The Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 is an unconventional ball head built with portability, simple functionality and performance in mind. Its minimalist design is indicative of its ease of operation. The Monoball p0 has an inverted, aspheric-shaped ball. This means that as the camera is tilted further from the horizontal plane it meets increased resistance, which is desirable if you have a heavy camera or long telephoto mounted on the head. The p0's 44 lb load capacity comes in a very compact package, being about the size of an average 50mm SLR lens while weighing in at less than 1 lb. Turning the highly visible knurled collar on the body will lock even a large camera firmly in place; no need to fumble for the locking knob which may be out of sight. The unique design of the head has negated the need for any lubricating grease which can work against the user and produce "head creep" which can lead to your tripod and camera tipping over.
Inside the head three locking "planets" clamp firmly around the ball, applying even force on all sides. This arrangement also ensures that all camera movements are smooth in any axis. The inverted ball design provides greater stability in keeping the camera's center of gravity closer to the center of the ball. The p0 allows for a full 90° of tilt. Placing the head's panning system directly below the camera ensures that the panning motion is directly aligned with the camera itself and does not deviate from the same plane. The locking lever for the pan head is the only external control on the Monoball p0.
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live
Key Features
- Compact with a High 44 lb Load Capacity
- All Aluminum Construction
- Knobless Locking Mechanism
- 360° Pan
The Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 is an unconventional ball head built with portability, simple functionality and performance in mind. Its minimalist design is indicative of its ease of operation. The Monoball p0 has an inverted, aspheric-shaped ball. This means that as the camera is tilted further from the horizontal plane it meets increased resistance, which is desirable if you have a heavy camera or long telephoto mounted on the head. The p0's 44 lb load capacity comes in a very compact package, being about the size of an average 50mm SLR lens while weighing in at less than 1 lb. Turning the highly visible knurled collar on the body will lock even a large camera firmly in place; no need to fumble for the locking knob which may be out of sight. The unique design of the head has negated the need for any lubricating grease which can work against the user and produce "head creep" which can lead to your tripod and camera tipping over.
More DetailsIn Stock
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $54.99
See Options
Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 Classic Quick Release Overview
Knobless Design
Locking operation is facilitated by simply turning the highly visible knurled ring on the body of the head. It is easy to feather control between loose and firm lock.
Panning Mechanism
Situating the panning mechanism directly below the camera plate, instead of in the base of the head, means that the pan is always in the same plane as the camera.
Aspheric Ball
The aspheric shape of the ball gives progressive resistance to tipping and can prevent accidents.
Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 Classic Quick Release Specs
Key Specs
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Drag Control | |
| Load Capacity | |
| Weight |
Head
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Base Mount | |
| Counter Balance | |
| Dimensions |
Pan & Tilt
| Drag Control | |
| Vertical Tilt | |
| Lateral Tilt |
General
| Load Capacity | |
| Accessory Mounting | |
| Bubble Level | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Arca-Swiss Monoball p0 Classic Quick Release Reviews
Just right!
By Jeff
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-19
Right size, weight and form. Perfect for the travel tripod. Loving it!
Good head for the size and weight
By Boris
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-05-22
I have tried number of ball heads, few of them with elliptical ball. All heads with elliptical ball that I had previously had refused to work in winter. Older Arca-Swiss, Markins were locking in cold weather to the point of being unusable. With this one what I did first - put it into the freezer for 1 hour. The head became stiffer (still?) , but worked well. It is strong and light for its strength. It is a keeper.
See any errors on this page?
question
Concern: Why did someone answer my first question with concerns about using this ball head with my larger telephone lenses? This ball head is rated at 45.1 lbs. Max weight by the manufacture! If purchased: this ball head will be mounted on a Kirk WM car window mount with any one of these lenses: 70-200mm f/2.8G, 300mm f/2.8G, 400mm f/2.8E, 600mm f/4G, 200-500mm f/5.6E, or my 150-600mm f/4.5 - 5.6 lens, on my D3s, or D4s DSLR camera. Anyone of these combo's weigh NO where near the maximum holding weight specified by the manufacture! Why any real life concern's? Any response by any advanced, or Pro Wildlife photographer who has actually used this ball head, would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your assistance in advance! Warren.
