CO

This is a good suggestion. Service Photo Supply is in Baltimore. I've been there once. Ace Photo in Ashburn, VA has a huge inventory - far more than other camera stores in the area. I go there from time to time. They have a lot of L-brackets. They're close to Dulles Airport.

RCJets Loc: Virginia

I was shooting fireworks on the 4th, and had my camera (D7100) in the vertical mode on my ball head tripod. As it was hanging off to the side, the weight was not centered over the tripod. Since I was seated behind the tripod, it was not at full extension, so the footprint was small. I think someone hit a leg of the tripod, and over it went. I was very lucky that the only damage was a broken filter. It could have been much worse! I'm sure the L-Bracket would have prevented this from happening.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

In order to best help you, we need to know which tripod model and the specific head you bought.

I'm just guessing, but three Benro I see selling for around that price with a head all use a ballhead (Benro B1 or B2) with Arca-style quick release.

For travel, that type head is what many people prefer. They're compact, without protruding levers and arms. The Arca QR system is also the most popular and versatile type. BTW, all L-brackets rely upon Arca-style QR too.

It would also help to know more specifically what it is about the head and quick release you find frustrating.

As others have described, an L-bracket mounted on the camera allows you to change orientation from horizontal/landscape to vertical/portrait while maintaining the camera centered and better balanced on the tripod and head. This is particularly true with ballheads which "flop" off to one side for portrait orientation. However, an L-bracket adds some bulk and weight to your camera. It also depends upon the lens(es) you're using... If you're lens has a tripod mounting collar, an L-bracket is unnecessary. But typically only longer telephoto lenses have tripod collars. Well-fitted L-brackets also ain't cheap.

Maybe the problem is just the type of Arca-style camera plate that came with the tripod... generic ones sometimes don't work very well with certain cameras, allow them to slip too easily. There are anti-slip type, as well as custom fitted Arca camera plates available for D7100, which might solve your problems.

But it's hard to recommend, without knowing more about the tripod, head and what problems you're having with them.

Note: there are different L-brackets and fitted camera plates for each camera model AND depending upon whether you are using a battery grip on the camera or not.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Maybe it would.... maybe it wouldn't.

I've had tripods tip over when one leg sank into soft ground... also when a cuff caught on one of the leg latch levers. An L-bracket wouldn't have helped in either case.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Two opinions here:
1. Would not have a camera without an L-bracket.
2. Have found the pan and tilt tripod heads make wonderful door stops.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Two opinions here:
1. Would not have a camera without an L-bracket.
2. Have found the pan and tilt tripod heads make wonderful door stops.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

Oh, one more opinion. If you post a comment twice, like me, you probably have your head up your ass.

RichKenn Loc: Merritt Island, FL

I recently returned to pan/tlt head for landscape and I bought the new Benro HD1A. It has a quick release and is Arca/Swiss compatible. I a very pleased with it so I recommend it. The L-bracket is good with a ball head because they are hard to square up so you can change from landscape to portrait easily. The pan/tilt head already makes this easy so skip the L-bracket if you are short of cash.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I think we need to be clear - there are pan/tilt heads ( 2 way) and there are 3 way ( also commonly called pan/tilt ) - but you do have to qualify - either 2-way or 3-way !

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garygrafic Loc: South Florida

For me (a pro for more than 50 years) there is only one brand of quick release, the Sachtler (the small one) I have 5, on all my tripods and devices. Still have and use the first one I bought over 50 years ago. My love affair with Sachtler.

bobgreen Loc: Maryland

As always, I am very grateful for the wealth of experience and sage advice from fellow Hoggers! I've read every response and have lots of good info. I do live near District Photo and will take my tripod there as well.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

RichKenn Loc: Merritt Island, FL

I am in the midst of moving right now and can't find it but I am sure the Benro head I purchased is 3-way. And, I guess it would have to be to replacethe function of an L-bracket.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

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sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Like others have noted, it would be useful to know what frustrates you.

I'm not wealthy so I'll chime in with the poor man options I like... I've tried and been pleased with 2 sub $30 ball heads from Amazon:

- koolehaoda E2 mini Tripod Head Ballhead with Quick Release Plate $28.66
- Pergear Heavy Duty Photography Camera Tripod Ball Head 360 Degree Fluid Rotation Tripod Ballhead $19.89

I think the Koolehaoda has a smoother feel to the ball. They both hold a D7000 with 80-200 lens and are Arca Swiss compatible. They both have a 3/8 inch screw socket for mounting to a tri/mono pod. I'm not certain they both came with a 1/4" adapter if that's what your tripod has. I have no doubt a name brand $100 ball head would most likely be smoother but these work for me and seem solidly built.

If you want to try an L-Bracket you could get the DSLR L mount from Amazon for $9.99