Friday, October 7, 2016

Review of the Arca-Swiss Z1 ball head

As of 2016, I've had the Arca-Swiss Z1 for over 3 years, and decided to write up a review.

I've noticed the Z1 doesn't seem to be a popular option anymore, which is too bad because the head itself is extremely well-made, strong, and smooth.  I have a theory as to why... I think it is due to Arca-Swiss locking down their own clamps with strong thread-locker, making it difficult for people to swap out the clamps. And it is clear that most people don't like the Arca-Swiss clamps.


I got lucky... I bought one without a quick-release clamp, just an ordinary platform, and it came off easily with a 11mm socket (1/4" drive, meant for indoor use - thin walls are needed to fit).  I attached a Really Right Stuff lever clamp, the B2-LR-II, using a 25mm M6 screw.  





The "ball" is aspherical;  it applies more pressure to itself the more you tilt the stem/clamp. 

I'd say strength is the number one priority for any head. A head that can't handle your gear, or creeps under the weight is just useless. The Z1 is strong enough to handle heavy loads including large format cameras.  Once the head is locked, nothing moves.  I haven't even stressed it; my largest combo is at most 8 lbs and it handles it easily at any angle.  If the head/tripod is stressed, you need a stronger setup.  Strength is definitely not a concern with the Z1.  Some might call it overkill, but I am all about security and peace of mind when it comes to my gear.  For the record, the Z1 is not alone is being strong and does not distinguish the Z1, but it is a basic requirement.  Other brands like Acratech, FLM, Kirk, Really Right Stuff, and Sirui (to name just a few) also make very strong ballheads.  Since there is no universal standard for measuring the strength of a ballhead, ignore the ratings.

The Z1 is super smooth.  Using only the main control knob, it is easy to set the tension just so, where the ball won't move or slip but I can still adjust it.   Embedded in the main control is a tension setting; with it you can set your minimum tension.  My only gripe with the design is that it isn't quick to change once set.  You have to loosen it all the way with several rotations of the tension dial, set the main dial as you want it, then re-tighten the tension dial.  It is not a quick thing to change. I set mine to just a tad looser than can hold my lightest gear, giving me some resistance but making it easy to re-aim.  

The panning base is very smooth, and locks tightly as desired. My only gripe is that the pan control know is low (close to the base), small, and too close to the main control.  If you mount this on a platform wider than the head, access to the control might be difficult.



Aside from the pan control knob, the ergonomics of my Z1 model is just about perfect.  With the drop notch facing away from me, the main control is on the left as I want it (I hold the camera with my right). This part is so important to me that I won't even consider a head without the ergonomics I like.  There are both left and right hand versions of the Z1, so be sure you get the style you desire if you decide to get one.

When doing high magnification images, I have noticed some shift in the composition during lockdown.  I've seen/heard of this with all ballheads (including my Kirk BH-1 and previous Bogen heads) and I suspect the best solution is a geared head for macro work.  According to dpreview, the Z1 is one of the better heads for precision and less shifting during lockdown.  However, I still notice the shift.  The workaround for it is to set the tension to the "sweet spot" so that my macro rig won't move when I let go, but I can still adjust it easily.  This seems to work decently around 1:1. 

With the clamp, the Z1 weighs about 1.5 lbs, compared to my older Kirk BH-1 which is both bigger and heavier at 2 lbs.  That said, I held both in my hands and didn't feel a noticeable difference.




The Z1 is quick to adjust and easy to use.  I don't have to think about it or look at it while I use it; it just solidly does the job.  Combined with the RRS lever clamp, I have no issues with my camera support.

Compared to my previous workhorse, the Kirk BH-1, I think the Kirk locks more solidly (but this is not a problem for any real-world gear).  

The Z1 is smoother and has a usable tension adjustment.  

The Z1 has less shifting during lockdown.  

The Z1 is a little smaller and lighter.  

The Z1 pan control knob is easier to lock.  

My Z1 can change clamps (not that I will), while the BH-1 had red loctite making it difficult to change clamps.  Newer Arca-Swiss heads supposedly have the clamps permanently attached.  

The bottom line is the Z1 is a great ballhead, up to the most demanding of tasks.

Clearance with the lever clamp:















As you can see, clearance isn't a problem with the lever clamp.  At vertical, with the clamp facing down, it just touches the base of the Z1.

A couple of images I made while using the Z1 (and Gitzo 3530 tripod):


1 comment:

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