A gimbal head would provide better (more stable) support for longer/heavier lenses.The concern may have been for stability rather than weight.I wouldn't use this head with my 400/2.8, I bought it for the 85/135 & 16-35. I could use it with the 300/4 or 70-200 (both similar size), but it would depend on the use case.
Date published: 2021-07-11
Should I buy this Arca-Swiss with the classic ...
Should I buy this Arca-Swiss with the classic screw mount or get the head without the clamp and use an old Kirk 2.4 clamp with a level that can be seen when a camera with a plate is mounted on the head?
The screw mount or lever mount is a matter of personal preference, either one will work well.
Date published: 2021-01-25
question
Hi thereI definitely want to purchase the p0 bullhead and possibly in the near future the cube, but for now just the p0. The problem I have is that I am coming from manfrotto and have absolutely no knowledge of the quick release plates made by arca swiss. It appears that there are several different types of arca swiss quick release plate i can order from your store. Which is the best all round? Which would give me the best integration if i purchased a different tripod head (such as the cube ) in the future? We cannot purchase arca swiss in New Zealand so i can't physically see what i am buying. I want a long term solution that would cover multiple heads and as many accessories as possible. Which of the p0 quick release /plate combinations would you most recommend? Thanks very much
I agree with above. In addition, the screw-type clamp has advantages over the lever type clamp if you mix Arca-Swiss-type quick release plates because there can be slight differences in the plate width. The screw-type clamp will always screw tightly to an undersized plate while the lever type clamp will not unless re-adjusted. Plate manufacturers with tight plate-width tolerances are reputedly Arca-Swiss (not surprisingly), RRS, and Kirk. I suspect Acratech is another.The only drawback to using a screw-type clam is the danger you will accidentally unscrew it if you mistake the clamping knob for another knob. This is relatively easy to do on the Acratech screw-clamp heads because the pan and clamping knobs have a nearly identical shape. I wrap a Velcro-type strip over my Acratech head 's clamping knob to prevent this. Since the Monoball P0 has very differently shaped pan-locking versus clamping knobs, I expect this is not a problem with the monoball, although if you are a belt-and-suspender sort of person, the Velcro strap should work on the Monoball.Finally, good clamps such as the Monoball or Acratech etc. have a spring-loaded pin to prevent the plate from sliding out if the clamp is slightly loosened. HOWEVER, not all A-S-type plates have a cavity and cross member on the bottom to engage the pin! Some plates have small (removable) set-screws on the bottom ends of the plate to prevent sliding out. This is why some A-S clamps have a partial cavity on their bottom to accommodate the set screws screws.Arca-Swiss plates (but not made by A-S) are the only type of plates I use.
Date published: 2022-11-20
I have the standard Gitzo D plates. Will the this ...
I have the standard Gitzo D plates. Will the this plate work with the locking feature? I also have the Peak Design Arca type plate, would these work with the locking feature?
With the older classic Gitzo plates the safety pins do not work. If the Peak Design plates you have are of the newer, smaller Arca size, then the pins should work.
Date published: 2019-06-12
I'm pretty heavily invested with the Manfrotto ...
I'm pretty heavily invested with the Manfrotto 200PL plates and mounting system-will this item accept the 200PL plates?
This product doesn't. But you can buy the product without the top mount and install a Manfrotto mount onto it, to make it work for your current mounting system.
Date published: 2021-07-07
My question follows. Should I buy this ...
My question follows. Should I buy this configuration of the p0 or get the head with out the clamp and use an old Kirk 2.4 clamp with a level that can be seen when a camera with a plate is mounted on the head.
I would use this head completely and use a bubble level on the hot shoe.
Date published: 2021-02-19
question
Does the plate come with the purchase of a ball head?
The ball head does not come with a plate included.
Date published: 2023-04-23
If i use an L bracket do i need to buy a quick ...
If i use an L bracket do i need to buy a quick release plate?
If your L-Bracket is Arca-Type Compatible you will not need a quick release plate
Date published: 2021-01-12