballhead replaced the Markins Q2 that is also a solid built one. The Z1 sp allows me to reverse the legs of the tripod for compactness and ease to carry in a checked bag for airline travel. Also the double security flip-lock design offers additional assurance that it will not come open accidentally.

Another advantage is that the width of the of the clamp can be easily adjusted by a cogged wheel by a finger tip; you need a screw driver to do the same adjustment for the Markins Q20.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Very good head, easy to use, precise. Only drawback is the flip lock quick release, hard to adjust the width of the intake slot. Had to go online to find out exactly how, instruction included with the box was over simplified. I would of had gotten the other quick release option but that was out of stock. The smooth action of the ball head more than made up for this little draw back though

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Simple - works well - locks solid / easy and smooth.

Despite my one complaint - I like & recommend this product. The only negative is the Arca Swiss QR plates - and the only reason I subtracted one star - they really can be a time waster to align into the receiver. I totally recommend taking them to a machinist and having them add a little 30 degree taper to the first 2 mm of the corner. Solves the problem... but why do I have to do that?

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

It exceeded my expectations. The ballhead is smooth, precise and well built. Using it with my RRS TVC-33 offers excellent stability for longer exposures!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this Monoball Z1 a few years with Nikon 300mm lens. It is quick release and lock as it said. It does not easily slip like others.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This thing is incredible! I've been using it in the last 2 years without any issue. I used it in the snow, sand, beach, desert, no issue whatsoever! Just require some light dusting with a clean cloth and that is it. Supporting my Canon 1DS MK3 and the 70-200mm F2.8L with no issue. A pleasure to use since the ball moves like butter compared to another famous brand that my brother bought, it is no comparison. The same can be said about my Canon 1DS MK3. Wish all things were made with this kind of quality, but you get what you pay more, they're expensive.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Smooth and intuitive to use. Handles differing loads easily.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Top quality Ball Head. This is what you'd expect from swiss made. I use this on my Gitzo 2531 and it's simply perfect. The instruction is poor but simple enough to fiqure out. I am glad I got the Flip-lock quick release. Once I figured out how to adjust the lock (thanks to robert white on youtube)It has been working flawlessly and Fast. It can accomodate my Kirk L Bracket.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this product for professional shoots requiring consistent sharpness in low light, food close ups, night shots and stills. After having many heads from pan tilts to ball heads over the past 10 years, I'm happy so far with the performance here. There is no question it is a bit more solid than the knock off cheaper versions, but it also seems to achieve this with subtlety. It is just smooth and solid.

I am more used to heads that crank into a definite "tight" position, where as this one seems to become very stable and ready to go almost without noticing. I'm not sure I like this as much, but it could mean that it's stability is achieved effortlessly and through good mechanics rather than brute force.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

My experience with this particular tripod head (and tripod heads in general) is limited, so some of these may be general issues with all tripod heads.
Very quality product with solid construction. The large ball size lets it handle large lenses (3 lb Canon EF-L 100-400 with 1.4x extender) without a problem. Once tightened, it seemed to be stable and solid. The panning base makes taking panoramics easier. The quick release plate make changing lenses or cameras easy.
If the tension knob is not tightened quite enough, it can sag a little, which can hose framing for large focal lengths. There is a 2D bubble level. It might be easier with practice, but it is difficult to get the camera perfectly level. The tension knob goes from 1 to 12, but there is a rubber ring with the tension levels that rotates. It is not useful for measuring the actual tension setting, but this is not a serious issue. There is only a single notch allowing complete 90 degree (up or down) orientation which can be a little inconvenient, but the easy to use panning knob compensates for this a lot. Orienting for vertical pictures was more difficult than I originally hoped. The instructions for using the quick release clamp were a little unclear. In order to fit the Acratech QR plates that I used, it had to be completely opened versus loosened.
Over all it worked well as a general purpose tripod head for use in landscape and wildlife photography, and it was more compact than most of the independent axis tripod heads. Due to weight and volume limits for this trip, this was essential. Overall, it is a good buy, and monoball users should be happy with it.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Haven't used this yet (bought it for a safari trip to India) but it seems nicely made and very solid. The problem is with the instructions - totally inadequate. I managed to figure out the Flip-Lock fairly quickly, but adjusting the Flip-Lock to fit my (Kirk) plate was very counter-intuitive and I was scared I'd wind up with a heap of springs and washers. Fine once I'd done it, though.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this ballhead on a Gitzo tripod. My camera is a Nikon D300 with a Kirk camera plate. I had to take two of the four washers out of the Quick Release in order to accomodate the Kirk plate. I emailed Arca-Swiss about this and they emailed me immediately saying that this will work. Other than having to set it up this way, it works perfectly. It's a great product.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This is my 3rd Arca-swiss since 1996. It is the
best in the business. They can withstand a heavy
impact. The last one fell on a rock and it still
works OK. The quick release is a real plus. Only
the last step you have to use your finger nail
to get it to work.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I send it back as I thought the quick release was not very good. You had to pull a button then open the lever half way then pull a pin to open it fully. A quick release should open in one smooth motion! A very slow quick release setup, they can do better.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Great product works perfectly the only issue was it took a while to figure out how to get it to open because the directions were very poor in this regard. Once I figured it out it was great.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I live in Colorado and primarily do landscape & wildlife photography and sell my work, so stability in a ball head is key!. I was one of those guys that said, "why do I need to spend extra $[$] on a ball head when I can spend less, Right? Heck, its a ball head! Well, three ball heads later I finally bit the bullet and purchased my Z1, holy cow. what a difference a price tag makes! This Z1 is with out fail the smoothest easiest, fastest head to use, bar none! I looking at the RRS H55 in addition to the Z1 and based on the reviews (which are also good on the H55 by the way) I decided hands down that the oblong shaped Z1 head (at 130# at any attitude) rating was the ticket! Buy the Z1 and you wont be sorry, I promise!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Z1 Design: Good - unit performs well.

