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