Really Right Stuff Clamp on Manfrotto head

Pindy

Just got my LR II quick-release clamp in the mail along with a lens-collar QR plate and what I consider to be the best part of the purchase: a custom RRS 30D L-Bracket. Wanting badly to own a BH-40 head from RRS, I was happy to see I could get in on ground floor of the system before being able to afford the whole ball head. Installation was only made difficult by having to unscrew the Manfrotto clamp off the post by hand because of the weapons-grade thread-lock they applied to it. Happily, the RRS clamp screwed right onto the Manfrotto post.

The RRS stuff is gorgeous and was worth the outlay just to be able to use the L-bracket. I now don't know how I lived without one. Thanks to Dgrinners for turning me on to all this. Love this place!

Thought I'd share:

blalor

Thanks for that, Pindy. I was wondering how that upgrade path worked in practice!

Manfr3d

Which tripod ring and lensplate is that in the 3rd photo?

Pindy

Manfr3d wrote:

Which tripod ring and lensplate is that in the 3rd photo?

That's the Canon A II (W) and the RRS B82

dusty-dog

I did the exact same thing as you. I had the Manfrotto 488RC2, ditched the clamp when I got my 500mm lens, and put on a RRS lever clamp. What a difference. But, that 488 ballhead got old pretty fast. No tension control, even though it's considered to be a good ballhead for its class. But, here's the rub.

When I got the RRS clamp, RRS was very specific about it not being able to go onto any of the RRS ballheads. Maybe they changed things, but it was a drag, because I initially was planning to upgrade to the BH40. I opted for the clamp anyway, and decided that when I upgrade my ballhead, I would put the clamp onto a Markins M20 ballhead. That's what I did.

The Markins M20 exceeds anything I have right now, but it would be good for anything in the future that I wanted to put onto it. I'm sure it would comfortably hold a Nikon 600mm f/4, and that's one hefty lens. In fact, although the ballhead would hold that lens, I doubt my Gitzo 2931 basalt tripod would suffice. Not an issue right now. I don't have $10,000 to spend on a lens right now. The RRS lever clamp/Markins M20 ballhead is a really sweet tandem. I love it, and I have absolutely no regrets.

Back to the RRS BH40 ballhead. I'm sure it's a great ballhead. Top of the line. But, you should check with RRS to see if your new clamp can be put onto it. Just a heads-up from me. I sure hope I haven't ruined your day. But, enjoy that clamp it's wonderful. I don't know how people can stand the knob clamps. That lever is just tooo sweeet.