Arca Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and QS Slidefix Quick Release System (Plate Not Included)

2021-07-21T19:16:12

Someone I know has one of these and loves it so seeing as I really like vertical pano?s and also wanted to buy a better ball head it seemed to be a good choice. I will admit that at first it was a little weird to use coming from a normal style ball head, but after a few outings I became used to it and now I absolutely love it. As for doing pano?s, well, It definitely makes it so much easier because you only need to worry about leveling the camera vs leveling the ball head and camera. I should also note that I never used to clamp that came with it because I optioned to replace it with a really right stuff quick release right out of the gate.

john p.

2021-01-21T11:05:27

I LOVE the Arca Swiss Monoball P0 with Panning System and QS Slidefix Quick Release System (I have 6 heads on various mono- and tri-pods. I keep a plate on each camera, telephoto, astronomical tracker and spotting scope. Expensive but the BEST, sturdiest and most reliable quick-release system I have ever used.) Some have commented on seating problem into the head. On the P0 Monoball Panning Head, always start with the PANNING LOCK aimed AWAY from you (which also then allows aiming the camera straight up) and secure the head position with the plate lock also aiming away from you. Mount the plate on the camera or telephoto lens so the the OVER-HANG is FORWARD. It is then a breeze to seat the heel of the plate with the camera lens upward and while holding the plate lock open, lower the camera/lens to level and PUSH the lock CLOSED COMPLETELY UNTIL IT CLICKS. Check that the camera is secure and you are assured it is safe to let go of the camera. Once you have that setup and routine, you can do it with gloves on and your eyes closed in a snow storm! (Plates are extra and come in a smaller rectangular size and a wider plate with a custom PIN located to match your DSLR camera base so the the plate CANNOT turn even if the screw is slightly loose) LOVE THIS SYSTEM!!!

SEIDLITZ T.

2019-11-20T11:10:10

Very nice unit. Built strong, very simple, and quite easy to use. I was excited about owning a ball head, especially this one, but after using it for a while, I'm now a little lukewarm them. First, there was a manufacturing defect on the first one, so it was returned/replaced without issue. This second one is improved, but looks like it was a returned item later sent to me, because it has a dirty look to it, like it had been used. Functionally, it works great. With a lens of any weight, like my 105 macro, I find I am straining my arms a bit to hold keep the camera from tipping down, due to the lens putting the head off balance. Due to an injury, my arms are a little on the weak side to begin with, so this isn't helping as much as I had hoped (but that's not really the fault of this ball head).

ROB P.

2019-09-20T09:26:45

The P0 surprised me. I bought it for compact and light landscape hikes, with easy panning. But it easily holds my 100-400 and body without slipping. The out of round ball actually noticeably increases resistance as the head moves to vertical. The locking ring is quick and easy to use. It has virtually no shift during lockdown; I tested it with a macro at about 1:1 magnification and saw only a fraction of a mm movement between having it barely tight and fully tightened. This is just amazing. Only my bigger FLM ball head performs as well. Now for the gotchas: The included 3/8” screw isn’t very tall and my clamp didn’t hold tightly even with blue loctite. I found using an M6 screw holds the clamp down perfectly. When you add a quick release clamp, the clamp knob might hit the panning knob on the P0. You can either get a clamp that has clearance or use a washer to move the clamp higher. The locking ring has play with no impact on functionality.

John W.

2018-05-18T12:48:53

This is my second P0 Monoball. I've been using one for ~3 years and had to get another to add a second camera to my vlogging setup. Slight changes improve things - the tic marks have numbers 0-90-0 twice which makes keeping track of panning easier and my second copy grips the ball slightly even fully loosened (don't believe tension is user-adjustable). That little bit of grip is nice. The design of this ballhead is awesome. Putting the ball beneath the panning plate is fabulous. Integrated quick-release is terrific (plates aren't cheap but there's a small one for flashes and mirrorless cameras). Panning is smooth and secure. Built-in bubble level is super useful. I'll never own a classic Arca-Swiss monoball, so this ballhead let's me enjoy the amazing fit-and-finish of Arca-Swiss products and is a superb piece of tripod equipment.

