RRS clamp experience?

Terrence

I'm ready to purchase a RRS BH-55 and I'm interested in people's experience with the AS II versus Pro II clamp. Mainly, is the AS II secure? Is it easy to accidentally flip the lever on the AS II? I am somewhat of a klutz, so I worry about snagging the lever and accidentally dropping my camera off the head.

kdog

The quick release clamp is rock solid, surprisingly so, since it takes very little resistance to clamp or release it. The tension is preset at the factory, and not adjustable as near as I can tell.

Anything's possible, but I find it unlikely that you'd accidently release the lever. It's located directly under your camera body, but it tucks in narrower than the body, even in portrait mode. So it's easily reached with your fingers to flip it open, but it's unlikely you'll catch it on clothing. But like I say, anything's possible.

With the PCL, I don't think you get any visual feedback if somehow the screw ended up loose. I sometimes leave the ball head with very low drag for shooting, then forget to tighten it. As a result, the camera flops over when I pick up the tripod. No damage, but I always kick myself when I do that. The last thing in the world I'd want is another screw to forget to tension. With the lever, it's either open or shut. You're not likely to leave it open half way.

I also don't think I'd want another screw for another reason. Remember, you already have three knobs within fairly close proximity on the ball head. You learn to reach for and operate those controls by touch while looking through the viewfinder. Even though it would be a bit further away, I still wouldn't want another screw knob in that general vicinity to distract me while I'm feeling around for the other knobs. (I'm funny that way.)

This is all pretty subjective of course, YMMV, and these views don't necessarily reflect those of Dgrin, Kdog Enterprise, etc, etc.

-joel

dusty-dog

I use the RRS lever clamp on a Markins M20 ballhead, and I love it. I just recently got a Wimberley Sidekick, and it's the first time I've actually used a screw clamp. In comparison, the screw sucks. I got very spoiled very quickly. I love my quick release clamp. And, it's never come loose on me. It just doesn't happen. If it did, RRS would not be selling it, I'm sure. Take the plunge. It's only $120. If all else fails, sell it here. I'm sure it would be scoffed up in a heartbeat. You just never see these things for sale used. I'm sure any owner of one, like me, will never use anything else. You won't see mine for sale. I'm keepin' it.

kdog

I'd say he just got the double-dog dare.

dusty-dog

kdog wrote:

I'd say he just got the double-dog dare.

I guess the ball (head clamp, that is) is in Terrence' court.

Terrence

Good pun. BH-55 with lever clamp on its way! Now to start saving for some better legs.

Manfr3d

Good decision! I bought the RRS Panorama set which uses two
PCL Screw type clamps. They are very well build and I apreciate
the precision with which I can adjust the setup. Working slow
is good for panoramics. But for action stuff or photography
on the go I use a LR Clamp on my monopod. I can mount
and remove the lenses much quicker this way. Keep in mind
hovever that the RRS LR Clamp isn't compatible with kirk or
markins camera and lensplates. They tend to slip in the LR clamp.

Hary

Terrence wrote:

so I worry about snagging the lever and accidentally dropping my camera off the head.

no chances it doesn't open that easy. I expected it to open too light too, but it doesn't no worries.

GBZee

dusty-dog wrote:

I use the RRS lever clamp on a Markins M20 ballhead, and I love it. I just recently got a Wimberley Sidekick, and it's the first time I've actually used a screw clamp. In comparison, the screw sucks. I got very spoiled very quickly. I love my quick release clamp. And, it's never come loose on me. It just doesn't happen. If it did, RRS would not be selling it, I'm sure. Take the plunge. It's only $120. If all else fails, sell it here. I'm sure it would be scoffed up in a heartbeat. You just never see these things for sale used. I'm sure any owner of one, like me, will never use anything else. You won't see mine for sale. I'm keepin' it.

Ditto to Diane's comment. I love the lever release and not a single problem in the 2 years of use on the M20.

Checked out your site Diane, wonderful images!

dusty-dog

GBZee wrote:

Ditto to Diane's comment. I love the lever release and not a single problem in the 2 years of use on the M20.

Checked out your site Diane, wonderful images!

Thanks, George. I've been working hard on the site, AND my photo skills. Down for the count this week with the flu, otherwise I'd have done some more tweaking to my site. And, I haven't taken a single pic in almost a week. I'm goin' thru withdraaaaaaawal. :sick

dusty-dog

dusty-dog wrote:

Thanks, George. I've been working hard on the site, AND my photo skills. Down for the count this week with the flu, otherwise I'd have done some more tweaking to my site. And, I haven't taken a single pic on over a week. I'm goin' thru withdraaaaaaawal. :sick

One more thing, George ......... your images are absolutely SUPERB. I would love to be as good as you some day. But for me, those winter waterfowl are tough to get. Probably how I got the flu. I'm sure looking forward to summer.