L-brackets shopping experience
Nikolai
Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
As some of you may remember, I recently became a proud owner of a Manfrotto Magfiber NG edition tripod and Acratech Ultimate Ballhead V2.
I don't have enough experience with them to write a full review (although I'm getting there and getting a kick out of it:-), but I have some other I wanted to share: the L-bracket (for 30D with the grip).
Once I decided on a head I immediately started researching the L brackets. I even contacted Acratech and they responded promptly. Essentially, it boiled down to two models: Kirk and Really Right Stuff, with nearly identical features and prices (~$160)
Getting the tripod and head and saving for the bracket gave me enough time to contemplate both options. The differences I found were:
RRS
It was Kirk.
Since I hardly ever remove the grip (I removed it once for a Delicate Arch hike and missed it so much that I don't think I'll ever do it again) the need to reattach the strap became a non-issue (for me, that is).
Lack of the centering marks - well, since I don't have matching marks on the head (RSS head probably do, UB doesn't) it's not really that big of a difference.
EDIT: I came home (where the tripod was) and realized that the detention pin on Acratech QR clamp actually pinpoints the bracket location, so no visual centering marks are needed!
But what really won my heart (as an engineer) was the second anchor point. I always felt that with a single mounting screw the grip feels a bit wobbly (on the body, I mean, nothing to do with the bracket). Now, with a sturdy L bracket connecting the top of the camera with the bottom of the grip, the whole assembly feels like a tank.
I have no affiliation with any photo-hardware companies. I'm sure RSS plate would work just fine (especially on smaller bodies without a grip). I only post this to express my own decision-making process.
HTH
I don't have enough experience with them to write a full review (although I'm getting there and getting a kick out of it:-), but I have some other I wanted to share: the L-bracket (for 30D with the grip).
Once I decided on a head I immediately started researching the L brackets. I even contacted Acratech and they responded promptly. Essentially, it boiled down to two models: Kirk and Really Right Stuff, with nearly identical features and prices (~$160)
Getting the tripod and head and saving for the bracket gave me enough time to contemplate both options. The differences I found were:
RRS
- plate has longer platform on the side (in portrait mode), thus allowing more freedom to position the camera on a QR clamp.
- it has nice centering marks denoting the lens axis
- with a single mounting screw it does not affect the strap shoulder (on the left)
- plate has a slightly "sexier" curved body-plus-grip following design
- "portrait" side, while being shorter than RSS', is also bit taller, altogether providing an easier access to the remote cable socket
- unlike RSS (and other designs) it has not one, but two anchor points: one goes to the grip bottom (duh), while the other locks securely into left strap bracket (you'd need to reattach the strap if you install or remove the bracket)
It was Kirk.
Since I hardly ever remove the grip (I removed it once for a Delicate Arch hike and missed it so much that I don't think I'll ever do it again) the need to reattach the strap became a non-issue (for me, that is).
Lack of the centering marks - well, since I don't have matching marks on the head (RSS head probably do, UB doesn't) it's not really that big of a difference.
EDIT: I came home (where the tripod was) and realized that the detention pin on Acratech QR clamp actually pinpoints the bracket location, so no visual centering marks are needed!
But what really won my heart (as an engineer) was the second anchor point. I always felt that with a single mounting screw the grip feels a bit wobbly (on the body, I mean, nothing to do with the bracket). Now, with a sturdy L bracket connecting the top of the camera with the bottom of the grip, the whole assembly feels like a tank.
I have no affiliation with any photo-hardware companies. I'm sure RSS plate would work just fine (especially on smaller bodies without a grip). I only post this to express my own decision-making process.
HTH
"May the f/stop be with you!"
0
Comments
I apologize, I was not expressing myself clear enough (fixed now:-). I meant a wobbly connection between the grip and the body, not the bracket and the grip.
I'm sure RSS does the job just fine. It was all only MHO. I could not have both anyway, so I had to choose.
Funny thing is mine is from RRS, a California firm.
GO figure!!
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
Yay, it also means I saved extra $10 in taxes:-)
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
http://www.chrislaudermilkphoto.com/
Since you're planning to get RSS BH I think that would add a few points to RSS. You can also save on shipping this way, probably eliminating sales tax advantage.
And you're right, it's six over half a dozen:-)