Z1 Manufacturing Quality: Very good - clearly, a well-built product.

Z1 Operation: Flawed - Friction Screw integral to Multi-function Knob seized unexpectedly and could not be released. Telephoned B&H and Arca-Swiss for assistance. Although both were very helpful, was unable to free frozen screw necessitating return of unit to B&H for replacement.

Z1 Operating / Instruction Manual: Marginal - very poorly written and minimally illustrated.

A-S Customer Service: Very helpful.

B&H Customer Service: Absolutely outstanding!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This head is fabulous. Very stable. Very smooth. Solidly built.

Some have mentioned that they did not like the quick release flip lock lever's safety switch. However, I find it comforting to know that you can't accidentally snag the flip lock lever and release the plate. Once you're used to sliding the tiny switch, it is just as fast and easy to operate as any other quick release flip lock, IMHO.

The head is VERY stable and the controls are simple, functional and reliable. My only minor complaint is the pan adjustment knob's very close proximity to the main adjustment knob. It is nice to have them close, I'm just not sure I would've put them that close. Still deserves five stars as far as I'm concerned.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

It's a good product. It's really smooth and not that heavy, it can be easily carried all around. I've only found two issues and that's why I'm giving it two stars in this review:

1. When you adjust the mono ball and release the camera, the position will change a bit, if you're not looking for it, you won't notice the problem, but under certain circumstances (like macro shots) it can get in your way. However, I don't think this will be a problem for people making night shots or landscape.

2. For such an expensive piece o gear, it should have come with a much better user's manual. The included manual is just a sheet with a couple of simple diagrams. You must figure out how to adjust some mechanisms, as the quick release. When you try to adjust the quick release mechanism for the first time so the camera's plate fits in it, you can have a hard time, because the mechanism won't move unless you apply a lot of force. Since the manual doesn't explain this, I was afraid to break the piece.

I haven't any other complains. Apart form the two issues that I described, I can only say this is a great monoball. I'd buy it again.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

You are hanging $5K + on it if you have good equipment, don't skimp on the ball head. We've tried them all - RRS, Gitzo, and AcraTech - none come close to the construction and solidity of the Arca-Swiss. Yes, it is expensive, and yes, its a bit heavy, but you clearly get what you pay for.

We hang Canon 1 series and Nikon D3 series bodies with heavy lenses on this head all day and have never had a single issue. One of the best pieces of hardware we own.

Skip the rest, get this head!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This ballhead replaced the Markins Q2 that is also a solid built one. The Z1 sp allows me to reverse the legs of the tripod for compactness and ease to carry in a checked bag for airline travel. Also the double security flip-lock design offers additional assurance that it will not come open accidentally.

Another advantage is that the width of the of the clamp can be easily adjusted by a cogged wheel by a finger tip; you need a screw driver to do the same adjustment for the Markins Q20.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Very good head, easy to use, precise. Only drawback is the flip lock quick release, hard to adjust the width of the intake slot. Had to go online to find out exactly how, instruction included with the box was over simplified. I would of had gotten the other quick release option but that was out of stock. The smooth action of the ball head more than made up for this little draw back though

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Simple - works well - locks solid / easy and smooth.

