Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: David Eichler on June 22, 2015, 02:33:35 am
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Is there any functional downside to using the Arca universal camera L bracket compared with the L brackets that Kirk and Really Right Stuff make for specific camera bodies?
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A custom bracket made for a camera usually have a ridge that makes twisting impossible and openings that let you access ports on the side and clearance for battery compartment. With a generic bracket this may or may not be possible.
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Is there any functional downside to using the Arca universal camera L bracket compared with the L brackets that Kirk and Really Right Stuff make for specific camera bodies?
In general, the larger and heavier the body and lens (if lens doesn't have it's own tripod mount) combination the more you want/need an anti-twist stopper, either a form fitting lip or as is the case with the Arca-Swiss L-bracket, an orientation pin.
The base plate for the Arca-Swiis L-bracket comes with a steel pin that matches recesses in the plate and for certain, but not all camera bodies.
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Is there any functional downside to using the Arca universal camera L bracket compared with the L brackets that Kirk and Really Right Stuff make for specific camera bodies?
if you use clamp with lever release and w/o screw-knob then you need a very good match between clamp and plate... with screw-knob (or combined) it is a small issue by design
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A custom bracket made for a camera usually have a ridge that makes twisting impossible and openings that let you access ports on the side and clearance for battery compartment. With a generic bracket this may or may not be possible.
but then if he has a popular brand camera there are generics that fit the body no less perfectly than Kirk or RRS... or even there are a lot of generics with anti-twist lips that can match his body
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Is there any functional downside to using the Arca universal camera L bracket compared with the L brackets that Kirk and Really Right Stuff make for specific camera bodies?
In my opinion, yes! i have had custom L-Plates on my cameras since 2005. I usually leave them on even when hand holding the camera and the tripod remains in the car or at home.
A potential lower priced option might be Sunwayfoto or even Newer. The Sunwayfoto stuff I have is about 85% the quality of all the RRS stuff I own, but at about 50% the price. Newer stuff is even cheaper and has maybe another 5-10% drop in quality/functionality.
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Have you looked here at ProMediaGear ? I think you get more value for money then from RRS
http://www.promediagear.com/L-Brackets_c_19.html
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I've only used my Arca-Swiss L-bracket on my D700 & D800. I've had no negative issues whatsoever.
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Thank you for the comments so far and attempts to be helpful. To be clear, this is the item I am considering: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/723386-REG/Arca_Swiss_802306_Universal_L_Bracket.html
Of the respondents so far, only Ellis and Bill appear to have actual experience with this item and I am seeking opinions from those who have actually used this item. The reasons I am considering it are a) Arca Swiss reputation for quality, and b) the fact that it is adaptable to a variety of different dslrs. I would mostly be using it with wideangle and short telephoto lenses. I currently use the Canon 6d. In the future, I would be planning to use it with one of the current 5d models or with a Sony A7. Should have provided this additional info initially.
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with a Sony A7.
yes, because chinese L-plates fit A7*s bodies like a glove covering whole bottom (that is unlike anything RRS does - they simply can't compete) and cost like ~$15-20 for both mark I and mark II A7 body styles... make no sense to waste money for the solution you mentioned... I had RRS one for E-M1, then I purchased chinese for A7 when RRS was not able to deliver the plate that covers the whole bottom of the body... the end result ? RRS can take a hike at least in that department, both on price ___and__ quality too... so you better of with buing the one that fits your specific camera body - because your cameras (Canons or Sonys) are not something exotic where proper body tuned option is not available.
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yes, because chinese L-plates fit A7*s bodies like a glove covering whole bottom (that is unlike anything RRS does - they simply can't compete) and cost like ~$15-20 for both mark I and mark II A7 body styles... make no sense to waste money for the solution you mentioned... I had RRS one for E-M1, then I purchased chinese for A7 when RRS was not able to deliver the plate that covers the whole bottom of the body... the end result ? RRS can take a hike at least in that department, both on price ___and__ quality too... so you better of with buing the one that fits your specific camera body - because your cameras (Canons or Sonys) are not something exotic where proper body tuned option is not available.
But have you actually used the Arca item in question, so that you can say with certainty that it is functionally inferior to brand x brackets in the way you imply? If you haven't, then I really cannot give your suggestion much weight.
