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

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I mount my canon 7D with lens 17-55mm f2.8 on it, and the stability is really amazing. I love to use it when I am taking night shots and videotaping. I would recommend it!!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

No play, precise, compact and beautifully constructed. Easier to transport than conventional tripod heads due to QR Flip-Lock feature.

The included instruction leaflet isn't the best. Look at other reader reviews for tips on using Flip-Lock. Great feature once mastered, and it's easily mastered. It does take some tweaking to adjust proper tolerances for plates using the interior set screw (even Arca plates). My guess is that this contributes as much to the few complaints of slippage as does misuse of the Flip-Lock. Once configured properly, the camera is perfectly secure.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

Smooth operation....positive locking mechanism....and good looks.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I am impressed with the build quality of this ballhead. Arca Swiss delivers very precise tolerances. I saw tons if comments regarding the quick release, and they are there for a good reason, I would not have been able to figure out how to open it up completely just by looking at the sorry manual included in the box. To flip the lever all the way you must pull on the screw itself (!) with your finger nail, NOT the tiny nob you normally would use to open it half way. Weird constructions, but I love it.
Highly recommended.
Note: you can remove washers to adjust the head to your specific plates, if it doesn't fit after adjusting it with the little wheel.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I purchased this monoball with the hopes that I would finally have the control and security I've been looking for. Arca Swiss does not disappoint! I've never felt smoother "action" and such precision. Getting the camera plate fitted was a little tricky if this is your first time fitting one, (you need to pinch the two sides together while you're tighening the plate) but once I got it on there, it was ON THERE! I have the Universal Camera Plate 1/4" Small by Arca Swiss attached to my Canon 5D and even with a 3.5lb telephoto lens on it, whatever position you set it to, it's stays there.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

You get what you pay for. This monoball is sturdy. Worth every penny.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

small and simple for what it does

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

The quick release works flawlessly if you follow the instructions. The tension adjustment wheel inset on the top of the mount is very stiff, as it should be. A small flat head screwdriver can be used to adjust it. . Looking at the top with the wheel on the right hand side, counter clockwise tightens the lock and clockwise loosens it. I suggest using a bit of cloth under the part of the screwdriver that rests on the surface of the plate to prevent scratching the black surface (if you should care about such things). The small silver disk on the surface of the ball lock can be easily turned with your thumb to lock the minimum tension on the ball. This is very useful if you are mounting heavier equipment. I have mine set to a minimum tension of 4.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

The Arca Swiss B1 is legendary and the Z1 improves on the design. It has incredible load capacity (122 pounds) and is silky smooth to operate. The unit has multiple options for tweaking/adjusting the ballhead. I especially like the flip lock quick release option. I chose this option over the standard "screw" quick release as the little screwing mechanism is bothersome with my fingers in cold weather. I was hesitant at first (in getting the flip lock) as there were several negative reviews stating the flip lever was fragile, hard to operate, and breaks on occasion. Then I read other reviews stating that "you need to read and follow the directions". I can easily see how misuse will result in a broken lever (if you force the lever) while trying to unlock. Read the instructions and you will be fine. It is quite easy and simple to use. I figured it out in 30 seconds.

The verdict on the flip lever mechanism? It is excellent.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I've owned many ball heads... This is by far the best. I was expecting some problems with the quick release lever but found it to be easy to use. Just read the paper that comes with head. Rock Solid!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

Quick release:
A little complicated in figuring out how to open it, but once learned, works like a charm. pull the little lever out a little to release the lock, then flip open and use finger nail to slide the little silver thing to open all the way. Once done several times, it's breeze.
Head:
Stable of course, but the bottom lever to allow horizontal move can be blocked by the base.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I recently replaced my old ball head with this Arca Swiss model. My concerns with my old ball head was that when using live view to focus my Canon 1Ds Mk III and Nikon D3 with 400mm - 500mm lenses, my hand touching the focus ring induced lots of visible bounce in the live view. The Arca Swiss ball head reduced this "bounce by 90% making long lens manual focus dramatically easier. The operation of the ball head is extemely smooth, easy to make minor adjustments and locks up with total rigidity.

