REVIEW: Arca Swiss Core Leveller 60 Classic
For professional photographers, a reliable tripod head is essential. Arca-Swiss offers the Core 60 Leveler, a premium yet more affordable alternative to their C1 Cube. While it lacks some features of the pricier model, the Core 60 provides 80-90% of its capabilities at a lighter weight. It boasts a three-geared system for precise adjustments, ideal for various photography types. However, its limited tilt range and higher price might deter some. Overall, its precision and build quality make it a worthy investment for serious photographers.
Among the most understated yet vital components for any professional photographers kit is a good tripod head. Not only is a solid and reliable tripod head important to capture precise and stable shots, but it's also crucial for allowing smooth yet controlled movements when you need to tilt and pan your camera. While there are plenty of fantastic tripod heads on the market, Arca-Swiss still manages to stand out.
They make some of the most legendary tripod heads around, and in particular, with their selection of top-end, premium geared heads. Not too long ago, I discussed the merits with Arca-Swiss's flagship C1 Cube geared head. While it's a nearly perfect bit of kit for professional photographers, the C1 Cube is incredibly featured packed. For most pros, they may not need all the C1 has to offer, but may opt for something a little more compact but still precise!
PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THIS ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW
Video Source - Arca Shop via YouTube
For those that still want something close in terms of versatile engineering and clever design, its little brother, the Core 60 Leveller Classic might be the right fit for you. What the 60 Leveller loses in weight in features, it certainly does not lack any of the build quality and premium feel of the larger C1 - yet with plenty of capability for most applications. The 60 Leveller is aimed to fit the budgets and camera bags of those that want Arca-Swiss standards in an altogether more accessible form.
While it does miss out on some features compared to the pricier C1 Cube, the Core 60 is pretty much 80% or 90% of the way there in terms of what you're getting. Yet, the Core 60 is cheaper than the C1 Cube, yet it's more lightweight too, which is perfect for on-the-go photographers. Nevertheless, compared to plenty of the Core 60's contemporaries from other brands, the Arca-Swiss tax still applies, so is it really worth it?
What Makes The Arca-Swiss Core 60 Leveler (Classic) So Special?
Arca-Swiss definitely make premium products that may be seen as high-priced, that's by no means meant to be dismissive of the brand. Most of their products, such as geared tripod heads, are on the higher end of the scale, so it's no surprise that when compared to more budget options, they can appear very expensive. On the other hand, though, Arca-Swiss is well-regarded within the community for its precision, build quality and functionality.
The most commonly overlooked reasoning for the perceived higher-prices are the outstanding quality of the products, these things are built to last. As an Arca-Swiss user of many, many years, I can stand testament to this! From the precision milling of the aluminium parts to the quality of the anodising, the standard of these products speaks for itself - they are built to last! With care, there is no reason why they can’t last for decades and with that, they must be seen as long-term investments.
Their geared heads, such as the Core 60 Leveler, embody the brand's spirit wholeheartedly. As such, the Arca-Swiss Core 60 Level offers photographers a tripod head that combines speed and ease of use as well as the ability to manage meticulous and granular control. So, despite its (very) premium price tag (not as much when you see how much the C1 Cube costs), it's quite a compelling pick for pros and enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the Core 60 Leveler (Classic) is its three-geared system that allows you to quickly make adjustments like tilting or panning your camera. Yet, that speed doesn't come at the cost of precision and accuracy, as that Arca-Swiss three-geared system ensures photographers a precise camera position and adjustment, making it ideal for macro, still life, panoramic, or architectural photography.
For my travels, I combined this head with the legs from the HEIPI W28 3-in-1 Travel Tripod for a killer Combo!
As for the range of adjustment and calibration that you have, the Core 60 Leveler has a +/-10º range, for both left-right and fore-aft tilts. Admittedly, this might be limited to some shooting scenarios that you'll encounter. Thus, the Core 60 Leveler is specifically optimal when used for those who mostly shoot at eye level and other similar scenarios. Meanwhile, it features a panning range of 360º, upper and lower.
