Is the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead any good? I am looking the models without quick release and get the ones with the screws. I am doing this so I could a Manfrotto quick release and plate as I got plenty of those already.

Or should I look elsewhere for a ballhead? Application will be 300/2.8L IS, 200/2L IS, tilt shift, macro and wider and wider lenses until 14mm.

I don't know from first-hand experience but from what I've read the Z1 is a very good BH. Two others you may also consider are RRS and Markins. I narrowed my choice down to the Z1, BH-55 and M20. In the end I went for the Markins M20 and I use it with 300m f/2.8 IS, 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 and wider lenses with no issues. As for clamps/plate I'm using the standard clamp (screw) and RRS plates so can't comment on Manfrotto.

According to the weight rating, I could put most of my body weight on it, and I don't think that either the 300mm f/2.8L or the 200mm f/2L are this heavy ! Here is Bryan Carnathan's review of the Z1. Here is the summary paragraph, if you don't want to read the whole thing:

"Overall, Fit, finish and functionality of the Z1 are exceptional. The Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead is currently my primary ballhead. This is a smooth, refined and solid camera/lens support."

I hope that I was a little help.

Dolina,

Both, you & Justin1, both responded to my postings, on legs & a head. I ended up deciding to go with the Markins M20. Thus far, it has been an awesome purchase. No regrets. My current lens lineup is a 16-35/2.8 II, 24L I T/S, 70-200/2.8 IS, & 300/2.8 IS. The M20, is nice & smooth, just as everyone described.

Take a look at Kirk