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But have you actually used the Arca item in question, so that you can say with certainty that it is functionally inferior to brand x brackets in the way you imply?
it does not follow the body shape, that's enough... the added advantage of the full bottom coverage is that you have a better grip, because your pinky has something to rest on, so in my case those L-plates simply live on camera body full-time... however again - if your Arca clamps are lever-operated then you need to pay attention to how good is the match, I use only screw-knob Arca clamps, so this point is mute for me.
then I really cannot give your suggestion much weight.
by all means...
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I used my Arca swiss L-bracket on the Nikon D200 and I'm using it on the D800E. It works very well, much better than the Arca Swiss Monoball P0.There are no vibrations at all, although I keep it not adherent to the camera in order to open the battery door.
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One very useful aspect of the Arca-Swiss l-bracket design is that the position of the side plate is adjustable for height as well as distance from body, and i like that the double-L bracket and side plate are also easily removable.
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One very useful aspect of the Arca-Swiss l-bracket design is that the position of the side plate is adjustable for height as well as distance from body, and i like that the double-L bracket and side plate are also easily removable.
The RRS L Bracket for the D810 lets it slide such that you can attach cables while the having the camera in portrait orientation on the clamp. So does the Sunwayfoto bracket. I like the custom brackets because they stay on my camera over 90% of the time.
(http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/1336017600000_723386.jpg)
(http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/BD810L-07-I-M-1.png)
(http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/1416286800000_1093160.jpg)
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I have custom L-plates from RRS but have recently started using this extended universal plate from Acratech
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=736388&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2v2sBRCazKGu3tSFz64BEiQAKIE1htTX35bJSjlRFG_BJObkFPgTjvJfWrOYOxJCSvsECf4aAuFf8P8HAQ&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=
WHY? Because I can use it "backwards" and not have any interference with remote connections on the left side of the camera bodies! (Makes me wonder why custom plates are all made that way, actually.). And, I can have one L-plate that works w/ all my gear. And, it will work with vertical grips attached, or not.
Rand
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I have custom L-plates from RRS but have recently started using this extended universal plate from Acratech
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=736388&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2v2sBRCazKGu3tSFz64BEiQAKIE1htTX35bJSjlRFG_BJObkFPgTjvJfWrOYOxJCSvsECf4aAuFf8P8HAQ&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q=
WHY? Because I can use it "backwards" and not have any interference with remote connections on the left side of the camera bodies! (Makes me wonder why custom plates are all made that way, actually.). And, I can have one L-plate that works w/ all my gear. And, it will work with vertical grips attached, or not.
Rand
Those are quite logical benefits to a generic plate. Great to have options! Everyone needs to decide what aspects are important. No one solution works for everyone.
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Thank you for the comments so far and attempts to be helpful. To be clear, this is the item I am considering: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/723386-REG/Arca_Swiss_802306_Universal_L_Bracket.html
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I dunno about that one. Too many adjustments, and the base does not interlock to the body well enough to keep it from turning. I've had those rubber quick-mount plates before and they really never do cinch the body down well enough. Plus, you have all the release levers and mechanical stuff to deal with. I got a bad feeling you'll buy another one later tailored to your camera body.
I'd get one made for the body and leave it on. If it's made for it, you can access things like batteries and cable ports. The RRS ones have a cinch-pin where you can mount a Camdapter leather hand-grip (Also the RRS hand grip leather too.) to them and allows you to carry the camera around easily.
"Cry once" as the saying goes.
SG
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Bought the Arca Swiss L bracket. I works fine with my Canon bodies up to medium telephoto. Would be using the lens's own tripod mount for longer/heavier zooms.
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hi guys, i need an l plate for canon 5div with and without batterygrip. also want no problems when i'm changing the orientation of the cam with the usb cables when i'm tethered shooting.
arca swiss l bracket okay ?
best michael
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I used my Arca swiss L-bracket on the Nikon D200 and I'm using it on the D800E. It works very well, much better than the Arca Swiss Monoball P0.There are no vibrations at all, although I keep it not adherent to the camera in order to open the battery door.
Delighted to see somebody else also still enjoys the D200! I am using mine more than my D700. Can't really account for it, beyond that my lenses seem to fit the smaller format better. Strange, but then, that's photography: you can't really approach it with logic; emotion works better, anyway. Ask any woman you love. Better yet, ask one who loves you!