John B.

2018-01-25T10:36:45

This is a phenomenal ballhead. I cannot recommend this highly enough. It's an excellent companion to a set of carbon fiber legs and I feel that given the quality, (I have owned it for a number of years now) it's also excellent value.

JOHN M.

2017-10-10T10:06:31

The Arca Swiss P0 is a great head. My only complaint is the panning knob location. With Kirk, or Induro quick release systems, you can't rotate a complete 360 degrees because the quick-release tightening knob hits the panning knob. I didn't want to buy a new quick-release platform because my Kirk works great other than this. I solved it with a manfrotto spacer between the top of the monoball head and Kirk quick-release.

robert C.

2017-05-09T08:42:30

"Best thing to happen to the ball head since the beginning of the ball head! Amazed something so simply didn't show up until now!"

BRYAN F.

2016-11-30T06:46:13

I have two of these and cannot praise them too highly. I have used any number of ballheads and while many are well made and strong, they all fall short of the P0. The inverted ballhead configuration allows easy panning once leveled even if the tripod is not leveled. A much easier task than leveling a tripod. Further, the intuitive locking ring allows quick tightening of position or slightly lose to allow quick adjustment without flopping over like regular ballheads. I do not understand the criticism by some of the looseness of the ring.Yes it is loose, but I believe it is necessary to allow the locking mechanism to work smoothly without binding. It has never been an issue and has no bearing on the performance. I suspect that if it were tight as some would want the mechanism would be prone to binding from grit and temperature changes. Overall, a delightful piece of gear that makes my work in the field easier and steadier.

MARK D.

2016-06-03T09:15:10

The Arca Swiss monoball is very light, st the same time sturdy and strong. I used my Nikon D810 and found it so easy to handle!

RINKU R.

2015-07-24T21:00:00

Generally, great ball head because of its simplicity and strength. But I subtracted a star because they only sell it with a proprietary Slidefix clamp and not the standard Arca Swiss clamp. To get around this I married this P0 monoball with a Really Right Stuff B2-LR-II Lever-release clamp. The RRS clamp is square and larger than the diameter of the P0 thus sticking out at the corners. Not the worse thing but additional time and money was spent for this solution. Otherwise, I've tested this with my Sony mirrorless setup with a Gitzo 1542 tripod. It's a great lightweight combination.

Terry K.

