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Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with FlipLock Lever Quick Release (Geared)

BH #ARD4QSFLG • MFR #870104
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Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with FlipLock Lever Quick Release (Geared)
Key Features
  • Leverage Weight Capacity: 75 lb
  • Height: 4.3"
  • Weight: 1.8 lb
  • Arca & MonoballFix-Type Compatible
Tilt and pivot your camera in three-dimensional space with the Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with FlipLock Lever Quick Release, which combines the advantages of a spherical head and a 3D tilt head in one compact system.
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Arca-Swiss D4 with FlipLock Lever QR Overview

Tilt and pivot your camera in three-dimensional space with the Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with FlipLock Lever Quick Release, which combines the advantages of a spherical head and a 3D tilt head in one compact system.

Small at only 4.3" high and 1.8 lb, yet comprising a 75 lb leverage weight capacity (which accounts for the added stress of a heavy lens) and unobtrusive yet functional controls, the d4 can be used on a tripod like a normal spherical head. When both X- and Y-axes are open, one can move the camera freely. But, in contrast to a spherical head, X- and Y-axis movements can also be made separately, one at a time. And, if one of these axes is fixed, movements can be performed with even more precision.

The design of this head puts the center of rotation of X and Y- tilts in the same place, making the pivoting radius of these movements very small, thus allowing users to maintain perspectives during readjustment. Also, a self-locking shock absorption feature for the swivel function allows for near total compensation of the camera's weight.

In addition to manual operation, the d4 also offers the precision of separate gear-driven vertical/horizontal movements when the locking levers are fixed, with quick release clutches for fast, large adjustments.

Another notable feature is the separate 360° panning devices at the top and at the base of the head. The bottom device allows for camera alignment, while the top device facilitates the performance of accurate panoramas and rotational stitching. Two spirit levels, arranged at 90° angles underneath the upper panorama adjustment, are sufficiently visible to facilitate effective leveling, even from a low viewpoint. This head is compatible with either classic Arca-Swiss-type or newer Arca-Swiss MonoballFix-type camera plates.

Arca-Swiss D4 with FlipLock Lever QR Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
Requires Separately Available Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Drag Control
No
Load Capacity
75 lb / 34 kg
Weight
1.8 lb / 800 g
Head
Camera Mounting
Requires Separately Available Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
No
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -40°
Lateral Tilt
-40° to +40°
General
Load Capacity
75 lb / 34 kg
Accessory Mounting
No
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
1.8 lb / 800 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.75 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.2 x 6.1 x 5.3"

Arca-Swiss D4 with FlipLock Lever QR Reviews

Top must be perfectly level for panning, big deal for my uses.

By Dan
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2026-01-03

It is a great piece of equipment, until one tries to pan with the geared panning feature, if the top isn't perfectly level. I recently purchased an Arca-Swiss D4 geared head with geared panning from the USA distributor. The quality is quite nice. Not readily apparent or intuitive from pictures or diagrams is a lever on the geared panning section that allows it to rotate freely, or tighten (slide) it to use the knob to rotate. When the lever is loosened to allow free motion, there is some side to side play. I also have a Manfrotto 405, and have had it for years and now needs some refurbishment or replacement. This one has the geared panning on the bottom. This is a critical difference that is not very intuitive. I level the tripod. It is not uncommon for me to have some up or down inclination. This up or down inclination (or side tilt) is a problem with the Arca-Swiss D4 in combination with the geared panning feature on top because the rotation is about a tilted axis. This will be true for any of these heads with the geared or main panning feature on top. The Manfrotto (and similar) with the geared panning (or main panning feature) on the bottom doesn't behave the same, as long as the tripod is leveled first. I can tilt the camera up or down, and it will rotate in a level plane. If the camera is tilted, that same tilt is maintained as the rotation occurs on the bottom- assuming that the tripod apex is level. A little camera tilt left/right (roll) is not unusual to level it horizontally according to the camera display. I have found that the bubble levels included on many of these bits of photography kit to not be accurate. Given a level tripod apex, the pitch and roll adjustments on the Manfrotto (and similar) tripod heads will not be thrown off by the panning feature on the bottom. The only workaround for the D4 is to install it upside down, which puts the geared panning feature on the bottom. And then some extra parts are needed. There is an additional free rotation panning feature on the D4, but I specifically wanted the geared panning feature. It works great, but the top of the head has to be level for it to work. Or, install it upside down. A gimbal head may work better for me for horizontal panoramas, but I don't really want to carry around two tripod heads. The Manfrotto 405 isn't exactly lightweight, but it has worked well. I have not looked into any of the knockoffs. I did buy a Leofoto G4, and it is not even close in fit, finish and quality compared to the Arca-Swiss D4. USA website also claims a 5lb weight limit for the Leofoto. With relatively little force, it is possible to force it to move. The Arca-Swiss D4 is otherwise mostly rock solid. It does not move once it is adjusted. The inclination and tilt adjustment knobs do not get "tight" once the teardrop tension knobs are tightened, however, it does not take much loosening of those same tension knobs for free motion to occur.

