Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

I knew the Slidefix quick release system was not compatible with the popular Wimberely or Arca-Swiss plates, however I thought I would buy this version anyway and if I did not like the Slidefix system I would simply remove it. I was wrong.

The Slidefix quick release attached to the top of the p0 panning ballhead has a small screw in the middle, fastening the two together. The Allen key that came in the set fits this screw perfectly. However no matter how hard I tried, the QR will not separate from the Ballhead. I now know that this screw has an anti twist device that will prevent you from taking the Slidefix QR plate off. Shadowless already wrote a review warning of this. Apparently there is a way to remove it but it requires drilling and the Slidefix will be ruined in the process. Luckily BH Photo has a fantastic return policy.

As for the Ballhead itself, I was very impressed. The fastening ring that has replaced the traditional locking knob is very easy to use. It requires very little turning, maybe 1/4 of a turn, to go from movable to very tight. That ballhead is not going anywhere. The Slidefix system also looks good, although a little narrow for my personal preference. It is fixed to the ballhead and is very secure. I purchased an Arca-Swiss Quick release plate for Canon telephoto lenses and that didn't fit either! Make sure you purchase only the plates with "Slidefix QR" in the name. The head was not as smooth turning as I would have liked. But I think this would improve after some use. The panning movement is VERY smooth and very nice to use. I cannot advise as to the p0's reliability as I never used it properly for any amount of time. The whole p0 with QR system feels very well made and should serve you for many, many years.

Attached to my Gitzo 2531 it is designed to face the camera exactly 90 degrees to horizontal when fully turned ie. It faces directly up into the sky (the tripod legs need to be positioned with 2 legs fully retracted and 1 fully extended. I don't know if all tripod legs would give the same perfectly vertical angle). It attaches to my Gitzo tripod very securely.

I ended up buying the Arca-Swiss Z1 instead to see if it is a little smoother. However I would highly recommend the p0 if you want to go with all new Slidefix plates. It is very well made and I believe it is very good value at this price with an excellent panning function included.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

Arca Swiss products are first rate, and this is a meticulously made head, that seems to function very well. The plate locks in place very cleanly and the controls all seem very well designed.

Unfortunately I ended up returning it, as I felt as though I'd want to baby it, unlike my old Gitzo head – which is not nearly as nicely made or easy to use – but keeps taking a beating.

It might work for you.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

It is the cheapest one,but very light,very cool,very solid.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

I love the ease of use, weight, and compact size. I bought the second one to put on my monopod.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

I use this head with a Gitzo tripod and Hasselblad 500C. The Monoball is easy and intuitive to use, and the ergonomics are great. The only negative factor is that it requires specialized mounting plates for the cameras.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

This is my first ball head so I have nothing else to compare it too. I had lots of trouble finding information on this head; but got it anyway. I am not disappointed. I got this to use with a Canon 7D. Like other reviewers have said; the clamp/plates are not compatible with other common Arca Swiss gear. The plates are compatible with the Arca clamps that are designed for the Arca monorails. The clamps are compatible with Arca monorails but not the normal Arca Swiss camera plates. There are multiple versions of this head; one of which allows you to use a third party (or other Arca) clamp so you can use the head with other camera plates. I find the ball head stable and easy to adjust. The control ring is easy to manipulate and it loosens and locks down with easy. It is also easy to loosen the head partially so that the camera stays still until you move it and it will stay put when you let go. When fully tightened; the camera will not move. The head works great with Gitzo 3541xls tripod.

Because the panning function is on top of the head instead of the bottom; it was not designed to pan horizontally while tilted for a portrait orientation.

The head has the look and feel of a professional quality machine. It holds my gear without any concerns. Not sure if I'd use it for a lens larger than the 70-200 2.8 zoom; but it handles this lens & Canon 7D with grip just fine.
While getting use to the head; one should take care when loosening the head not to place one's fingers between the head and the plate. If you loosen the ball to much without supporting your gear in the process; you may find your finger(s) pinched by the head.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

If you plan on changing the slidefix clamp to other made such as your existing RRS clamps, be warn that there is a little stainless steel stud in this version that is fixed to the pano head and cannot be removed. It is not the same as the other version that comes with just the screw mount. The mounting M6 screw is not the typical length used for mounting other clamps, it is much shorter as the slidefix clamp is much thinner than the normal arca compatible clamps. Everything for the slidefix mount has been reduced in dimensions.

The weight specification is not correct. Without the clamp it is already 290g. With the 50g slidefix clamp it is about 340g. If you use other clamps it will be close to 400g so this is not really as light weight as the manufacturer wants you to think.

Nevertheless operation wise it is smooth and holds well. The integrated pano head made it worth the while. RRS pano mount alone is almost the price of this head. Get it if you need panoramic function.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

You would think an Arca Swiss ball head would come with a standard Arca Swill release plate but it does not. The so called QS quick plate works ok but it means having to purchase a separate plate for your camera. I purchased this head primarly for travel as it is light, small for for a panning head, and is exeptionally well made. I would have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars if it were not for the the non-standard release plate which has to be changed whenever I use my other tripod, which ironically also has an Arca Swiss head. Another limitation is the lack of an L-bracket for the QS release meaning that there is no way I can see to mount the camera vertically and use the panning system for panoramic images.

If this is your only ball head and you dont need to mount your camera vertically (the entire ball head will shift 90 degress but that wont help for panoramas), then the P0 is a well made and easy to use compact head and for me almost perfect for travel.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

I guess I should not have been surprised when ARCA Swiss came up with a DIFFERENT PLATE DESIGN since other tripod head manufactures seem to have as many plate designs as they have tripod heads. This unique ball head does not use what many of us think of as "ARCA style" plate. So I exchanged this model for the one with the screw mount and attached an "ARCA style" quick release from another manufacture. The remainder of this review is about the ball head with this other quick release. I really like this head!! Its novel design provides an ergonomic delight for the user. The clamping ring is always reachable unlike the conventional ball head with a knob. The one hand operation also reduces the "flopping" common among other ball heads. One downside to the design is a somewhat less friendly ergonomic when one uses it tilted toward 90 degrees. It is sleek and light weight while still providing powerful clamping. I think it's a winner.

Comments about Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and Slidefix QS Quick Release System:

This is a great tripod head! Fast to adjust. Just the right level of tightness. Good, heavy capacity. Light weight on a Carbon Fibre tripod. And all for a very reasonable price.