d4 geared pan "FlipLock"
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 "GP" mean?
GP stands for geared panning and means that the upper panorama can optionally be freely panned or geared for a smooth continuous movement.
What does quick set device "FlipLock" mean?
The FlipLock lever allows quick and secure clamping of the camera plate or L-bracket.
The double safety mechanism prevents unintentional unlocking.
All camera plates, L-brackets, monorails & optical benches from Arca Swiss fit into the FlipLock 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 133 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 5.24 inches |
| Weight: | 1045 g / 2.30 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs, 30 kg |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360°, gp (geared panning) with free or geared panning |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | Fliplock |
| 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 "GP" mean?
GP stands for geared panning and means that the upper panorama can optionally be freely panned or geared for a smooth continuous movement.
What does quick set device "FlipLock" mean?
The FlipLock lever allows quick and secure clamping of the camera plate or L-bracket.
The double safety mechanism prevents unintentional unlocking.
All camera plates, L-brackets, monorails & optical benches from Arca Swiss fit into the FlipLock 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 133 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 5.24 inches |
| Weight: | 1045 g / 2.30 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs, 30 kg |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360°, gp (geared panning) with free or geared panning |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | Fliplock |
| Ideal for: | Landscape, Panorama, Macro |
| Type of tripod head: | 3-way panhead, Gearhead |
| Dimensions: | 110 x 90 x 133 mm / 4.33 x 3.54 x 5.24 inches |
| Weight: | 1045 g / 2.30 lbs |
| Weight capacity: | 30 kg / 66 lbs, 30 kg |
| Base diameter: | 60mm/2,36in |
| Base mount: | 3/8"-16 |
| Panorama: | bottom: 360° lockable free movement, top: 360°, gp (geared panning) with free or geared panning |
| Tilt Range: | X axis: +90°/-40°, Y axis: +40° |
| Friction: | No |
| Spirit level: | Two |
| Axes can be operated separately: | Yes |
| Quickset device: | Fliplock |
| Ideal for: | Landscape, Panorama, Macro |
You pay for what you get - worth every euro spent.
The head combines the highest quality of workmanship, elegant appearance and individual design. Additional levels are very helpful when profiling the camera for panoramas. However, in the case of frequent changes of gear equipped with various arca-type plates, the traditional method of assembly seems to be better, at least for me. Equipment for ages, for people who do not accept compromises.
Best geared head I've tried
It's without a doubt the best ball head I've had so far. The build quality and finish is superb. I do mostly real estate, interiors and architecture and it's a pleasure to work with because of its comfort and precision. I've had it for a few days but it looks like it will last for many years. It is worth every euro it costs.