2014-05-19T21:00:00

I'll start with my one major con. I would have gone 5* on this model because the new-ish Slidefix plate system is currently 100% proprietary to Arca-Swiss. That means insane prices ranging from $45 to $75 for each individual plate when good-quality regular Arca plates can be had in the teens. It also means nobody else makes heads supporting the system. If you already have a head on another tripod, that means switching plates. It also means if you buy a new head and you want to maintain plate compatibility you must go Arca. One good thing I can say here, though, is that the P0 also comes in a mount-less model. Thankfully, inexpensive and light standard Arca mounts do exist for the P0. I knew all this up-front, but I still bought this model. The main reason come down to weight savings, as the Arca Slidefix mount weighed less than anything I could find, and I'm coming from a Manfrotto's 3-Way with their own mount anyway. So even if I'm not thrilled about plate pricing, I don't regret the decision. Coming from the three-way pan/tilt world, I have to say that standard Ball Heads drove me crazy! I tried three different brands, including an highly rated and almost universally lauded Sirui. I know I would have gotten used to them, but the Sirui leaked oil and made my hands reek, so that drove me to choose something less conventional. I also considered the Acratech line, but two things sold me on the Arca-Swiss. The P0's lighter weight, and its "planetary" clamping system. Arca-Swiss uses a bearing-based clamp that wraps the head's circumference and tightens uniformly. The sheer simple brilliance of that idea just cried out good design -- especially over the typical locking screw that you drive into one point against the ball. I also found the "upside-down" design of the P0 to be another stroke of brilliance (something the Acratech could also do). It eliminates the need for a (heavy!) panning base, and having never captured a long-sequence panorama before, I got nearly perfect horizon-to-horizon shots of smoke from the May 2014 San Diego fires. Since I already found regular ball heads a problem, I really like the single locking ring system. I'm still in learning-curve phase, twisting it the wrong way some times, but I've never once had my camera come smashing down against the tripod because I over-loosened too quickly. And here ALL the credit goes to the P0. I do over-loosen all the time (still learning!), but I ALWAYS have my hand securely around the release ring -- and therefore, also around the free-floating portion of the ball head. In other words... By design, you have hold of the ball head when you loosen it, which allows you to maintain control over your camera at all times! The Slidefix system works fine, and I actually got the hang of that right away. One trick -- learned from another review -- is that the QR level "clicks" into place when locking. No click means no lock I often set the camera, then slide it into position before locking fully. Initially I felt like the lens sagged a few millimeters after tightening, but I've solved the problem by tightening to the point of mid-level drag, positioning for my shot, and then finishing by clamping down fully. Other than the proprietary nature of the plates, I really have just one issue. When creating a panorama in portrait, there is no bubble-level to guarantee proper alignment for a good pan. I can see why a *round* head would have this issue, but I still wish Arca-Swiss had solved it -- and with the overall outstanding design of the P0, they certainly are the people who could have! Okay, one other issue I should point out, but I don't consider this a con. It can be a bit difficult to align the head with the portrait cut-out when shooting high shots like into trees. On the positive side, the P0 gives more vertical range across the whole circumference, so you can shoot higher angles than most other ball heads without finding the P0's cut-out. I also hated hunting for the cut-out on even the Sirui, so that's why I don't consider it a con -- this is an issue with ball heads in general. I am really enjoying using the Arca-Swiss P0, and find myself wanting to take my tripod just so I can "play" with it. I'm also one who is really appreciates great design, and I must say I never expected to be so impressed by a simple ball head. But Arca-Swiss really nailed this one, and if you can get past the plate issue, I really recommend giving the Arca-Swiss P0 a try!

MARK B.

2014-05-19T21:00:00

The inverted ball design allows the head to double as a leveling device. The single adjustment ring allows easy and intuitive control from any position. This is such a simple and better design. It's the best ballhead I've found. This version allows you to choose your preferred quick release clamp. I added the the RRS B2 LR II.

TERRY W.

2014-05-03T21:00:00

I use this ball head with my Nikon d700, slr slidefix and Sirui R4203 tripod. I photographed Pelicans with this setup and a 300mm F2.8 with a Kenko 1.4 extender. It worked very well. I set the head to move smoothly on the elliptical ball as well as panning. This worked almost as well as a gimbal head. I had total confidence the ball would support the weight. It's load capacity is rated at 44 lbs. I attached the slide fix plate to the foot of the lens and easily set it in the device. Great Purchase

jaziey

2013-10-16T21:00:00

I bought this head with a matching P0 plate. Plate mounted to the camera securely. Attach the plate to this head. And the camera fell off. Not only once but twice. The clamp is loose. It moves from a secure position to an unlock position easily. I don't know if mine is faulty or not. But I'm returning this for sure. Be careful with this head. Stay away if you don't want to see your thousands of dollars investment fall to the ground.

alpha

2013-10-14T21:00:00

Used for landscape photos the device seems most helpful. Panorama lock knob is difficult to engage with plate latch situated over the knob. Othewise the device is easy to operate and so very light despite its size.

Nulfek

2013-10-14T21:00:00

I have 2 of these, on for a travel tripod and one for my heavier duty tripod. These are light, yet very stable and easy to manipulate. No problem using a D4 with a Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 lens plus TC. The panning function is very good.

Michael K.

