Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release
The Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead builds on the success and popularity of their B-series ballheads. Z-Series ballheads are 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 Z series can withstand an incredible 130 lb (59 kg) off-axis.
This model is the "sp" version, which features a single panning base. The Z1 head is also available as the "dp" version, with a double panning design.
Ever since their introduction over forty years ago, the Arca Swiss Monoballs have been at the forefront of quality and performance. Today, their unique shape (an ellipse rather than a sphere) is still what separates them from all others. With other ballheads, no matter how good the tension modulation, you invariably will need to increase the tension control as you move the load away from the center. This is because gravity has a greater effect on gear when not perfectly level.
- The Arca Swiss Monoball eliminates the need to modulate the tension, because its elliptical nature corrects it by virtue of its own design. The load stays exactly where you tell it to once it's locked into position. A separate control is set to apply a constant minimum friction, which allows the photographer the peace of mind that comes with knowing that his gear will never move of its own volition. The heavier the equipment, the more the advantages of the Arca Swiss become evident.
- The ballhead includes the "Arca" style quick release system for quick mounting and dismounting of cameras. This head now features the restyled quick release clamp, which features spring-loaded detent pins on both ends that project into the pockets or windows that are cut into the bottom of most manufactures quick release plates. Detent pins will prevent the plate from accidentally sliding out in the event that the knob is partially loosened. It also features a bubble level built in directly to the clamp.
- A tension adjustment thumb-dial is built into the indexed friction control knob.
- Base diameter of 2.7" (69mm), excluding knobs
| Maximum Camera Supported | Large format |
| Load Capacity | 130 lb (59 kg) |
| Height | 4" (10 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 1.4 lb (635 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 76 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (50)
- Lightweight (21)
- Improves tripod function (10)
- Compact (6)
- Fits well (6)
Cons
- Heavy (9)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (45)
- Portraits (36)
- Night shots (34)
- Wildlife (33)
- Travel (19)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (29), Semi-pro photographer (18), Enthusiast (9), Pro photographer (7), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (37)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good Ballhead... But, be careful!
I chose this model over the Kirk B1 or RRS BH-55, simply because I could get it from B+H along with everything else and save on the shipping to Canada. This ballhead ...Read complete review
I chose this model over the Kirk B1 or RRS BH-55, simply because I could get it from B+H along with everything else and save on the shipping to Canada. This ballhead is nicely manufactured and the lock mechanism is solid. Generally it works beautifully; now for the bad news. I'm a wildlife photographer so I bought this, along with a Gitzo 3530LSV and a Wimberley Sidekick to hold a Canon 500mm f/4 on a Canon 20D. The first time set the whole rig up, I set out to walk the trails. I have always been leery about throwing a $6,500 rig over my shoulder, but the whole system looked to be pretty solid; so I carefully set off. After a couple of steps, I felt some motion and immediately stopped to inspect the rig only to find that the ballhead had SEPARATED from the base – almost falling off with my 500mm lens! Fortunately, I noticed this before anything really bad happened. After pulling the two pieces apart, I found that the base was attached to the ballhead by nothing more than a wire snap ring (round in profile). I’m no engineer, but it seems obvious to me that a round wire snap ring in a square slot can easily be pushed off with even a little upward twisting motion. Needless to say, I was very disappointed; but rather than sending it back, I decided to fix it. I improved the design by obtaining a standard #5100-177 retaining ring from a local bearing shop (which cost less than $1.00); ground it down to the same size as the original ring and installed it in the slot – along with thin shim under the brass friction collar to make up for the slight extra movement. Now I have a square snap ring in a square slot; the way I think it should be. I reinstalled the sidekick and camera/lens (about 9-10 lbs worth) and turned the whole thing upside-down twisting and turning to try to separate it, but there’s no way it’ll separate anymore - now that there’s a square snap ring in there. I am much more confident in the ballhead now; but I am really disappointed that I had to modify it the way I did. Whatever you do, DO NOT carry a large expensive lens (or anything of value) over your shoulder with the stock ballhead; if you decide to - make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you securely lock the friction collar down tightly (the small knob beside the big one). Better yet, replace the wire retaining ring as I did. Once it is modified you should have no more problems with separation, regardless of how you handle it. A couple of other things I noticed: the friction control knob is tear-drop shaped and does not clear the tripod base if it is larger than the ballhead base (as is the case with the 3530) so it does not allow for full movement of the friction control knob. The quick release plate design also appears to be slightly different from the picture above in that it has two levels; one for a smaller quick release plate, and one for a larger quick release plate (such as the Wimberley P-40). As a result, the larger plate clamp lies higher from the adapter base, rendering the stop screws on the P-40 plate useless, although this isn't an issue if you are using a Sidekick. Also, it could use another drop-notch - like the RRS BH-55 ballhead.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Clamp was glued to the body
The individual I bought had a problem. Normally, the clamp is removable to install option parts, such as 2nd top pan (panning unit). However, clamp of my Z1 was glue to the...Read complete review
The individual I bought had a problem. Normally, the clamp is removable to install option parts, such as 2nd top pan (panning unit). However, clamp of my Z1 was glue to the body (stalk). I could removed the screw but could not take the clamp off. I believe that ArcaSwiss will not refurbish this individual and resale it. (Please do not do this, ArcaSwiss!)
If you do not use heavy lenses, Z1 is not very different from other monoballs such as GITZO monoballs for type 1 leg. Even with Z1, you will see a little displacement of the image in the finder when you release the camera from your hand.
