Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp (Single Pan) Ballhead with Flip-Lock Quick Release (Requires Plate) - Supports 130 lb (59 kg)
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 Flip-Lock quick release system offers double safety locking features, with instant flip-lock release of the clamp, for quick mounting and dismounting of cameras.
- 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" (10.1 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 1.3 lb (590 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 21 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (12)
- Lightweight (6)
- High quality (3)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Long exposures (7)
- Night shots (7)
- Portraits (7)
- Stabilization (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (6), Pro photographer (4), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 w/Flip-Lock
The best ballhead on the market today. I had the RRS BH-55 and the Markins before but this one is better (and cheaper) than any of these two. The RRS BH-55 ...Read complete review
The best ballhead on the market today. I had the RRS BH-55 and the Markins before but this one is better (and cheaper) than any of these two. The RRS BH-55 has an excellent workmanship but the smoothness of the ballhead does not compare to the Arca Swiss Z1 and also a lot bulkier. The Markins is very smooth but the aspherical ball head design of the Arca Swiss Z1 has a definite advantage.The Flip-Lock is excellent and the fact that it is user adjustableis a big advantage for different brand of mounting plates.
Expertise: Advanced amateur with 40 years experience.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: RRS BH-55, Markins M-10, Arca Swiss B1
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Arca Swiss Z1
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. ...Read complete review
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.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 21 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to use
- Reliable
- Stable
- Very good support
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Smooth and intuitive to use. Handles differing loads easily.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Simple to operate
- Smooth
- Top quality
Cons
- Not at this time
Best Uses
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- All
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Construction
- Smooth operation
- Stable
Cons
- Level
- Precision
- Vertical shots
Best Uses
- Stationary
- Travel
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid and well made
Cons
- Heavy
- Very poor instructions
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Cumbersome
Best Uses
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.
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Things that aren't so great about it
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Good Stability
- Strong Construction
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Works very good with heavy short lenses and with my SAL70400 (Sony G lens 70-400 mm). Extremely smooth movement of the ball head and the break knob. It is very satisfying and fun to work with.
Pros
- Solid construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
The Monoball z-1 is sturdy, easy to dial in for your camera and lens setup. For the price you have several good choices like the Markins or Really Right Stuff, but I went for the Arca because of the aspheric ball. This ballhead locks into position without sag. A true pleasure to shoot with. Spend the money on this and a nice gitzo, $1300 might sound like a lot, but how much would it cost you to replace that camera and lens if they fall over? I like the quick release on this model more than the massive knob release on the other model. Once you set this clamp, you know that the one closing motion clamps your plate in place.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Low height
- Operates smoothly
- Quick and easy to setup
- Small form factor
- Streamlined
Cons
- No Leveling Indicators
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
I shoot everything from Minox to 4x5 rail cameras. I wanted a ballhead that could handle all of my cameras from submini to Large Format Rail cameras, and I only wanted to make that purchase once. After having used this ballhead for a couple weeks I am convinced I made the right purchase. This head is so finely engineered that It works just as well with a Minox B as it does with my studio rail camera that
weighs in at 35lbs. The drag setting is infinitely adjustable and very easy to "feel." I have been truely impressed by the fine engnieering and finish of this head. Now I am only wondering why it took me so long to purchase one!
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Gives me confidence, ease of use and security of camera all features of this product. Recommended !
Pros
- Good Stability
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Long Exposures
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Extremely solid and reliable. QR clamp has three-stage operation which guarantees error-free use but might be just a bit more complex than necessary. My head is smooth in movement but not perfect. I expect to own mine until the end of time.
Pros
- Durable
- High Quality
Cons
- Position of panning lock
Best Uses
- All Photography
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
The head works very well, no slippage at all once you lock it down. The lever quick release is simple to use, once you read the instructions, and works well. My only criticism is the panning lock, which is so close to the base that on my Gitzo 1325, it hits the mounting plate after less than 1/2 of a turn, so the head is loose enough to pan, but isn't smooth.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
Great ballhead, smooth in operation and secure in locking. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. As stated in other reviews, familiarize yourself with instructions for the Quick Release before using.
Pros
- Compact
- Fits Well
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
It´s wonderfull, Easy, safety and no problem with the zip lock sistem, only read the instructions. Very good with the Arca universal plates.
Pros
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
When I first unpacked it and used it the first things I thought were - this is very well built & engineered.
It's a little heavier than I thought it would be, but I guess that's because it's built to hold much bigger lenses than I'll probably ever have/use.
Very, very stable. Very easy to tweak. Best monoball I've ever used, by far.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 sp with Quick Release:
This is the best head I have ever owned. If you are looking for a head, look no further.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
- Price: $10.00
- GBP 6.38
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $78.95
- GBP 50.41
Universal Camera Plates
- Price: $47.95
- GBP 30.61
Custom Body Plates
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.51
Vertical "L" Brackets
- Price: $229.00
- GBP 146.21
Universal Lens Plates
- Price: $39.95
- GBP 25.51
What's in the Box
- 3-Year Warranty
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