What Should You Consider Before Getting The Arca-Swiss Core 60?
Expanding more on the aforementioned +/-10º tilt range, I pointed out prior that for architectural, as well as macro photography and the like, this limited tilt range shouldn't likely be an issue for most. Besides the specific scenarios here though, this does mean that, with only its +/-10º tilt range, it might not be the best all-rounder geared tripod head for every photographer, more so if you're shooting scenario varies a lot.
For instance, for photographers and enthusiasts who want to try out different mediums of photography, a small range of tilt movement like this can be highly limiting to what you can shoot at any given time when you have the Core 60 equipped. With that being said, if the Core 60 Leveler doesn't do it for you, there's a solution for this, and it comes in the form of the Core 60's bigger brother, the Arca-Swiss Core 75 Leveler.
The Core 75 Leveler offers a wider tilt range of +/-15º, which opens up a wealth of possibilities for what sort of photography you're into, or what kind of shots you need to take, depending on the scenario. If you need to take shots from a lower or higher angle, the extra +/-5º worth of tilt range could be a godsend. It should be noted, however, that the Core 75 is heavier and slightly more costly than the Core 60 Leveler.
On the flip side, the Core 75 does feature additional pull-out knobs for extra convenience, when you need to adjust it. The Core 60, on the other hand, doesn't have this. Regardless of which one you choose, Arca-Swiss have outdone themselves with the build quality. They feel durable and robust, yet retain a compact form factor and lightweight design, making them the ideal companion for lugging around between shoots.
What Are The Upsides To Choosing The Arca-Swiss Core 60?
Given how much I've praised it thus far, there are plenty of fantastic reasons why you'd pick the Arca-Swiss Core 60, despite the countless alternatives on the market. Here are just some of those top reasons:
High Precision & Accuracy - The three-geared system enables you to make meticulous and granular tilt or pan adjustments. This ensures that your camera is always positioned exactly when you need it to be. It alone is one of the best pieces of design that Arca-Swiss have integrated into its tripod heads, such as the Core 60 Leveler (and one that features the Classic quick release that I have here, as well as the flipLock or monoball quick releases from Arca-Swiss).
Built Like An Absolute Tank - Another typical Arca-Swiss thing with the Core 60 is their overbuilt design and top-notch build quality. It not only feels premium to use in the hand, but, and given how long all the stuff they've made in the past have fared over these past many years, it helps to ensure longevity as well as durability, even under rigorous use. During my time with the Core 60 (and the C1 Cube), I'm confident that they'll perform reliably for quite some time, and I can always rely on them, even years from now.
Compact And Lightweight - Although they're built like an absolute unit, the Core 60 (as with a lot of Arca-Swiss's other products) are still small and light enough that you can comfortably carry these with you, as you move from one shoot to the next. Even more so, when you pair it with the right tripod. So, for all you street photographers or photogs who like to be on the move most of the time, the Core 60 shouldn't slow you down.
Okay, But Are There Any Flaws To The Arca-Swiss Core 60 Leveler?
Despite its many upsides though, the Arca-Swiss Core 60 has its fair share of flaws, negatives, and things that could be better or are restrictive to some photographers. These include:
Limited Tilt Range - Just like how I've stressed before, the Core 60 has a fairly restricting +/-10º tilt range, which can be quite limiting to some photographers. Certain shooting scenarios, particularly when angling the camera upwards from a low position, will make the Core 60 difficult to use, and would otherwise need you to reposition multiple times in situations like that. Once again, this is a trade-off that you'll have to be wary of before getting the Core 60, and if you need a greater tilt range, the Core 75 should be on your list.