Rob
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I have a small fortune invested in RRS plates going back many years. Each time I get a new camera I wince and cough it up. I just got their new plate for the Fuji X T-2. It has the clever design of having an allen wrench attached magnetically in the plate (I lose allen wrenches almost as often as lens caps). In my opinion, their plates are well made and function as expected. They do seem pretty expensive for a piece of machined aluminum though. There has been varied controversy over time relating to Chinese knockoffs of US engineered products, especially the Arca Cube. I am fortunate in that I can indulge myself by buying local, I have a great camera store here in town, and US made, even when local and US made things are a bit more expensive. I can clearly see some folks' point in buying the less expensive overseas products though.
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Always have a dedicated RRS L bracket on my cameras even when hand holding.
In the search for lightness of being... ?
;-)
Rob
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Helps to keep my feet on the ground.
:-)
That's something I grew to dread: there were always people ready and willing enough to drag me back down despìte my wishes to soar with those elusive eagles. Ah, blessed cursed retirement!
;-)
Rob
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I have a small fortune invested in RRS plates going back many years. Each time I get a new camera I wince and cough it up. I just got their new plate for the Fuji X T-2. It has the clever design of having an allen wrench attached magnetically in the plate (I lose allen wrenches almost as often as lens caps). In my opinion, their plates are well made and function as expected. They do seem pretty expensive for a piece of machined aluminum though. There has been varied controversy over time relating to Chinese knockoffs of US engineered products, especially the Arca Cube. I am fortunate in that I can indulge myself by buying local, I have a great camera store here in town, and US made, even when local and US made things are a bit more expensive. I can clearly see some folks' point in buying the less expensive overseas products though.
I also have a small fortune in RRS clamps... But just as a clarification... The Arca Cube is from Arca Swiss, a Switzerland company... No US based...
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hi guys, i need an l plate for canon 5div with and without batterygrip. also want no problems when i'm changing the orientation of the cam with the usb cables when i'm tethered shooting.
arca swiss l bracket okay ?
best michael
There's enough adjustment potential to manage this, and there shouldn't be any problems with the usb cables. If you give me the actual dimensions of your camera & grip, plus the height of the usb ports, I could check that it would fit.
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I also have a small fortune in RRS clamps... But just as a clarification... The Arca Cube is from Arca Swiss, a Switzerland company... No US based...
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Funny that. US knockoffs of european engineered products? :) But is it Swiss or French? Anyway I like the new hybrid p0 monoball with (limited) geared movements. Nice innovation.
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I also have a small fortune in RRS clamps... But just as a clarification... The Arca Cube is from Arca Swiss, a Switzerland company... No US based...
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Arca Swiss is a french company.
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Anyway I like the new hybrid p0 monoball with (limited) geared movements. Nice innovation.
It's what I use twixt my Arca Swiss L bracket & tripod. A brilliant bit of kit.
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Arca Swiss is a french company.
My bad... Always thought it was from Switzerland...
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I used it on my d800 and it worked like s charm. Before that i used RRS and Kirk but for further DSLRs I would use my Arca again. Just much more flexible in usage.
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In my opinion, yes! i have had custom L-Plates on my cameras since 2005. I usually leave them on even when hand holding the camera and the tripod remains in the car or at home.
A potential lower priced option might be Sunwayfoto or even Newer. The Sunwayfoto stuff I have is about 85% the quality of all the RRS stuff I own, but at about 50% the price. Newer stuff is even cheaper and has maybe another 5-10% drop in quality/functionality.
I got the Neewer F6 DL bracket for my Canon 6D. I can not recommend it for more serious work where proper alignment is necessary. That is because the bottom plate of camera does not mount flat to the bracket. The camera is slightly tilted forward. I can notice this when I need to correct converging vertical lines in architecture where I set up my tripod and align with bubble spirit lever. Mounting the camera without the bracket the lines are just fine.
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I got the Neewer F6 DL bracket for my Canon 6D. I can not recommend it for more serious work where proper alignment is necessary. That is because the bottom plate of camera does not mount flat to the bracket. The camera is slightly tilted forward. I can notice this when I need to correct converging vertical lines in architecture where I set up my tripod and align with bubble spirit lever. Mounting the camera without the bracket the lines are just fine.
I tried an eBay Chinese knockoff for vertical mounting on a pano head, but the two surfaces of the brackef were not at right angles to each other.
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I've just discovered that newer RRS plates have a QD socket as well, which makes attaching and removing a strap very quick. For me this is a big advantage.