L-bracket for 5D mk III - Kirk vs RRS (and question about the ballhead)

eoren1

Still waiting on the 5D mk III to come in stock but, once it does, I plan on purchasing an L bracket. I'm reading that RRS's bracket has gone through a revision and some reviews of it are less than favorable. Apparently there is a 'shelf' that is not machined as well as prior versions and marks up the 5D body (pix in this thread). The Kirk is getting better reviews and looks to be much smoother. It also seems that Kirk offers an additional area for a strap to be inserted (on the top not just the bottom). I have a hand strap and neck strap on my current 50D so that seems preferable. Any thoughts on one vs the other?

I'm currently using a Photoclam 36-N ballhead (Markins knock off) and wondering about the advantages of getting the RRS BH-40. Can anyone tell me what I'll get out of the upgrade? I currently set the head in position and then crank down on the knob to hold it steady. I loosen it all the way to make adjustments. I'm probably missing some subtle step where I can tighten it 'just enough' and then make smooth adjustments more easily but I have yet to figure that out. It seems the RRS excels at this - but is it pretty easy to figure out? Any other advantages? And any thoughts on using a Kirk bracket with the BH-40 head?

Thanks!

Dan7312

The RRS heads have a separate drag adjustment. So when you un-tighten the main screw the drag holds the camera in place. The drag is indexed, but I usually have to reset it by trial when I change the lens, which changes the weight/balance. Once the drag is adjusted though it works quite well.

The only issue I've heard of with a kirk/bh-40 combo is if you get the quick release version. Apparently on some of the older kirk stuff didn't hold dimensions tight enough to work properly in the quick release. RRS would check it for you if you sent it to them. With the latest kirk stuff it's my understanding that is not an issue.

I don't know how smoothly you pclam head is, but the RRS is really quite smooth to adjust.

I've got the RRS 5D3 L-Bracket on backorder from RSS... that's not a problem right now though:D

I've dealt with both Kirk and RRS support. They are both great, you won't be able to use that to help make your choice.

eoren1 wrote: »

Any other advantages? And any thoughts on using a Kirk bracket with the BH-40 head?

Thanks!

Andy

My RRS 5D3 L-bracket arrives on Friday. I'll let you know, but I expect it to be a perfect fit. I use the BH-40 all the time, super ballhead, rugged, smooth, easy to use.

cab.in.boston

I have no experience with RRS gear. I went with Kirk for my L-bracket and ballhead, and I have nothing but positive things to say about Kirk. From everything I hear about both companies, however, they're both top notch (and had money not been an object, I probably would have gone with RRS, but the Kirk saved me some $$$ as well as being great quality). It's a bummer if it's true that the RRS quality slipped some for this bracket. All I can say about my Kirk is that it's fantastic. Good looking, well built, solid, I'm really happy with it. But I really have a hard time believing that gear from either company would be anything but top notch.

And any thoughts on using a Kirk bracket with the BH-40 head?

I can't imagine that would be a problem. Both are arca-swiss, you should easily be able to use one bracket in the other's head/clamp.

Edit: Oh, about that alternate strap loop, is that simply because the L-bracket blocks the body's strap loop? I have a hand strap on my D300, using the lower loop on the bracket and the body's bracket, but I can use the regular loops on the body for my neck strap, if I choose. I guess maybe the design of the Mk3 just gets blocked with the bracket on?

Dan7312

I just heard back from RRS... when you mentioned the strap lug I realized that the site had no picture so I didn't know if it had one. They confirmed that the RRS 5D3 L-Bracket does have a strap lug.

They also confirmed that by bracket didn't make into the batch going out this week:cry

eoren1 wrote: »

The Kirk is getting better reviews and looks to be much smoother. It also seems that Kirk offers an additional area for a strap to be inserted (on the top not just the bottom). I have a hand strap and neck strap on my current 50D so that seems preferable. Any thoughts on one vs the other?

Thanks!

Helvegr

For whats its worth, I am a big RRS fanboy. I have 2 tripods, the BH-55 and a Nikon D4 L-bracket (with no camera in it). At least given my current experiences with their products and customer service, if I had to choose to go with RRS or somebody else, I'd pick RRS every time.

eoren1

Thanks everyone. I'll wait to see what Andy has to say about his when it comes in. Not sure what is different about the original design vs the Rev A going out now. Most concerns seem to be about the 'shelf' not being flush and having a hard edged point of contact with the body.
Think I'll stick with the current head for now. Bit slower to get the camera on/off (no QR) and sounds like adjusting the position would be easier with the RRS but just can't justify another $300+ right now.
Looks like the decision can sit as I'm still waiting on the camera to get in stock somewhere.

ian408

I have experienced the Kirk/RRS fit issue first hand. In my experience, it wasn't obvious the clamp wasn't tight unless you shook the camera (which I always do anyway). So there was a possibility that the QR would be closed but the Kirk bracket would slide either way.

I too have been very happy with the RRS customer service. Very nice folks.

Dan7312

Somebody from RRS responded to this issue on the Fred Miranda site. http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1103460/8#10602607

The "step" is new design that does a better job of preventing the plate from twisting. The new "A" version breaks the edge of the step slightly to minimize the chance of marring the camera bodyl

eoren1 wrote: »

able. Apparently there is a 'shelf' that is not machined as well as prior versions and marks up the 5D body (pix in this thread).
Thanks!

eoren1

Andy-
Did you get the RRS bracket? Thoughts on the fit and whether it is flush and level with the camera? Some claim one side sits slightly higher with the new design.
Thanks

Andy

eoren1 wrote: »

Andy-
Did you get the RRS bracket? Thoughts on the fit and whether it is flush and level with the camera? Some claim one side sits slightly higher with the new design.
Thanks

Fits like a glove. Perfect in every way. Thanks Really Right Stuff!