Premium Price Tag - The Core 60 Leveler (with the Classic quick-release system) costs around £550. This is going to vary depending on where you're shopping and whether or not you're able to snatch a discount or a promo code in the meantime. Nevertheless, at this premium price point, it's undoubtedly a deterrent for some would-be buyers, especially hobbyists or beginners. Still, given Arca-Swiss's penchant for world-class build quality, impactful performance, and sheer versatility, the Core 60's high cost isn't entirely surprising.
Is The Arca-Swiss Core 60 Leveler (Classic) Really Worth The Asking Price?
All in all, the Arca-Swiss Core 60 Leveler (Classic) is a testament to precision engineering and design. The amazing features and performance can at least justify the cost. Particularly so, among professionals and serious enthusiasts that demand the best in the business, and those who need a tripod head that can perform reliably, and ensure great precision. Though as previously mentioned, any concerns around cost are easily allayed when viewed as an investment into a piece of kit than can potentially last decades!
Granted, while the Core 60's limited tilt range would restrict you to a select few and specific photography genres and shooting scenarios, its compact design, great build quality, paired with precision controls, are the icing on the cake. The Arca-Swiss Core 60 is a highly capable and valuable tool, and once you consider what your shooting needs are to keep within that limited tilt range, I doubt you'd regret getting one!
Specs And Details
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
REVIEW: Arca Swiss C1 Geared Panning Cube Head
Discover the Arca Swiss C1 Geared Cube Head tripod head, a precision-engineered tool for pro photographers. Experience ultimate stability, 3D micro-precision adjustments, and compatibility with most tripods. Elevate your shots with this revolutionary design that redefines performance in the field.
When shopping around for camera gear, or if you're packing up for a long photo shoot, the tripod head is among the hardware that some tend to cheap out on or forget entirely. Sure, it's not that big of an issue, if you're mostly shooting from the hip. However, if you rely heavily on mounting your camera on a tripod, be it for long exposure photography or taking panorama shots, a good tripod head is a must-have.
But even then, the landscape of tripod heads is a diverse one to explore, with a varying number of options, differing in design and price point. Nonetheless, if money is no object, or if you're willing to invest a huge sum into perfecting your photography arsenal, the top of the tripod head hierarchy remains uncontested by the mighty Arca-Swiss C1 Cube. So unique is the C1 Cube, that there's nothing else quite like it.
PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THis ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW
It's a high-end, incredibly specialised piece of equipment that most would no doubt find overkill. Or, more particularly, the C1 Cube is geared toward photographers that value a tripod head that enables them to make amazingly precise and refined adjustments. So, you can imagine its uses in instances such as architectural, macro or landscape photography, with buttery-smooth panning shots, and its numerous adjustments.
You can tilt or position your camera to very fine degrees and do so in small increments to help compose a shot. Yet, all this supreme functionality hides underneath a robust and solid shell, alongside quite a lot of mechanical trickery that's unlike any other tripod head that you've come across. If there's such a thing as the best of the best tripod head, the Arca Swiss C1 Cube might be the king of the hill (for now).
Built Like An Absolute Unit
As soon as you get physical with the C1 Cube, you'll notice right away that you're dealing with something quite special. Though most tripod heads are built like tanks anyway, Arca Swiss's attention to detail with industrial design and engineering appears second to none. There's a good reason why this is the case, of course. Mainly, the C1 Cube is designed to support even large format cameras up to 8x10.
Moreover, I'm quite surprised by easily it handles these heavier cameras, and without any significant loss in stability when it's mounted onto a tripod. Granted, this does come at the cost of added weight, as that Arca Swiss C1 Cube weighs more than 1kg. Or, specifically, around 1,032g. That's certainly heavier than a lot of other tripod heads on the market. You'll understand more once you take a closer look at it.
The heft of the C1 Cube is thanks to the robust, tank-like construction, as well as the technical marvel that goes on inside with its geared mechanisms. And yes, the C1 Cube adopts a geared head design instead of a ball head, which has its respective pros and cons. As we'll uncover later, a geared head does mean that I'll be able to get more precise adjustments and positioning when manipulating the tripod head.
