You got that right, Arca-Swiss isn't cheap, I would hardly call it affordable. But I see other brands that have copied their ideas. I am happy with the Giottos ball head, I would just like to replace the QR clamp. I'm wondering what others are using, and if there are certain brands to avoid. Sometimes what appears to be a great deal turns out to be complete waste of money. All kinds of stuff online, but it's sometimes difficult to determine the quality of something if you cant hold it in your hands.