Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead with 1/4"-20 Screw - Supports 130 lb (59 kg)

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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.
A tension adjustment thumb-dial is built into the indexed friction control knob.
Includes a round camera mounting base, with a 1/4"-20 screw.
Base diameter of 2.7" (69mm), excluding knobs
Maximum Camera Supported Large format
Load Capacity 130 lb (59 kg)
Height 4" (10.1 cm)
Quick Release No
Spirit Level No
Tension Control Yes
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16
Weight 1.2 lb (544 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw
 
4.6

(based on 9 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (6)
  • Attaches firmly (4)
  • Large range of motion (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/scenery (4)
    • Portraits (4)
    • Night shots (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Semi-pro photographer (4), Casual photographer (3)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (3)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 9 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-9

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    5.0

    Z1 is the King

    By Spider

    from Queens, NY

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Home
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Night Shots
      • Portraits
      • Sports/Action
      • Travel
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife

      Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

      I tested this head side by side with a Really Right Stuff BH40. I set my Nikon D90 to 200mm on my 18-200 VR. Try this and you'll apreciate why this ball is so good...it allows you to make precise and minute adjustments...I tried to center a door knob with the BH40...it seemed to take forever...trying to control the jerky movements despite the settings of the sweet spot. The Z1 was magnificant and made it easy to zero in quickly, even when adjusting while using a bubble level. Remove the top, and replace it with a Really Right Stuff lever release clamp (It fits perfectly using ann M6 flathead socket screw) and put an L bracket on your camera...Voila...Ball Head Heaven! I'm very happy with it, the sweet spot is fantastic, the pan base locks like no tomorrow (Forget Markins), and this is the smoothest most precise ballhead I've seen...

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      5.0

      The best available

      By Pictureted

      from Redwood City, CA

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Macro

        Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

        I bought this head and the RRS lever quick release. Worked great until I added the Novoflex Castel-Q macro focusing rail. Slipped right through the RRS clamp. Replaced the RRS with a Kirk knob quick release and now it's almost perfect.

        I have this head mounted on a GT2541ex and it's great for macro work. The elliptical ball keeps things from flopping and it sets very tightly, even with using a 200/4 on a focusing rail at 1:1.

        Fit, finish and design, plus the best ratio of weight to holding weight. Until the Arca Swiss D4 becomes available, this is my favorite head for macro work (the Cube is too heavy). The only downside it the tiny knob for rotation.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Good quality products

        By biogon

        from Osaka Japan

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Good Quality
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion

        Cons

        • Complicated Controls
        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Shots
        • Portraits

        Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

        This is the most quality monoball head that I have ever seen.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        smoothness and simplicity

        By Nathan

        from Hong Kong

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

              I have used RRS BH-55 for a year now, also using smaller ballhead from Markins and Photoclam, and came to Arca Swiss rather late. But I rank Z1 above them all. The BH-55 while being better made than Z1, is not as SMOOTH in its ball movement.(in fact I think it is jerky, great handling ballhead but jerky ball movement) The RRS requires almost 2.5 turns to completely lock the ball while Z1 only requires half a turn. Plus Z1 has adjustable markings on the main knob so you know where you are without ever having to turn the main knob to find out. Z1 is also lighter than BH-55. I have fitted the B2 LR 40 plate on the Z1 (be warned not to use the B2 AS II as its steel lever will hit the base of the Z1). Z1's flip lock is not as sophisticated as the newer ones being released from say Photoclam Pro Gold II series, Kangrinpoche or Sunwayfoto. Keep an eye open as there are so many competitors entering the scene.

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              5.0

              actuator for heavy duty

              By espoir

              from Miyagi, Japan

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attaches Firmly
              • Good Stability

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Home
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Shots
              • Sports/Action
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

              like a oil damper.
              it is never get out of position.

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              5.0

              Seems to live up to the notoriety.

              By sqchram

              from Salt Lake City, UT

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

                    I got the model with the 1/4" 20 screw top which I then removed and added the Really Right Stuff Screw Knob clamp B2 Pro II with metric 6 screw and installed with locktite. I matched this with a camera body plate from RRS and a generic telephoto lens plate off [...] for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8.Although the instructions could be clearer - the friction thumb screw works as follows. Mount your lightest gear, turn the main knob to your desired amount of drag, then turn in the friction thumb screw all the way. Now when you loosen the main knob, it will stop at that friction setting. You twist the number indicator which is just a rotating band of metal, so that the fully loose position reads '0' instead of '3' or what you have set as your minimum friction drag.For heavier lens setups you then just remember that they start at a '1' '2' '3', etc which from the original setting in this example would be a '3+1' '3+2' '3+3' etc.Just don't try to force the main knob back past the point where you've locked the friction thumb screw as this could potentially lock the head.Good. Solid. No fuss, and I am by no means a heavy user, or use it regularly in a profession, but searching forums will yield unending praise over this ball head.I've coupled mine with a Gitzo GT2531 Mountaineer tripod which is only about twice as heavy as the head. Its a great combo, but do hang a bag from the center column if you're working in a windy or crowded environment.

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                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Nice Head

                    By Towheel

                    from Hedgesville, WV

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Good Stability
                    • Large Range of Motion

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Photography
                      • Portraits
                      • Stabilization

                      Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

                      Very smooth, light weight, easy to operate. I would buy another.

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Fantastic Ball!

                      By 1 bear

                      from Singapore

                      About Me Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Lightweight

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Portraits

                        Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

                        Its a great ball head for all commercial photographer who looking for light weight yet steady for portrait, fashion, nature, photography.
                        It works well with Really Right Stuff quick release accessories.
                        Its a very delicate ball head! Use it with extra care!

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                        (3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Great Ball Head

                        By digitalstew

                        from Mooreland, IN

                        About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Attaches Firmly
                        • Good Stability
                        • Large Range of Motion

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Long Exposures
                          • Photography
                          • Stabilization

                          Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with 1/4"-20 Screw:

                          A great ball head for outdoor and nature work. I bought this model intending to replace the threaded screw mount with a lever-based quick release clamp from Really Right Stuff, which made it perfect for my needs. (I'm not a big fan of Arca-Swiss' lever-based clamp.)

                          I used it on a recent long weekend trip and it performed great. Rock-solid support on my Induro C314 carbon fiber tripod, no matter the situation. I highly recommend the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 SP.

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                          Displaying reviews 1-9

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                          Reducing/Enlarging Bushings

                          Arca-Swiss -  Adapter Screw 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Bushing
                          • Price: $10.00
                           

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                          • Price: $78.95
                           

                          Quick Release Adapters

                          Acratech -  Quick Release Clamp with Double Speed Rubber Knob & Pin
                          • Price: $99.95
                           

                          Vertical "L" Brackets

                          Slik -  "L" Vertical Bracket (Large)
                          • Price: $159.95
                           

                          This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.

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                          What's in the Box

                          Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead with 1/4"-20 Screw - Supports 130 lb (59 kg)
                          • 5-Year Warranty
                           
                           
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