Elsewhere, Arca Swiss is well-known for the build quality of its products, and the C1 Cube is no different. The exterior of the C1 Cube is smooth and has even polishing all around. Even the threading on the dials and knobs is easy to grip onto. Furthermore, it's hard to escape the solid feel of the C1 Cube. Besides, it was basically made out of a solid chunk of Aluminum, which also explains the excessive mass.
Video Source - Ben Horne via YouTube
Smoothest Knobs And Dials Around
Speaking of its build, the knobs and dials on the Arca Swiss C1 Cube are definitely worth a mention, too. The rotation of the knobs and dials is smooth, which can be very hard to replicate in some other tripod heads. They feel consistent yet with enough tension to ensure that you can make finer adjustments a bit more precisely. Even with hard use, I've not been able to feel any play or looseness at all.
Moreover, the C1 Cube includes a series of tension control dials, as well. You can thus use these to adjust the tension of the aforementioned knobs. So, you could either tighten the movement of the knobs, which can help to make it harder to turn by accident or if you're prone to over-adjusting. Alternatively, you can loosen up the knobs with those tension control dials, and make them easier to manipulate.
Even if you're used to ball heads, those tension adjustments on the C1 Cube are still more than enough to prevent accidental movements. In addition, avoiding heavy loads - such as having mounted a heavier and larger camera - from shifting your tripod around. Looking around, I've not found any specified load rating specs for the Arca Swiss C1 Cube. There are a bunch of figures online, but 88lbs sounds about right.
Regardless, if the testimonies from C1 Cube owners are anything to go by, it can take quite a bit - so long as you're loading it up reasonably. With that in mind, let's go back to those knobs, as you'll note a few of them around the C1 Cube's outer shell. These are, as with any tripod head, crucial to changing the angle of tilt, rotation, panning, or levelling. Even in this category, the C1 Cube runs away with it.
Maximal Adjustability At A Whim
The Arca Swiss C1 Cube could handle a maximum degree of rotation and tilting of 30-degrees. That's an improvement over some of its closest rivals, which could only handle barely double-digit degrees in their tilt and rotation angles. On top of that, the C1 Cube handily manages 360-degrees of panning - as noted earlier, these adjustments are precise and buttery-smooth, with no noticeable notches or play.
To use these knobs and dials is pretty easy enough, as they're logically placed and spaced out, which is also to the benefit of ergonomics, especially on a long shoot. Throughout the head, you'll find four knobs that specifically sets the tilting and levelling on the X- and Y-axis, respectively. There's then another knob on the bottom to flip up the C1 Cube and then use it in its 90-degree vertical position mode.
This means that your camera is pointing straight toward the ground, which is not something many other tripod heads can claim to do. Near the bottom of the Arca Swiss C1 Cube, you'll then find other knobs to help with the panning, too. To make sure that you're absolutely level, the C1 Cube features bubble spirit levels, one on either side of the head, so you can quickly check the angle that it's positioned over.
Altogether, these make the Arca Swiss C1 Cube a stunningly versatile tool, particularly when you look at other competing tripod heads. However, this might be a detriment in other aspects. With the gearing as well as the sheer number of adjustments that you have, it can take some time to get used to them. Thus, I'd argue that despite its slickness in adjustability, it may be slower to use than simpler tripod heads.
Video Source - John Magnoski via YouTube
“Arca-Swiss’s attention to detail with industrial design and engineering appears second to none.”
The PERFECT PLATFORM
Two other highlights of the Arca Swiss C1 Cube are its base plate compatibility and the locking mechanisms. However, do take note that it's only compatible with Arca Swiss plates and brackets, with either minimal or non-existent support for third-party options. Given how much money is at stake when you're investing this much into photography gear, it's worth checking for compatibility between your equipment.
