Arca SwissMonoball Z1+ Double Pan Tripod Head with Quick Set Classic Device (Plate Not Included)

Just purchased the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 DP on Amazon and, I believe it is an Adorama sale indicated on my order -- Adorama is such a great professional source of pro equipment, they are highly recommended. I spent time chatting live with them on their site about some options, as I was looking for a top-of-the-line ball head to go with a new set of tripod legs, so this was a mixed brand combo.Buying this ball head is like drafting the best Offensive Tackle to protect the QB's blind side, yes it will be expensive but you have solved the most important problem, providing stable, highly valuable support for the next 10+ years. Done.After switching to standard Arca-swiss clamps & brackets a few years ago for monopods, video heads, copy stands, and even Manfrotto RC clamps, I thought it would be best to go straight the source of this style clamp and review their choices in ball heads. The delivered Arca product turned out to be the Z1+, so I think that is the default when purchasing the Z1 through distribution now. It is my first experience with Arca, and I am replacing an Acratech GP ball-head which has been given every chance to work as a top line unit but has simply not delivered the level of security, stability and performance to do the job.Pairing the Z1+ with a top set of Tripod LegsA word on the tripod first, because new legs paved the way for this amazing piece of hardware -- lots of choices but I ended up with a new Manfrotto 055 4-section Carbon Fiber tripod. Combined, the price for the set was $550+370, so we are talking Gitzo territory, which was the very worthy alternative. The Gitzo will beat my combo for portability with its nifty design and backward folding legs & compact head. What sold me on this combo included a personal preference on the tripod for the Manfrotto design, size, flip-lock legs, and product versatility, plus experience with that brand for many years. And the Manfrotto was the right size to accommodate this large ball-head for field use. The RRS-55 ball head, as a top-level alternative, is wider, and probably too big for the Manfrotto, as it would have covered the base bubble on the tripod but the Arca is a good match and allows the pivoting bubble to swivel freely and with full visibility around the tripod. OK enough about the choice on the legs!Size and WeightThis is a large tripod head. The base measures about 2.7" across, housing the large elliptical ball (their patented design for off axis stability), and the clamp sits about 4.5" high. The large knob is over 1" in diameter, so it will be easy to use with gloves. Simple flip levers control both pans, at the base and at the clamp, and I chose a screw-clamp, again simple to use. When paired with this 055 CF tripod at full leg extension (center column down), and mounted on the Acra-Swiss Z1+, the Nikon D810 screen and viewfinder sits eye level for 5'7" photographers. While it is not as light as the Acratech, this combination, I think about 5-6 pounds, is still portable enough that I am happy to take it on the job to large events where I have to set up and move around frequently. It is fast, stable and reliable. The double pan head is more expensive, about $170 vs the SP, so that is a financial consideration. I wanted the additional functionality especially for field use, and was happy to see how well it performed for video on a recent event shoot. The base bubble on the Manfrotto helps to quickly set the tripod, and the bubble on the Arca clamp ensures consistent leveling as you use the DP for panning on video, following subjects, etc.Design and PerformanceThis Z1+ is a masterpiece, and a joy to use. Great design is like that, isn't it? The elliptical ball is quite substantial, and overall the unit feels like forged sculpture. Looks great, matte black and silver accents (which match the Manfrotto, coincidentally). It is so well designed, and it is simple to dial in any preferred combination of friction-hold and Locked-down hold. I shoot with a Nikon D810, L-Bracket, and the new heavy 19mm PC heavy lens, a 70-200mm 2.8, and a large Tamron 150-600mm with tripod collar. This head can control those combinations very well, and with room to spare. When you turn off VR on the Tamron the clarity of images at 600mm on slow shutter speeds is so satisfying as to renew the value of the lens. Movements are precise, smooth, no binding. I do have a Manfrotto Pan-head and I deem that head to be easier for micro-adjustments when I am not needing the portability in the field, but I foresee no problems leveling and setting this on the job.There is zero creep, droop, or movement when you lock it into place. None. Main job done! It feels so re-assuring, a feeling I did not get with the Acratech which I could not dial in, adjust, lock down, and consistently re-adjust, even after 2 years of working with it. I also prefer the simple screw for this Z1+ Arca-Swiss Clamp. With L-Brackets on cameras, I will not use the drop-slot for Portrait angles as often, but it works well in that position.How to set up and use the Z1+Mount. Set. Go. Mounting the Arca-Swiss Z1 to the Manfrotto 055 tripod base is simple -- screw down the head onto the base 3/8" screw until it is flush. Hand tighten. Then, raise the center bar to access the retaining screw on the underside of the tripod base, tighten. The Arca head will remain completely stable and locked onto the base, leaving the tripod's swiveling bubble free to rotate about the base. Head controls are oriented with the main knob on the right side when the logo faces you, but you can set up left or right with the base pan. The large knob has an embedded thumb-screw to set the friction point for the ball head -- important to get this set first so you have your safety baseline, and can work the tripod in any situation without fear of human error creating problems, or jamming your head by over-rotating the knobs. Start with your heaviest camera and lens combination safely clamped on the ball head -- the goal is to set the movement friction point so that you can direct the camera movements while mounted, with enough tension to keep the ball from dropping the load. Loosen the large knob gradually until you have some freedom of movement of the camera-on-ball, to a point where you can let it go without movement, you've found a good friction point. You will have plenty of latitude when rotating the large knob to select a good friction point. Now, make two adjustments: (1) tighten the silver thumb screw to secure the friction point setting, and (2) rotate the numerical collar of the large knob so the Zero is on top. This now is your Zero-Point to indicate when you have loosened the large knob enough to safely move the camera around with enough resistance on the ball head with your heaviest setup. Lighter lens combinations will key off this zero point, at increasingly higher numbers on the collar, and you can note those for reference.Once you have set your friction point, you're done with the initial setup and ready to go. So, fit and tighten the clamp around the camera's arca-swiss foot or bracket. Rotate the large knob to the Zero friction point. Now adjust the camera to focus on your subject via viewfinder or Live-View, then lock into final position by rotating the large knob half a turn (to about 5-6). You will be 100% locked into place with zero movement, drift or sag.Using the DP for Panoramas and absolute perfect levelingTo set up for panoramas, stitching, rectilinear square corners, etc -- if your tripod has a bubble at the base, get that as close to level first via leg positions..., but the critical leveling indication will be at the top -- the Arca clamp's bubble. Make sure that bubble is dead-center of the circular indicator by maneuvering the clamp and the big ball. Center the bubble and tighten the large knob. Now loosen the panning lock and rotate the top pan about its 360 degree movement, the fluid bubble should stabilize within the circle at every point on the compass. Voila, you should be good to go for panoramas and vertical orientation, as well as square corners and consistent perspective.For absolute best possible clarity (such as photographing constellations), turn off VR, use remote shutter release, or delayed shutter of at least 5 seconds, or mirror-up shutter release with 30 second delay. In fact, turn of VR for most every use of camera-on-tripod.SummaryThis Arca-Swiss Z1+ ball head is clearly designed by a company with a deep, long experienced tradition of making the best of its class. I think the price-value is also very strong, even if it is clearly premium. And with consistent use, you should be able to maximize your chances of getting the images you need to get the job done. In the end, as a pro, you get what you pay for, provided you are prepared to pay for what you need. Consider a tripod bag for this combination, too. This is now more than an occasional accessory, this combo is a mission critical investment and deserves proper care.