Best Tripod Head Ever

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-26

I don't know how I did without this in my 33 year career. Best tripod head I have ever owned.

See any errors on this page?

Does this head need an additional leveling base? ...

Does this head need an additional leveling base? I know that the cube did not, so wondering if this one does.
Asked by: Kevin
The answer is; it depends. You can make the top plate perfectly level for static shots. However, if you pan, you either readjust the head, use a leveling head or level with the legs.
Answered by: Dennis L
Date published: 2019-03-14

question

Hello,Does the Arca-Swiss L-Bracket (B&H # ARVHLH Mfr # 802306) work with the Fliplock Lever QR?
Asked by: Anonymous
You can use the Arca-Swiss L-Bracket in the FlipLock, yes.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Hi there.Is that possible to use for Hasselblad H5D series? And can you send it to Japan?Please let me know.All the best.
Asked by: Anonymous
Thanks for you reply. I see.Let me ask another question that should I need to get arcs swiss camera plate for Hasselblad? Please let me know.
Answered by: YUKI K.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Does the model with geared panning also have a ...

Does the model with geared panning also have a release for large & fast adjustments?
Asked by: Roger
Yes, the Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with FlipLock Lever Quick Release (Geared) allows you to choose between manual movement or geared movement for both axes. Same thing for the top panning.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-03-25

does it allow vertical use?

does it allow vertical use?
Asked by: Abdelmsih
Yes, the Arca-Swiss d4 Tripod Head with a FlipLock Lever Quick Release does allow for vertical use. The specifications for this head : Vertical Tilt -40° to +90°
Answered by: Leonard E
Date published: 2019-05-30

What's the benefit and/or difference between the ...

What's the benefit and/or difference between the FlipLock release and the Classic Knob release?
Asked by: Jeffrey
When using the FlipLock release, one is able to mount a quick release plate and lock it in place in literally two seconds, and it is secure. To release a mounted plate, the FlipLock allows for a very fast release. When using the Classic Knob release, one needs to be careful to wind the knob, and wind a bit more to make sure it is tight and will not move. This process could take up to 20 seconds, and the user may go back to check the tightness, over and over again during the project. Using the Classic Knob release to release the plate is easy and fast . One just needs to unwind.
Answered by: Leonard E
Date published: 2021-03-18

Is there a cover for this head?

Is there a cover for this head?
Asked by: Cheryl
No, I don't remember seeing any cover for it.
Answered by: Joe
Date published: 2021-04-09

question

No specifications are provided for this head !!! I would like the know the shape and exact diameter of the base, also better photos showing different angles?
Asked by: Kris D.
This link may help. I can measure when I get home.http://www.arca-shop.de/index.php?page=product&info=188
Answered by: Joe K.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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