Specs

Head Type : Geared Head

Base Mount : 3/8"-16 Thread

Quick Release Plate : ARCA SWISS TYPE COMPATIBLE

Load Capacity  : 85 lb / 39 kg

Number of Bubble Level(s) : 2

Friction Control :Yes

Panning Range. : 360°

DimensionsH: 4.3 x W: 4.3 x L: 4.3" / H: 110.0 x W: 110.0 x L: 110.0 mm

Weight :  2.19 lb / 994 g
 

Overview

The Arca-Swiss C1 Cube is a three-axis panoramic head with a 66 lb load capacity, making it ideal for use with the heaviest cameras while maintaining a high degree of accuracy. The C1 Cube allows for finely-calibrated gearless panning adjustments with tension control. The two panoramic axes permit you to first center the Cube's controls to your position with the bottom axis, and then readjust the camera to point straight ahead with the upper axis.

The gears' rubberized knobs give pinpoint control even when wearing gloves, and don't obstruct the head's movements. On the bottom there's a hinge allowing 62° tilt so that most cameras can reach the 90° vertical position. On top of the Cube there are two bubble levels and Arca-Swiss' Classic style quick release clamp.

Although universal, the Cube's main use is in architectural and studio work, where precise movements and adjustments are required. Also suitable for macro photography, its design allows far fewer focusing readjustments while creating images. It essentially places the camera inside a sphere, as if the axes met at a point upon the image plane itself, with the camera rotating around a stationary image plane.

This engineering feat was achieved to minimize movements to the optical system's entrance pupil during composing, making for speedier field work free of perpetual height and focus adjustments.

Highlights of the C1

• Compatible with Arca's Classic quick release system

• Sophisticated engineering, machined from a single billet

• Designed in Switzerland, manufactured in France

• Geared x-y axes with adjustable gear tension and 28° of motion

• Third 62° tilt-only axis underneath geared adjustments

• Rubberized knobs easily manipulated in the cold and with gloves

• Movements allow camera's image plane to stay relatively stationary, easing macro work

• Arca-Swiss C1 Cube Geared Head with Arca Classic Quick Release

• Limited 5-Year Warranty

checkout this video on C1 by Ben Home

My Review

Build Quality : 10/10

Design: 9/10

Usability : 8/10

The Pros :

I have had the C1 GEARED TRIPOD HEAD for a few years now. This is the head I use for the most detailed Landscape images. The C1 is probably the most well built piece of photography gear I own and that says a lot. Its a precision engineered tool. its meant for the most dedicated Landscape or Architectural photographer. The range of movements coupled with the precise feel allow for minute adjustments in composition to get the perfect image.

The Cons:

Due to the weight and size of it I usually pair it with an equally robust tripod a 5 series Gitzo . That means I am limited to shooting within a short distance from my car as the combination of tripod, head , camera and lens can easily weigh 10-20lbs or 5-10 kgs . 

It takes practice to be able to use the cube in a smooth and quick manner as compared to a regular ball or 3 way head. 

Its also an expensive piece of kit. 

Summary : I love this head and try to use it as often as I can specially when capturing special landscapes and panoramas. But the truth is I keep grabbing for my lighter and quicker to setup B1 ball head if I'm travelling or hiking to save on weight as I can pair those with a lighter tripod.

But I highly recommend the C1 for the dedicated Landscape photographer or wherever precision compositions are required.

Some Reccomended Tripod and Heads