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Arca Swiss d4 Geared Tripod Head with Quick Set MonoballFix Device (Plate Not Included)

SKU: AWMBD4GM MFR: 870105
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Key Features

  • Arca Swiss d4 geared head offers precise control for landscape photography.
  • Enjoy smooth, accurate movements with this tripod head; ideal for macro shots.
  • Supports up to 44 lbs, this robust tripod head handles pro-level cameras.
  • Arca-Swiss compatible quick release ensures fast, secure camera mounting.
  • Achieve perfectly level panoramas with integrated dual spirit levels.
  • Compact & lightweight at 34.21oz, this geared head is travel-friendly.
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Special Order?Estimated to Ship: 08/23/2025
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Q&A

Questions & Answers

Steve L : Can I assume that my RRS L bracket will fit right on this heated head?David W : No. This head has a newer version camp that is smaller than the one used by all the other companies. I replaced the newer version with an older version from another head. Another option is to get a "standard" sized clamp and attach it to one of the newer plates.STEVEN B : No it uses a different sort of plate
THEODORE C : What camera plate is needed for a Nikon D800 and a Nikon 200-500 mm lens?
Shopper : Why Did You Choose This?Herschel M : Recommended by Rich Baum

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-09-13T09:13:13

Rated 5 out of 5

Acra D4 Head

The Arca Swiss D4 Geared head is very precise and easy to get used to the control layout. I was doing some precision copy work and it was very easy to accurately make the plane of the sensor parallel with the subject matter.

Thomas A.

2021-12-21T11:12:38

Rated 5 out of 5

Worth the Miney

I always thought that Arca Swiss geared heads were crazy expensive and would never spend that much on a head. Then I needed a geared head and decided I didn?t want a cheap copy. Now I know the D4 is well worth the money it cost.

NORMAN S.

2021-06-29T16:19:51

Rated 5 out of 5

Best head for your camera.

I bought this head to go with my new Foba studio stand. It is a great combination. This is ideal for product photographers. Holds your camera rock-steady. Plenty of gears carefully position your camera exactly where you need it. Don't mess around with other brands: Arca Swiss is the top of the line.

Mark M.

2021-04-28T16:30:51

Rated 5 out of 5

Love at first twist

The best head imaginable

Thomas S.

2020-03-24T10:13:02

Rated 5 out of 5

Two tripods in one

After buying a Sunwayfoto GH-Pro Mk1 geared tripod head as an experiment, I decided I liked the precision that gearing gave me. The first GH-Pro model is a knock-off of this Arca-Swiss d4 and the second (current) version is a unique design. I sold my Mk1 and bought this d4 and found that the GH-Pro Mk1 was nowhere near the d4 in terms of quality and functionality. This d4 can operate both as a geared head and a regular ballhead. All you have to do is just completely open the two teardrop knobs, hold the clamp at the top of the head to get it to roughly your desired position, close up the teardrop knobs then use the round knobs to fine-tune an accurate geared position. Even better, clamp your camera on the head, loosen the teardrops to position the camera then tighten and fine tune. When it came in the box I was surprised at how tight it was. Base panning is now very smooth and even, top panning is perfect. Precise adjustment with the round knobs is quite incredible; the tiniest movement of a round knob and you can see the difference. It's just an amazing feat of engineering all round; you get two types of tripod head with one purchase and it's probably going to last for a very long time if you take care of it. Its only drawback is that it's not lightweight; mine weighs 2.330lbs. It has the RRS lever-release clamp B2-40-LR on the top and a 60mm dia. Hejnar PHOTO dovetail on the bottom. I use it on an Induro MGC23S geared center column mounted on a RRS TVC-33S tripod outdoors and a Benro A2970T tripod indoors.

PETER N.

2019-12-18T07:35:01

Rated 5 out of 5

Absolutely worth the investment

My absolute favorite piece of gear! Makes shooting enjoyable. I have gone thru manfroto heads with constant breaks and this is a buy once and done!

Kris K.

2018-11-12T13:33:43

Rated 5 out of 5

Quality product.

Quality quality quality. Upgraded my Manfrotto 410 gear head to this, and will now recommend to all my employees to do so right off the bat.

Gil L.

2017-10-22T09:27:54

Rated 5 out of 5

Does what it is supposed to do. Excellant craftsmanship.

This head is easy to use, compact and smooth in operation. It firmly holds my PhaseOne D+ body, IQ180 back and the largest lenses firmly with no tendency to creep. It is the best head I have used.

Jack V.