Despite my one complaint - I like & recommend this product. The only negative is the Arca Swiss QR plates - and the only reason I subtracted one star - they really can be a time waster to align into the receiver. I totally recommend taking them to a machinist and having them add a little 30 degree taper to the first 2 mm of the corner. Solves the problem... but why do I have to do that?

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

It exceeded my expectations. The ballhead is smooth, precise and well built. Using it with my RRS TVC-33 offers excellent stability for longer exposures!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this Monoball Z1 a few years with Nikon 300mm lens. It is quick release and lock as it said. It does not easily slip like others.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This thing is incredible! I've been using it in the last 2 years without any issue. I used it in the snow, sand, beach, desert, no issue whatsoever! Just require some light dusting with a clean cloth and that is it. Supporting my Canon 1DS MK3 and the 70-200mm F2.8L with no issue. A pleasure to use since the ball moves like butter compared to another famous brand that my brother bought, it is no comparison. The same can be said about my Canon 1DS MK3. Wish all things were made with this kind of quality, but you get what you pay more, they're expensive.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Smooth and intuitive to use. Handles differing loads easily.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Top quality Ball Head. This is what you'd expect from swiss made. I use this on my Gitzo 2531 and it's simply perfect. The instruction is poor but simple enough to fiqure out. I am glad I got the Flip-lock quick release. Once I figured out how to adjust the lock (thanks to robert white on youtube)It has been working flawlessly and Fast. It can accomodate my Kirk L Bracket.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this product for professional shoots requiring consistent sharpness in low light, food close ups, night shots and stills. After having many heads from pan tilts to ball heads over the past 10 years, I'm happy so far with the performance here. There is no question it is a bit more solid than the knock off cheaper versions, but it also seems to achieve this with subtlety. It is just smooth and solid.

I am more used to heads that crank into a definite "tight" position, where as this one seems to become very stable and ready to go almost without noticing. I'm not sure I like this as much, but it could mean that it's stability is achieved effortlessly and through good mechanics rather than brute force.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

My experience with this particular tripod head (and tripod heads in general) is limited, so some of these may be general issues with all tripod heads.
Very quality product with solid construction. The large ball size lets it handle large lenses (3 lb Canon EF-L 100-400 with 1.4x extender) without a problem. Once tightened, it seemed to be stable and solid. The panning base makes taking panoramics easier. The quick release plate make changing lenses or cameras easy.
If the tension knob is not tightened quite enough, it can sag a little, which can hose framing for large focal lengths. There is a 2D bubble level. It might be easier with practice, but it is difficult to get the camera perfectly level. The tension knob goes from 1 to 12, but there is a rubber ring with the tension levels that rotates. It is not useful for measuring the actual tension setting, but this is not a serious issue. There is only a single notch allowing complete 90 degree (up or down) orientation which can be a little inconvenient, but the easy to use panning knob compensates for this a lot. Orienting for vertical pictures was more difficult than I originally hoped. The instructions for using the quick release clamp were a little unclear. In order to fit the Acratech QR plates that I used, it had to be completely opened versus loosened.
Over all it worked well as a general purpose tripod head for use in landscape and wildlife photography, and it was more compact than most of the independent axis tripod heads. Due to weight and volume limits for this trip, this was essential. Overall, it is a good buy, and monoball users should be happy with it.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

Haven't used this yet (bought it for a safari trip to India) but it seems nicely made and very solid. The problem is with the instructions - totally inadequate. I managed to figure out the Flip-Lock fairly quickly, but adjusting the Flip-Lock to fit my (Kirk) plate was very counter-intuitive and I was scared I'd wind up with a heap of springs and washers. Fine once I'd done it, though.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I use this ballhead on a Gitzo tripod. My camera is a Nikon D300 with a Kirk camera plate. I had to take two of the four washers out of the Quick Release in order to accomodate the Kirk plate. I emailed Arca-Swiss about this and they emailed me immediately saying that this will work. Other than having to set it up this way, it works perfectly. It's a great product.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

This is my 3rd Arca-swiss since 1996. It is the
best in the business. They can withstand a heavy
impact. The last one fell on a rock and it still
works OK. The quick release is a real plus. Only
the last step you have to use your finger nail
to get it to work.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:

I send it back as I thought the quick release was not very good. You had to pull a button then open the lever half way then pull a pin to open it fully. A quick release should open in one smooth motion! A very slow quick release setup, they can do better.