Arca-Swiss quick release: Suggestions please. I have downsized from Canons to a Fuji X-T20 with four lenses. I currently have a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripod with a Manfrotto 808RC4 head...

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Suggestions please. I have downsized from Canons to a Fuji X-T20 with four lenses. I currently have a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripod with a Manfrotto 808RC4 head and plates. I have a SLIK PRO POD 381 CF monopod with a Manfrotto 496RC2 head and plate that fit my Fuji nicely. I also have a Manfrotto MPMXPROA3 ball head.

I am happy with my mono pods/heads and my tripod. However, I need a new head for my tripod. Now the question: suggestions for a new tripod head with the Manfrotto quick release plates or should I “scrap” all three heads/plates in favor of a Arca-Swiss system and, if so, what would you suggest without breaking my somewhat limited bank? I am, by the way, not even close to being a pro photographer.

Thanks in advance.

Crook

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I live quite well with the Manfro RC2 plates because I really like the Manfro grip action ball heads for smaller lenses. The A/S system does have adjustable/balance advantages especially with larger lenses. I have adapted both ways from A/S to Manfro RC2 and from Manfro to A/S - it CAN be done ! I like the self locking and repeatability feature of the Manfro - but there is no adjustment for balance as with the A/S unless you combine them into a hybrid.

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AK Grandpa Loc: Anchorage, AK

I put the Arca Swiss ball heads and gimble heads on all my tripods/monopods. It just makes things simpler . . . All my cameras/lense collars have Arca Swiss plates . . . Everything works with everything and I never have to change plates.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I purchased one of these a couple of years ago. I love it and wouldn't think of using anything else.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/342302-REG/Arca_Swiss_802010_Quick_Release_with_Flip_lock.html
--Bob

G. Crook wrote:

Suggestions please. I have downsized from Canons t... (show quote)

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

G. Crook wrote:

Suggestions please. I have downsized from Canons t... (show quote)

Maybe I don't understand the question. If the Manfrotto works for you and you're happy with it, why scrap what you have and start over? I would just continue down the same path.

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

I am specifically wanting to replace the head on my tripod as it is not RC2 compatible. Just wondering if there was any value in switch all to A/S.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

G. Crook wrote:

Suggestions please. I have downsized from Canons t... (show quote)

PMG makes Q-plates that work with both, Manfrotto & Acra swiss, so you can use both plates on the same clamp!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

G. Crook wrote:

I am specifically wanting to replace the head on my tripod as it is not RC2 compatible. Just wondering if there was any value in switch all to A/S.

Not really, unless you have cash burning a hole in your pocket. Peak Design used to sell a universal ARCA/Manfrotto camera plate, which you might be able to find on Ebay.

Incidentally, the Fuji X-T20 system is now my travel camera, particularly if there is airline travel involved.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

G. Crook wrote:

I am specifically wanting to replace the head on my tripod as it is not RC2 compatible. Just wondering if there was any value in switch all to A/S.

The bigger/heavier the lens, the more value A/S has....

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G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

No big/heavy lens in my bag.

G. Crook Loc: Linden, TX

Just ordered a Manfrotto 804RC-2 from Adorama. Question resolved. Thanks for all of the input.

Crook

CO

One great thing about Arca-Swiss is that you can use L-brackets by Kirk, Really Right Stuff, and other manufacturers. I have a Manfrotto 055CX tripod and a variety of Manfrotto heads. I recently purchased an Acratech Nomad ballhead that has an Arca-Swiss clamp so I can use L-brackets. The base of the Acratech is fluted so the operator can get a better grip when tightening and loosening the head. Its base diameter is perfect for the Manfrotto 055 tripod. The flutes extend just past the base of the Manfrotto tripod base.

I had Manfrotto's universal L-bracket. It was really awkward. I ended up returning it. The Kirk and RRS L-brackets are great.

Really Right Stuff L-bracket for Fuji XT-20 and XT-10

Promaster L-bracket for Fuji XT-20

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

AK Grandpa wrote:

I put the Arca Swiss ball heads and gimble heads on all my tripods/monopods. It just makes things simpler . . . All my cameras/lense collars have Arca Swiss plates . . . Everything works with everything and I never have to change plates.

Same here.

Alexei

The 808 is a decent head by itself, but all three Manfro RCs (RC 2, RC 0, RC 410) are not as good as Arca Swiss plates. If You want to convert a 808 to A/S standard, this is for You: http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/169.htm and http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/m808f63.htm Pricey, but once mounted You'll never want another type of quick release. I replaced original 410 plate and works like a charm.

CO

Alexei wrote:

The 808 is a decent head by itself, but all three Manfro RCs (RC 2, RC 0, RC 410) are not as good as Arca Swiss plates. If You want to convert a 808 to A/S standard, this is for You: http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/169.htm and http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/m808f63.htm Pricey, but once mounted You'll never want another type of quick release. I replaced original 410 plate and works like a charm.

I have a variety of Manfrotto tripod heads with their proprietary quick release clamp. I like the heads but not their quick release system. I'm always having to rotate the lever around more to make sure it's securely clamped. I'm slowly switching to heads with Arca-Swiss clamps. My first one is the Acratech Nomad.

The HejnarPhoto conversion kits look like a great idea. I'm going to look into those for the Manfrotto heads I have now.