d4 "MonoballFix"
The d4 is a symbiosis of a spherical head and a 3D tilt head. It is built of high quality and exceptional strenght.
ARCA-SWISS has succeeded in combining the advantages of both systems in one head and even integrating significant improvements over a conventional 3D tilt.
I think, it is a reinvention of a 3D tilt head.
The heads are small and compact, the usual annoying big levers are missing here completely.
You can use a d4 can like a normal ball head or like a 3D tilt head with geared movements.
When the X and Y axes are open, you can move the camera freely, but unlike a normal ball head, you can move them separately. This works even when both axes are open - even more accurately when one of the two is fixed.
The d4 has 2 panoramas: A rotating device is located at the base of the head.
With this the camera is aligned. The 2nd panorama is above the axes, so a perfect panoramic pan is made with the neatly adjusted camera.
The innovative design of the d4`s combines the pivot points of the X and Y movements into one point. This makes the panning radius of these movements very small. Found perspectives are preserved when readjusting.
The head's swiveling is equipped with a self-locking shock absorption feature, allowing for near total compensation of the camera's weight
Another notable feature is the positioning of the spirit levels. They are located below the upper panorama device and are arranged at a 90° angle. Both are visible so that the photographer can level his camera well even from a low position.
What does quick set device "MonoballFix" mean?
The Monoballfix lever is easy and safe to use. Due to the compact design and the self-closing mechanism, the MonoballFix quick clamp is an excellent alternative to the other quick clamps.
All MonoballFix camera plates, L-brackets and Monorails from Arca Swiss fit into the MonoballFix quick release.
An overview of all quick clamps can be found in our "Knowledge Base".
| Type of tripod head: | 3-way panhead, Gearhead |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 90 x 117 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 4.61 inches |
| Weight: | 940 g / 2.07 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360° lockable free movement |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | MonoballFix |
| Ideal for: | Landscape, Panorama, Macro |
The d4 is a symbiosis of a spherical head and a 3D tilt head. It is built of high quality and exceptional strenght.
ARCA-SWISS has succeeded in combining the advantages of both systems in one head and even integrating significant improvements over a conventional 3D tilt.
I think, it is a reinvention of a 3D tilt head.
The heads are small and compact, the usual annoying big levers are missing here completely.
You can use a d4 can like a normal ball head or like a 3D tilt head with geared movements.
When the X and Y axes are open, you can move the camera freely, but unlike a normal ball head, you can move them separately. This works even when both axes are open - even more accurately when one of the two is fixed.
The d4 has 2 panoramas: A rotating device is located at the base of the head.
With this the camera is aligned. The 2nd panorama is above the axes, so a perfect panoramic pan is made with the neatly adjusted camera.
The innovative design of the d4`s combines the pivot points of the X and Y movements into one point. This makes the panning radius of these movements very small. Found perspectives are preserved when readjusting.
The head's swiveling is equipped with a self-locking shock absorption feature, allowing for near total compensation of the camera's weight
Another notable feature is the positioning of the spirit levels. They are located below the upper panorama device and are arranged at a 90° angle. Both are visible so that the photographer can level his camera well even from a low position.
What does quick set device "MonoballFix" mean?
The Monoballfix lever is easy and safe to use. Due to the compact design and the self-closing mechanism, the MonoballFix quick clamp is an excellent alternative to the other quick clamps.
All MonoballFix camera plates, L-brackets and Monorails from Arca Swiss fit into the MonoballFix quick release.
An overview of all quick clamps can be found in our "Knowledge Base".
| Type of tripod head: | 3-way panhead, Gearhead |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 90 x 117 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 4.61 inches |
| Weight: | 940 g / 2.07 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360° lockable free movement |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | MonoballFix |
| Ideal for: | Landscape, Panorama, Macro |
| Type of tripod head: | 3-way panhead, Gearhead |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 90 x 117 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 4.61 inches |
| Weight: | 940 g / 2.07 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360° lockable free movement |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | MonoballFix |
| Ideal for: | Landscape, Panorama, Macro |
Best Geared Head on the market!
Compact and smooth working and this was exactly why I chose the Arca D4 for its size and build quality. Because I never was fond of the FlipLock system, the MonoballFix is a perfect alternative and it's rock solid when an Arca lens plate or an Arca camera L-Bracket is attached.
Would have been nice if this (not so cheap) beauty would have been delivered in some kind of pouch. Now I use my good old RRS pouch for protecting the head.
