I checked with a couple of friends this weekend who I thought used Arca but they (2 of them) sold it all off for manfrotto/bogen. First I ever heard of that.

Thank You Tao, I guess I will have to order the ball head and check it for myself.

I use them but I do not know about the Arca swiss compatibility as I have never tried. I'm guessing no since there is a safety lock on the plate/base that keeps the camera from falling off on it's own. Great system, big, but I like it since there is zero chance of something falling off or getting on just right.

I think the plates come off on most of the Manfrotto heads or at least the one's I have. I use a BG468MGRC5 Ball Head (actually it is NatGeo version same thing though) and that thing can handle anything and I love it. Again, big and heavy but I have found the pluses outweigh the size.

Guys, need some help. Does anyone of You using manfrotto/bogen Q5 Quick Relase clamps/plates? If so, are they compatible with arca swiss or if not, does any one use manfrottos 054 ball head? any comments about this ball head? is the whole clamp section removable? right now I'm using (when I travel light and doesn't have a place for my gimbal head) manfrottos 486rc2 (converted to arca swiss with kirk photo arca-swiss clam) and unfortunately it doesn't work with my setup (d3s+TC+300mm).