2013-09-23T21:00:00

Light yet sturdy, easy to work with in any position. I miss a plate at the base that would prevent spontaneous unscrewing from the tripod. The panning lock however can rub on quick release lever. I wish there would be a more clear and encompassing technical description at Adorama as there are many models that differ in subtleties. Easy to decide for a pro, not so for the rest

ZIGA T.

2013-04-22T21:00:00

Have tried two other tripod heads, including a Manfrotto. The Arca allows easier, more stable panning. Strong construction. Pricey, but you get what you pay for.

WILLIAM P.

2013-03-19T21:00:00

Added a clamp that takes standard AS plates. very happy with this new ball head.

jib

2013-03-18T21:00:00

Finally a ball head that I can put into a vertical position and tighten without having to take my eye from the viewfinder. Fabulous build quality.

Shmuel

2012-06-17T21:00:00

As most photographers know, you can never find the perfect (1) bag (2) tripod (3) head. As far as heads go, this one comes pretty close. After many many many attempts, this is my favourite head.

DCPImages

2012-05-27T21:00:00

Excellent ball head! Flexible and easy to use when I am on the move between shooting various subjects. I have my P0 mounted on a Gitzo 5 Series Monopod and it is an outstanding combination for anyone requiring a quick and easy setup while maintaining a rock solid stability.

Seattle_ShutterNut

2012-03-25T21:00:00

I use this head daily, Unique set up, works well. A little awkward when moving to vertical shooting but overall I recommend it. Very Light yet VERY strong.

ROBERT P.

2012-03-06T19:00:00

What an incredible piece of work! My Manfrotto 055 tripod and 498 head were stolen out of my truck about three weeks ago in Salt Lake City. I replaced them with this head and the Giottos MT8350. When you put even a large body camera on this and secure it you have almost 0 sag or deflection. All I can say is Thanks! to the punks that broke my window and stole my other setup. It was somehow a blessing in disguise.

Mike H.

2012-01-22T19:00:00

Being my first (and I expect it to be my last) heady duty, professional grade ball head for DSLR's, I can't compare and contrast to others but I am fully enjoying using this and I can't think of any way it could work smoother. The controls have a good "feel" to them. The ball locks like good brakes in a car...firm and fast, but not touchy or grabby. Although style doesn't improve performance of a ball head, it looks cool. And I like that there's minimal protruding knobs. When I grab my tripod, it doesn't get hung up on straps or apparel.

Richard B.

2011-11-27T19:00:00

The "upside down" head design makes setting up a level support for panoramic images fast and easy. There's no need to level the tripod or use leveling accessories, you simply level the head and since the panning action is under the camera, you're good to go. The feel of the main tension ring isn't great. It's too narrow and feels a little sloppy. You can get a good, firm lock, but there is no adjustable tension limiter as you get with conventional Arca heads and some competitors. The ring control is sleeker than the conventional knob, but I'd like the small panning lever to be less vulnerable (at least is seems vulnerable, I haven't had a real problem so far). The Arca lever-action quick release clamp for this ball head is fussy to use compared to many clamps I own or have owned. It's adjustable so it will work with plates that have slightly different widths. I'd consider this head adequate for lighter DSLR and lens combinations. For my larger DSLRs and lenses, I now use a conventional quality ball head mounted upside down on another tripod. It works just like this Arca head for quick panning setup, but it's smoother, has friction control, and has greater capacity.

BJN

2011-11-14T19:00:00

I can use it in all the cases I need it, traveling, at home. Wonderfull

Joerg

2011-09-06T21:00:00

Although my first high quality ball head, seems very smooth in operation. It gives a feeling of confidence. Simple controls.

Richard B.

2011-08-31T21:00:00

I use this head as a replacement for my Arca Swiss B1 which was fantastic but TOO big for out of the studio. I use it will RRS L camera mounts for DSLR and my Hasselblad... and even my 4X5 camera. More than sturdy enough for the biggest lenses. The twist ring allows me to quickly adjust it and lock it down with one hand only... Gerat piece of equipment

RICHARD U.