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Archive 2008 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Gene_C
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Has anyone done a comparison between these two BH's? I have a Markins M10 which I am extremely pleased with; I want to buy a bigger BH for my Gitzo 3530 SLV and I'm wondering which to buy. The friction control is almighty important to me, I love the Markins in that respect but the opportunity is there to save a few bucks if the Arca Z1 friction control is as good. Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Are users genuinely pleased with their Arca Z1's?

gene

Mar 18, 2008 at 05:32 PM

csm
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

The Z1 is excellent. The friction control and movement is super smooth and the elipical ball works as advertised.

Mar 18, 2008 at 06:36 PM

Gene_C
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Shane, do you have the quick release clamp? If so, how does that work with the various plates that are available. I have sort of an assortment of Jobu, RRS and Kirk.
So you are thinking I should be pleased with the Arca the same as my Markins?

Gene

Mar 18, 2008 at 06:44 PM

csm
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

I bought the version with the screw clamp installed, it is a great clamp. I have Wimberley and RRS plates (mostly Wimberley) and it works just fine with all of them. Lever clamps are not something I ever buy. I've heard that the lever clamp that is made by AS is a little hokey, but I don't care since I do not use them anyway. The screw clamp is first rate in function and build...and the finish is really nice too.

What I can say is the the Z1 is excellent, but I will also say that Markins are as well. I used to have the medium sized Markins (whatever number that is) and it was very nice.

Mar 18, 2008 at 07:03 PM

Gene_C
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

That's what I have is the medium markins which is an M10. So essentially you think the Z1 is about the same I take it. I think I will order the same one from B&H and check it out. Thanks......

Gene

Mar 18, 2008 at 07:16 PM

Gavin Sim
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

I have the Z1 and think its great also - used on gITZO 2530

Mar 19, 2008 at 01:40 PM

pturton
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Check out this when considering an Arca Z1:
http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=119445

Mar 19, 2008 at 04:41 PM

csm
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

pturton wrote:
Check out this when considering an Arca Z1:
http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=119445

Whoever that is must have had a rare bad one. Normally I use my Linhof or my full Wimerblely for my 400 2.8 IS and either a Mk2n or Mk3...but I used the Z1 and my midweight tripod, over the shoulder, and walked over a mile for a shot recently with the same rig, the 400 2.8 IS and Mk3 without any creep or problems...and no doubt could do that all day. I say this because what I carried is far heavier than what he was. So I would say it was an unusual experience as did many others in that post.

That being said, more info is better than less. Try one out, test it how you use them, if you like...keep it, if not, back it goes.

Edited on Mar 19, 2008 at 07:35 PM

Mar 19, 2008 at 05:21 PM

MichaelMann
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Can anyone confirm that the Z1 will lay perfectly flat on the tripod base if using a 3/8 to 1/4 reducer bushing? All the reducer bushings I've found have a small lip (or flange) on them. When screwing them into the bottom of my Markins ball head, the flange does not allow the ball head to sit perfectly flush with the tripod base. Even the bushing Markin's sells has this flange. I'm hoping the Z1 to allow the bushing to be countersunk. Either that or I need to find a new centerpost with a 3/8 bolt.

Mar 20, 2008 at 10:38 AM

docgriz
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

I just got the Z-1 and it mounts flush to my Manfrotto 3021BPRO. I purchased it with the Wimberley C-10 clamp attached directly from Wimberely. You will not find the Z-1 for sale online at Wimberely. You have to call them to order it. (540-665-2744) They are very helpful and friendly. The best part is they only charge $335 for the Arca-Swiss Z-1 with C-10 attached.

Doc

Mar 21, 2008 at 08:29 AM

jhom
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

MichaelMann wrote:
Can anyone confirm that the Z1 will lay perfectly flat on the tripod base if using a 3/8 to 1/4 reducer bushing? All the reducer bushings I've found have a small lip (or flange) on them. When screwing them into the bottom of my Markins ball head, the flange does not allow the ball head to sit perfectly flush with the tripod base. Even the bushing Markin's sells has this flange. I'm hoping the Z1 to allow the bushing to be countersunk. Either that or I need to find a new centerpost with a 3/8 bolt.

The RRS reducer bushing does not have a lip. I used one for my RRS lever clamp conversion.

Jim

Mar 21, 2008 at 09:42 AM

Timm
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

If you ever intend to make stitched panoramas, get the dp version. The second panning base on top of the head makes setting up for a pano ridiculously fast and easy. You'll need a bull's-eye level that can fit inside the QR clap of the head--I got one for $5 at a hardware store.

I'm finding the second pan is handy for lots of other things, too, like perfectly smooth and level action pans and fiddly macro framing.

I love my Z1. I tried to overload it, but my Gitzo 2540EX gave out first. The tension pre-set works just fine, and the panning actions feel like they're fluid damped--except they don't get stiff in the cold (-15 F is the coldest I've tested).

Mar 21, 2008 at 04:34 PM

MichaelMann
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Thanks for the info Doc and Jim. Turns out that a different reducer (with a smaller lip than the one I had) fits perfectly on my M20 and allows it to lay perfectly flush on my tripod base. I did see the RRS bushing with no flange, and I'm sure that would have worked as well.

