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Author Topic: pan/tilt to z1/cube??  (Read 1586 times)

NROCH

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pan/tilt to z1/cube??
« on: March 12, 2009, 08:36:13 am »

Hello,

I shoot architecture, interiors and landscapes. I've been using a Manfrotto 029 for about 5 years. Its rugged, but quite cumbersome and after recently upgrading from DSLR to Arca Swiss +DB I'm thinking to get a new head that has smoother adjustments and perhaps not so cumbersome.

A problem with the 029 is that it can be a bit annoying to accurately lock into place first go, and although this isn't always a problem, when you're in a rush it can be annoying!

I can't use the manfrotto geared heads because I need them to be centred. (I tried the 410, no good and I hate the mounting plate, the 405 is just massive and I think it has the same off-centre design. I need it centred for verified work)

I've been looking at the Z1, never had a ball head but have heard very good things about it. One thing that has recently put me off a bit is the stem issue raised last June 2008. Does anyone know if this has had a resolution?

There's also the option of the cube as  few people I know have it, but at over £1500 it's a luxury.

I'd like to get a Z1 accept this stem issue has put me off a bit and don't know when the z2 will come out (although I've seen it on the arca-shop.de website but haven't heard anything from uk dealers)

Any pointers very welcome.

thanks

Nick

JGBaldwin

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pan/tilt to z1/cube??
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2009, 06:07:32 pm »

Quote from: NROCH
Hello,

I shoot architecture, interiors and landscapes. I've been using a Manfrotto 029 for about 5 years. Its rugged, but quite cumbersome and after recently upgrading from DSLR to Arca Swiss +DB I'm thinking to get a new head that has smoother adjustments and perhaps not so cumbersome.

A problem with the 029 is that it can be a bit annoying to accurately lock into place first go, and although this isn't always a problem, when you're in a rush it can be annoying!

I can't use the manfrotto geared heads because I need them to be centred. (I tried the 410, no good and I hate the mounting plate, the 405 is just massive and I think it has the same off-centre design. I need it centred for verified work)

I've been looking at the Z1, never had a ball head but have heard very good things about it. One thing that has recently put me off a bit is the stem issue raised last June 2008. Does anyone know if this has had a resolution?

There's also the option of the cube as  few people I know have it, but at over £1500 it's a luxury.

I'd like to get a Z1 accept this stem issue has put me off a bit and don't know when the z2 will come out (although I've seen it on the arca-shop.de website but haven't heard anything from uk dealers)

Any pointers very welcome.

thanks

Nick
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JGBaldwin

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pan/tilt to z1/cube??
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2009, 06:11:29 pm »

Nick, I too use an Arca Swiss with Aptus back, and use the Arca cube. Although very expensive it is simply the best tripod head available. Easy leveling, exact framing in every position, absolutely no backlash and perfectly steady. A great choice especially for a heavy camera. I have a Z1 that I use for DSLR and it does not compare.

JIm
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Peterretep

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pan/tilt to z1/cube??
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2009, 09:57:50 pm »

A ball head is fine for landscapes but I find it difficult for architectural and interior design photography so I use a Gitzo three way head. It makes leveling the camera easier.

Peter

Architectural Photography by Peter Montanti, www.mountainphotographics.com
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