2017-05-20T12:51:33

Rated 3 out of 5

Slips when titled with heavy equipment

Great head, compact and precision control, very good build quality. However, I observed the issue when I mounted my 8 lb cambo SCII 4x5 camera. I tightened the knobs will all my might and when I tilted the camera beyond 45 degrees, it would just slip. I could not get it to stabilize. I expected from from this head since my cheap manfroto 3030 never had this problem.

Debejyo C.

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Arca Swiss d4 Specifications

  • Type of tripod head

    3D tilt head, geared tripod head

  • Quick set device

    MonoballFix

  • Payload

    44.09 lbs (20kg)

  • Axes can be operated separately

    Yes

  • Friction

    No

  • Maximum angle of inclination

    115 degrees

  • Panorama

    Bottom (at tripod thread connection), Upper (above the axes)

  • Spirit leveler

    Two

  • Specific feature

    Self-locking gearing

  • Perfect for

    Landscape, Panorama, Macro

  • Dimensions

    3.3 x 3.54 x 4.92" (84 x 90 x 125mm)

  • Weight

    34.21 oz (970g)

  • UPC Code

    840014179930

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15 Accessories for Arca Swiss d4 Geared Tripod Head with Quick Set MonoballFix Device (Plate Not Included)

  • All Accessories (15)
  • Quick Release (14)
  • Quick Release Plates (1)

About Arca Swiss d4

FEATURED REVIEWS

Quality product.

By Gil L.

Quality quality quality. Upgraded my Manfrotto 410 gear head to this, and will now recommend to all my employees to do so right off the bat.

Acra D4 Head

By Thomas A.

The Arca Swiss D4 Geared head is very precise and easy to get used to the control layout. I was doing some precision copy work and it was very easy to accurately make the plane of the sensor parallel with the subject matter.

How the ARCA-SWISS d4 Geared Tripod Head revolutionizes precision and stability in photography and videography is truly remarkable. This meticulously engineered device eliminates the cumbersome levers and unwieldy dimensions that photographers have long endured with traditional 3D heads. The d4's sleek design integrates the pivot points of the X and Y axes at a singular location, resulting in the smallest possible rotational radii. This innovation delivers minute camera movements and significantly reduces scale deviations, which are critical for maintaining depth of field in high-resolution digital imaging.

Crafted from a robust high-strength special alloy, the d4 boasts separate gear mechanisms for self-locking, micrometric movements in both the X and Y directions. Each tilt movement is complemented by its own fine-tuning knob and a lockable free wheel button, offering the option of smooth freewheeling mode akin to a spherical head. This versatility allows for quick, gross adjustments or precise, geared movements, ensuring that photographers and videographers can achieve the perfect shot with ease.

The ARCA-SWISS d4 also features a base rotation device for precise camera alignment, as well as a panning mechanism beneath the camera mount for flawless panorama shots that maintain the swivel axis. Two strategically placed bubble levels at a 90-degree angle aid in achieving a perfectly level setup.

In addition to the X and Y tilts and panoramic rotation, the ARCA-SWISS d4 introduces a fourth dimension of movement, allowing for back-and-forth adjustments along the exposure axis. This capability is a nod to the 'd4' in its name, symbolizing the comprehensive control over all four dimensions of camera positioning.

Despite its sturdy and durable construction, the d4 Geared Tripod Head is impressively lightweight at just 980 grams, yet it can support hefty loads up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds). This balance of lightweight design and heavy-duty performance makes it an ideal choice for both studio and field use. The tripod head is equipped with a 3/8"-16 tripod mount thread size, making it compatible with a wide range of cameras and equipment.

The ARCA-SWISS d4 Geared Tripod Head with Quick Set MonoballFix Device is a testament to high-quality craftsmanship and functional design. It is a top-tier choice for professionals who demand reliability, durability, and precision in their photographic equipment. With its quick release feature and the reputation of the Arca Swiss brand, this tripod head stands out as a superior tool for capturing stunning visuals in any setting.

Arca Swiss d4 Features

  • 2 bubble levels at a 90 Degree angle to align the camera

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 36 months for parts and 36 months for labor.

Key Features

  • Arca Swiss d4 geared head offers precise control for landscape photography.
  • Enjoy smooth, accurate movements with this tripod head; ideal for macro shots.
  • Supports up to 44 lbs, this robust tripod head handles pro-level cameras.
  • Arca-Swiss compatible quick release ensures fast, secure camera mounting.
  • Achieve perfectly level panoramas with integrated dual spirit levels.
  • Compact & lightweight at 34.21oz, this geared head is travel-friendly.

What's in the box:

  • d4 Geared Tripod Head with Quick Set MonoballFix Device
  • (Plate Not Included)
  • Arca Swiss 3 Year Limited Warranty