Edited on Mar 21, 2008 at 06:27 PM

Mar 21, 2008 at 06:24 PM

MichaelMann
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

That thread from naturescapes.net would have me a little spooked if I had a Z1. I was considering a Z1 too because I love the idea of the elliptical ball head - and as Gene mentioned, its a little cheaper than the M20. If I hadn't found the right reducer bushing for my M20, I think I would have been looking for an RSS BL-40, instead of the Z1.

Mar 21, 2008 at 09:46 PM

csm
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

MichaelMann wrote:
That thread from naturescapes.net would have me a little spooked if I had a Z1. I was considering a Z1 too because I love the idea of the elliptical ball head - and as Gene mentioned, its a little cheaper than the M20. If I hadn't found the right reducer bushing for my M20, I think I would have been looking for an RSS BL-40, instead of the Z1.

I had a BH-40 and sold it. I bought the Markins M10 and Z1 for side by side tests, the Z1 is the one I kept. While the Z1 is "medium" in size, it performs like the larger ballheads. The BH-40 ball is not nearly as smooth and has an odd low profile design in addition to problems with the lever touching the tripod base...unacceptable in my book. I've used the Z1 with a 400 2.8 and Mk2n over the shoulder for over a mile any number of times...zero creep and strong, the smoothish action on all axis as many others here has described. The eliptical ball is unique and works as advertised. This rig is the heaviest combination you can put on any ballhead...and only less than the 600 with the same camera by a couple of ounces...and far heavier than the rig the Naturescapes person had.

If you are serious about getting a good ballhead, the ONLY way to verify that you are getting the best one is do that is to exactly what I did. Buy them and test them. Return the ones you don't like.

If you do this, and almost nobody does because it is work to do, let us know what you think. I bet I can guess the answer.

IMHO, the Z1 is the best of the bunch for the medium sized ballheads, from someone that has owned and used all three.

Read this too...basically says the same things about the performance of the Z1... http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Arca-Swiss-Monoball-Z1-Ballhead-Review.aspx

In fact, the Z1 is so strong, they don't compare it to something like a BH-40, they compare it to the big BH-55.

I don't know if this pic is helpful but it might be, on the left is the Z1...on the right is my big ballhead, and Linhof Profi III...what I normally use for the 400 (when not on the full Wimberley that is)...but I'm completely comfortable with the big rig on the Z1.

BTW, the Linhof Profi III shown on the right is quite a bit larger...somehow the perspective and distance does not really show that. It is a beautiful, big, very heavy, expensive, well machined beast. Not for travel and the strength is certainly not needed for any but the heaviest of setups.

Edited on Mar 22, 2008 at 12:27 AM

Mar 21, 2008 at 10:03 PM

dalegaspi
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

i use the Z1 and imo its stability is just phenomenal. my only complaint is the base/panorama lock/lever which is NOT the same as the B1...the lever is pretty cumbersome to use.

Mar 22, 2008 at 09:11 PM

csm
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

dalegaspi wrote:
i use the Z1 and imo its stability is just phenomenal. my only complaint is the base/panorama lock/lever which is NOT the same as the B1...the lever is pretty cumbersome to use.

Cumbersome? It is little, if that is what you mean. It should be bigger or of a round design. I find it small if you are wearing gloves...not sure why they did not make it bigger, strange that. An annoyance, but on balance a little issue (so to speak) and I'm used to it already.

Mar 22, 2008 at 09:23 PM

Timm
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Mar 24, 2008 at 12:14 PM

CPWarner
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Shane, how is the panning lock with a big lens attached? My wife's B-1's panning lock is very weak and will rotate with a 70-200mm f2.8 and a 1Dmk2 attached. I have also had trouble getting the B-1 firmly on an off a tripod due to the flimsy pan lock. So, I was wondering if the Z-1 was better.

Edited on Mar 24, 2008 at 08:10 PM

Mar 24, 2008 at 08:09 PM

MichaelMann
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Markins M20 Vs. Arca z1

Timm wrote:
Did you notice that, aside from the OP, no one mentioned a problem with the Z1? An isolated incident affecting one user does not make for a defective product! The "glue" that holds the QR clamp is a threadlock--like LocTite--which is what every head manufacturer I'm aware of uses to retain the QR clamp on the head. That there was one failure out of the thousands in use does not surprise me in the least.

Remember the golden rule of on-line reviews: People who are not pleased with a product are much more likely to post online than those who are...Show more →

Good points, Tim. However, that design just doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in me. While I wouldn't be surprised Arca-Swiss has sold many more ballheads as some of the other higher end makers (RRS, Markins, Kirk, etc.), I've never heard anyone else have an issue like the OP described. Of course, that's not to say it hasn't happened. I did notice one other person claiming to have almost lost their gear due to the Z1 failing on BH's Z1 product page. Seems unrelated to the OP's issue, however.

Arca-Swiss has had at least one known quality issue in the past. A small batch of a faulty part apparently caused some freezing on the B1. And the B1 has been redesigned 3 or 4 times in its history, I believe leading to best of class reputation. Whether the Z1's failure rate really is .1 % who really knows. It was only recently released, wasn't it?

Edited on Mar 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Mar 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM

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