Specs-wise, the C1 Cube's tripod mount thread size is 3/8"-16. If you have been around the photo or video industry for any time, you will know that there are two main base plate system - Arca Swiss and Manfrotto. The choice between which you prefer is a very personal one but if I tell you I have an Arca Swiss plate on the bottom of almost every camera I won, you can probably guess my preference.
However, this isn’t to say that one is necessarily better than the other, but from my personal experience, I have always preferred the Arca Swiss system. It is also a system that has been thoroughly adopted by many third party providers with a seemingly endless list of rails and L-brackets all design to be (mostly) compatible with Arca Swiss’s tripod heads.
In fact, the only very, very minor downside that I came across was I very nearly loosened the camera from the head because I mistook the locking know for an adjustment knob. This would be of some concern with thousands of pounds worth of camera teetering on top! The solution, just make sure the locking knob for the plate is point backwards (towards you) and be very careful to check what you are undoing!
Buttery Tilts And Rotations
Having tested it with a variety of weighty cameras, not all! Movements and adjustments on the C1 Cube are as tight as you can get, with no play. The latter has been a bit of a deal-breaker for some photographers that have been looking at the Arca Swiss C1 Cube's competitors, where some play or backlash in the gearing are to be expected to a degree. This, therefore, enables you to make smooth, sweeping adjustments.
And, doing so precisely, such as gentle panning from side to side, which makes this excellent if you want to combine panorama shots together. Or, if you prefer the C1 Cube's locked-down stability, it also makes for an ideal tripod head (with the right accompanying gear, naturally) for those long-exposure shots. The stability and rigidness of the C1 Cube, even when loaded up with bulky cameras, are also quite superb.
Even at the extreme ends, when you have it tilted, rotated, and panned, being top-heavy with a chunkier camera doesn't upset it. It also helps that you can trust on that secure locking mechanism to prevent an accidental movement or unintended adjustment. Now, if you're looking for a rival to compare against, it doesn't really have that many. But then again, there aren't many tripod heads like the C1 Cube.
Manfrotto has their popular 405 and 410 series of geared tripod heads. While they are excellent, in my opinion, they're not really made to the same ultra-high standards as the C1 Cube. The former two, for example, have a bit more play in the adjustments, as they don't lock down as securely from my experience. So, if you're interested to step it up a few notches, you won't find much else on the market right now that could rival the C1 Cube.
Video Source - Arca Swiss USA via YouTube
Is It Worth The Asking Price?
Now, here's the catch - the price. For all its capabilities and what you can get out of it, the Arca Swiss C1 Cube is rather expensive. It has a starting price just over £1300. For a tripod head, some might argue that it's a bit too much to spend. Then again, if you're a professional with thousands of pounds invested, another £1.5k for a quality tripod head might not put your accounts under too much strain.
Even with its pricey RRP, I still think it's well worth considering, given its immense versatility, solid build quality, and maximal functionality. It's maybe less of a mere tripod head and more of a specialised piece of machinery. Although, with limited availability and supply on the market, it could take a bit more effort to find one. Depending on the variation (such as the locking mechanism), it might cost more. But, as my Mom always said, ‘buy cheap, buy twice’.
Some of these C1 Cubes, such as those with a quick release or heavier load capacity, might cost you a bit more. In some cases, like C1 Cube models that feature geared panning and the classic clamps; maybe even more expensive. You also have a bunch of other C1 Cube iterations to choose from. The most common variations differ in the locking system - the classic, flip-lock, or Arca Swiss's MonoballFix.
Moreover, you have pickings between the panning - either lower or upper panorama being able to freely rotate, in addition to Arca Swiss's aforementioned gearedPan as well as clicPan. In short, I'd recommend doing a bit more research into which specific version best fits your needs and budget. Still, no matter the specific type that you get, I doubt anyone would be disappointed with an Arca-Swiss C1 Cube, it’s a beast!
SPECIFICATIONS
About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.
Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission for providing the link. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.