RRS BH-55 - screw knob or lever release?
Mar 6, 2018 12:13:51 #
On the RRS BH-55, is the lever release or screw knob the best way to go? I have the opportunity to buy a friend’s ball head and it has the screw knob. Just want to make sure it is the best fit for me. I do nature photography...mostly birding. I use a 200-500mm NIKKOR lens. Hoping someday to have a 500mm f/4. Any advice would be appreciated.
Mar 6, 2018 12:17:40 #
Mar 6, 2018 12:19:59 #
This is on my “to buy soon “ list. I’ve decided on the screw knob because I carry my rig over my should and I’m sure I would catch the lever and release it. It will take a bit longer to adjust a plate I’m sure , but I think it would be best for me.
Mar 6, 2018 12:42:04 #
Lever is easier and quicker , but I'm always afraid i'll catch it on something and open it up . . . . so I go with screw knob . . . .
Mar 6, 2018 13:01:01 #
AzYooper
Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)
I have the BH-55 screw knob and have been happy. I guess I was always afraid I would get pinched in the lever release, right or wrong. Also I read that the screw knob is a more reliable fit and will never give a loose fit. I also have a screw knob on a plate attached to my RapidR strap and that has worked well and makes it very easy to go from hand held to tripod. Buy it and you will not be disappointed. Many people have the screw knob and if it was not reliable RRS would not manufacture it. It really it just a matter of personal preference, in the final analysis.
Mar 6, 2018 13:03:15 #
Mar 6, 2018 13:03:32 #
Laura72568 wrote:
On the RRS BH-55, is the lever release or screw knob the best way to go? I have the opportunity to buy a friend’s ball head and it has the screw knob. Just want to make sure it is the best fit for me. I do nature photography...mostly birding. I use a 200-500mm NIKKOR lens. Hoping someday to have a 500mm f/4. Any advice would be appreciated.
Those are big beasts. Out at 400-500mm you might be better off with a Gimbal Head. I believe a UHH member sells tripods and accessories commercially. Check, ask. Note, I have no idea what the RRS is like, I use the Gitzo brand.
Mar 6, 2018 13:37:29 #
I've had both, and prefer the lever release because it is positively locking. I have had instances where the knob lock did not catch completely. And, the BH-55 is a massive beast, full capable of supporting a 400-500 lens. I find gimbals more trouble than they are worth.
Mar 6, 2018 13:43:42 #
To a large extent this is very much a matter of personal preference. I've always used screw knob clamps; lever types make me nervous. I'm always afraid I'll catch the lever on something accidentally and end up with my camera on the ground.
RRS screw knob clamps are exceptionally well made. Their threads are finer than most, and engineered to tight tolerances. The result is a clamp that opens and closes smooth as silk, and won't back off without a few more turns than others, thus it is very secure.
RRS screw knob clamps are exceptionally well made. Their threads are finer than most, and engineered to tight tolerances. The result is a clamp that opens and closes smooth as silk, and won't back off without a few more turns than others, thus it is very secure.
Mar 6, 2018 19:08:36 #
Laura72568 wrote:
On the RRS BH-55, is the lever release or screw knob the best way to go? I have the opportunity to buy a friend’s ball head and it has the screw knob. Just want to make sure it is the best fit for me. I do nature photography...mostly birding. I use a 200-500mm NIKKOR lens. Hoping someday to have a 500mm f/4. Any advice would be appreciated.
The lever is fast and easy, but you'd better have all RRS plates and brackets. Slight differences in width between manufacturers, and the difficulty in adjusting the lever to accommodate those differences make the screw more desirable if you have multiple brands of plates. The lever does not clamp as tightly as the knob. There are some other considerations, like if you carry the lens and camera on the tripod (not recommended but everybody does it) if the lever snags on a branch or vine, it could conceivably release your camera and lens. This cannot happen with the knob.
Everything you need to know about RRS's clamping options is here:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/intro-to-rrs-qr-system
This Acratech clamp has both a lever for speed and a knob on the other side to microadjust for differences in plate widths.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzTqxqD6XPY
Mar 6, 2018 19:58:55 #
Gene51 wrote:
The lever is fast and easy, but you'd better have ... (show quote)
This very helpful info...my plates are Arca-Swiss compatible made by Kirk. I think I’ll stick with the knob style. Thank you!
Mar 6, 2018 22:11:11 #
Lever release - but what Gene said is 100% true. There are variances with different plates and with the lever release, you'll want to stick to RRS.
Mar 6, 2018 22:36:07 #
Steve Perry wrote:
Lever release - but what Gene said is 100% true. There are variances with different plates and with the lever release, you'll want to stick to RRS.
Thanks Steve!
Mar 7, 2018 05:41:35 #
Mar 7, 2018 06:10:53 #
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