This may not be a bad product, however, the individual I received was a defective.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 76 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I did a LOT of research before buying this ballhead. The biggest lens that I currently own is a 70-200 & this head is deffinately overkill, BUT I bought this thing to last. I have NO doubts that this thing will likely last a lifetime of use & handle any lens that I'm able to purchase in the future. Very solid, smooth & durable!!! Highly recomended!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This ballhead is beautifully made, very solid and operates very smoothly. When the knob is tightened the ball does not move. At all. Unlike all the other ballheads I've tried there is no slippage at all. However, I have given it only four stars because I was not at all happy with the quick release clamp. I have the Kirk plate specific to my Canon 5D Mark II so the camera does not slip on the plate and it does not work with the clamp - it sits high above the two pins and thus does not engage them at all. The pins, contrary to the documentation are not spring loaded - they are fixed - which would be fine if they engaged the plate. I would have needed to purchase an Arca-Swiss plate and they do not make a plate specific to my camera. So I returned the ballhead. I am likely to purchase the head again without the quick release clamp but I am checking out a few other ballheads before I do that. So far others have not been as nice as this one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Commercial Products
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This head is perfect and so reliable.
One downside is AS QR screw plate came with is too elaborate. I would prefer much simpler one such as Wimberley.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I have Wimberley, but got tired of changing from tripod to monopod. So, this is my 'secondary' head and great one it is. Smooth, strong build, even for 500/4 lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Excellent
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This is what a ball head should be! Solid piece of gear.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Heavier than expected but is a beautifully engineered product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I used it to replace the Gitzo G1378M ball head on my G1325 legs. That ballhead was no slouch but not in the league of the Z-1.
The Z1 is smaller and lighter. It fit on my Gitzo legs with no problems although there had been talk that the Pan lock wouldn't work. It does.
It holds my D300s with either my Nikkor 70-200 or Nikkor 300 f4 and teleconverter steadily and with no droop.
Bruce
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Easy to use. Smooth motion while adjusting head. Doesn't sag at all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This is a great ball head and very easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Amazing product from arca-Swiss. Just like it and enjoy it.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I had read just how good this is but when I got it and played with it just fell in love with it . Its very smooth and locks very easily and is very easy to unlock. Its problems are it's weigh if one is travelling around the world and that I am unable to turn to 90 degrees on rotating it sideways. I suspect thou it is nearly indestructible and will be passed down in my family and enjoyed for many years. I have been looking for many years for such a product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Operates smoothly
- Rock-solid support
- Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
The Arca Swiss monoball has been the ball all others are measured by. The Z1 lives up to that reputation. It takes minimal movement of the adjustment knobs to lock it in place (rock-solid) or allow free movement. Impressive to use and obvious why it is the standard!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Beautiful Fit and Finish
- Good Stability
- High Resale Value
- Lightweight
- Rock Solid Support
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Do I like every little detail about this head? NO. Do I think there is anything better? NO. Nit picking aside, when it comes to function and quality of manufacturing, there's nothing better at this time. Another thing rarely talked about in reviews is resale value. Well, after 40 years in retail, I can tell you this. Once you buy it, it's used. Regardless of what you paid for an item new, it's real value in what it's worth used. Arca-Swiss heads have a history of high resale value, regardless of vintage. You will never regret buying the best.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Quick Release works well
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I use this with a Gitzo leveling tripod and the combination is working well for me. The head is great for panoramas when the tripod is leveled. It is light and very portable. It is taking me a while to get used to the movement of the ball head but it is very easy to secure and seems very solid once locked in place. Quick release is also straightforward, fast and secure even with a fairly large lens (up to 500mm so far).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This is my first time using a ball head on a tripod. I was amazed at how easy it was to set up and use. It provides outstanding security while using my D7000 with long lens attached.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- StudioCommercial
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
The monoball was the standard for ball heads for years, and people spoke of issues with it locking up...But they corrected that error years ago, and to re-assure they now have a new design from the B1, the Z1, I love it, its elliptical ball adds tension on the sides and i have not had any locking issues, the minimum tension control is conveniently on the main locking knob. Its Pan is fully locking which works well with manfroto Q90 system like i have... un-like markins heads.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Use it all the time on my Gitzo tripod. I have not used a ball head better than this. It gets locked rock solid, even with heavy lenses like the Nikon 7-200 f2.8 it does not creep. It can be precisely adjusted to desired friction, which gives the confidence in manoeuvring heavy equipment.
At times I feel, it is bit overkill for my kind of use, is there a scaled down version?
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Precise
- Smooth Adjusting
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Expertly engineered to give precise, smooth control- holds a 5d2 on a custom flash bracket w/ 85 1.2L + 508exII and feels rock solid. Not a cheap ballhead but usually you get what you pay for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This was my first professional ball head. It was either this one or the Acratech GV-2. I went with the Arca Swiss because of its reputation. I put it through a series of tests and it just performs perfect. You frame the picture as you like, tighten the tension knob and there is absolutely no movement. It just stays where you point it to, even with my 70-200 lens. I am very happy with this purchase. The only negative comment I would make is that it has no bubble level in the thumb screw like my Giotto one had.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
The headline says it all.
Arca Swiss is the standard by which all others are judged in my opinion.
This ball head excels in every way, solid locking, no creeping whist locking, silky smooth, no fuss operation, a pleasure to use. Highly recommended, worth every cent of its high price, will last a lifetime. If you are a serious photographer buy the best first time around, all those other cheaper ballheads are just a vexation, I've tried more than a few. You will probably end up upgrading anyway, so save the money and frustration and get the best to begin with.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 5-Year Warranty
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