I read lots of negative comments about problems with the release flip-lock lever, the multifunction knob and the friction thumb screw. No matter how mechanically inclined you feel that you are, read the article "The Care and Feeding of Your ARCA-SWISS Monoball Head" on the web site of Precision Camera Works who is the US service agent of Arca Swiss products. Nothing about the operation is intuitive, but if you read the article, lights will turn on and operation will quickly become second nature.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I was hesitating before buying this ballhead because of the other reviews. So I asked the Arca-Swiss representative at the New York PhotoPlus expo for his explanation. In short: the reviewers did not know how to use it, forced the lever open, and consequently damaged the mechanism. His claim is also that the ballhead is robust and reliable if used properly. After owning & using the ballhead for 6 months, I have to agree with him.
Still, Arca-Swiss is not totally blameless, even if nothing is wrong with the ballhead: the documention that comes with it, a xerox copy of a poorly written page, is lacking. If one does not read it, then I'm not surprised that she/he may misuse the head. The issue is when trying to release the clamp. The lever flips out in a 2 step motion. First one pushes a small button at the top of the flip-lock lever out. This releases the lever, which can be turned *half-way*. At which point until one feels the lever cannot be pushed further out (do not force it or you'll damage the head!). The non-obvious part how to release the lever to complete the 2nd half of the motion. There is another safety to push: it's the ridged rod inside the lever which has to be pushed out until you feel the lever is released. At which point you may just release the safety and flip the lever out entirely.
The head is fantastic. It has never frozen on me (as some have reported for older versions of the head). Everything is metal, precision-made, and inspire confidence. In particular I've used the flip lever countless times without a problem. Once used to it, I think it is a little faster and easier to attach and release the camera than for the version with a knob, but it's not IMO an earth-shattering difference either. The lever is not flimsy at all: it must have required a lot of force to pry it opened without releasing the safety as instructed.
This being said. there is always room for improvement, of course. The screw which is used to adjust the head to the clamp is hard to rotate (this being said, my RRS L-plate did fit right in without adjustments). Also it would be great to have the option of a spirit level like in the one found in some Kirk release platforms. And all in all I feel the release mechanism - the one that has caused so much aggravation to the other reviewers - would be easier to use if one would use the same action to release the lever for the 2nd half of the rotation than for the first half.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I got the A-S Z DP ball-head last night, and by this morningI was writing to B&H to return it. I then learned a lot ina hurry from a nationally-known pro who told me how to getit right. First, you do have to adjust the clamp, and youcannot assume when you get it new that it will be set justright for your plates. It might be too tight, and it mightbe too loose. After you get it right, though, it is easierto check it from time to time for fit than to use theadjusting screw model, in my opinion, although the prohimself preferred the adjusting screw model. I wound uptaking the darned clamp apart today before it was over with,but I did learn how this thing works. I also spent a goodbit of time last night with the adjusting knobs, and I thinkI am beginning to understand this piece of machinery now. It is a work of art, and it is so smooth, but it is notfor the casual user or for someone who is not willing towrestle with it until he or she finds out how it all workstogether.It is not easy to learn, in my opinion, but it is easy touse once you learn how it works--and after you learn how touse the adjusting screw to tighten or loosen the clamp asneeded. It is a work of art. I canceled my refund requestto B&H a few minutes ago.

Expertise: Very serious amateur with thirty years of experience

Problems Encountered: You have to learn how to adjust the tightening knobs inconcert with each other, and you have to learn how to adjustthe clamp. The instructions are likely to be inadequate,but there are people and postings on the web that can help.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Bogen Hexplate, Wimberley Gimbal II, various Bogen-Manfrotton larger mounts for 35mm up to large format camera

Items I Recommend: Get the double pan version if you can. It makes a lot of things possible.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

The monoball part of this is fantastic but forget the Flip Lock Quick Release. I bought one brand new today, attached my camera for the first time and the camera with QR plate pulled out easily! Could have been a disaster. There is a small thumb wheel that apparently tightens up the Flip lock. This is on top of the slip lock Not only is it fiddly - but impossible to move, so I cannot adjust it! I am taking mine back for a refund - I cant understand what the monoball part can be so good - but the final design where the camera attached is so useless. I had exchanged this for the cheaper lock - which is a simple thumbscrew affair - this is an accident waiting to happen - unscrew it by mistake - easily done - and its goodbye camera!

Expertise: Professional photographer

Problems Encountered: I would not recommend this product - see my review above!

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 dp with Flip-Lock Quick Release:

I must admit that this ball head is in a class on its own. Perfect panning, solid retaining capacity, NO slipping when locked, light. You get for what you paid for. Besides the faulty fragile flip lock plate mechanism, this is a must have.

Expertise: I work a lot with a tripod

Problems Encountered: This brand new Arca Swiss Z1 with the flip lock mechanism is indeed a very fragile piece of equipment. After activating the locking plate about 20 times, the first stage of the lock mechanism is freely opening. Beware of this, as it can lead to disaster. If this lock can be pulled freely inadvertently your camera might fall off sideways (putting it on your shoulder when attached to your tripod). Such a nice piece of equipment with such a flaw is indeed a pity.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Manfrotto ball head