Tripod and L bracket questions (Page 2): RRS makes two L-Plates for the D500 depending on whether or not you use a battery grip...I have had both for well over a year. The brackets can...

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Cwilson341 wrote:

I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)

RRS makes two L-Plates for the D500 depending on whether or not you use a battery grip...I have had both for well over a year.

The brackets can also add a little protection to the camera.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

DaveO wrote:

Depending on your model, several people on the forum have used these guys for converting select Manfrotto heads to arca-swiss.

http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/146.htm

Thanks for the link, Dave. I just studied it and I think I identified what would be needed. Do you know if the people who used this approach were happy with how solid it is after conversion? I think I know I need to get brackets but what to do about my tripod is a bigger confusion. I have the Manfrotto MTO55 legs which are rated for a max of almost 20 lbs and I think the ball head is rated for 22 lbs. I’m not totally sure what those ratings mean but I have questioned whether they were adequate for a D850 w/200-500 lens and TC. Slippage was one concern but the bracket may help that. It could also be that I need to practice adjusting it more. If the tripod is truly adequate and could be converted to AS that would certainly save a bundle.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

DaveO wrote:

RRS makes two L-Plates for the D500 depending on whether or not you use a battery grip...I have had both for well over a year.

The brackets can also add a little protection to the camera.

I don’t use the grip. I had it and sold it. My hands are small and the extra size and weight didn’t work for me. I had missed it on the RRS site but found it a bit ago. The extra protection would be a nice perk.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Cwilson341 wrote:

Thanks for the link, Dave. I just studied it and ... (show quote)

Gene51 may have done it and I was satisfied with it on my MH054. I use the RRS BH-55 on my heavier tripod when I shoot the D500 or 850 with the bigger lenses or normally a WH-200.

The 55 should handle it, but I don't know how steady the 055 Tripod is. I have heard that they are decent, but I don't recall seeing any remarks. The real test is steadiness when grabby onto it or a stiff breeze. Weight ratings are not necessarily the only measurement to use. As far as tripods, I would get the biggest and best one that I can afford! Hopefully somebody will weigh in.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

speters wrote:

PMG does make a "hybrid" L bracket, that fits both!

I just found the PMG adapter on line but the more I looked, the more confused I got. Because I want to use Arca Swiss style L brackets I need to be able to attach them to a Manfrotto RC2 tripod clamp (unless I get a different head). I’m not sure the adapter will do that but I need to look again later with fresh eyes. I really appreciate the tip and I will check it out more.

Edit: I may have been looking at the wrong thing on their site. I will take another look. I was looking at a plate but not an L bracket.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Cwilson341 wrote:

I don’t use the grip. I had it and sold it. My hands are small and the extra size and weight didn’t work for me. I had missed it on the RRS site but found it a bit ago. The extra protection would be a nice perk.

I have a shoulder strap with an arca-swiss release for attaching in to the camera or lens foot for easy carry. Lots of miles with that set-up. Quick removal and placement on a mono or tripod if need be. There is even a flash mount available that will attach to the bracket if desired. I will not own a camera for my use without a decent l-plate.

I should have been born rich instead of good looking. Anyway, that's my story!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Cwilson341 wrote:

I just found the PMG adapter on line but the more I looked, the more confused I got. Because I want to use Arca Swiss style L brackets I need to be able to attach them to a Manfrotto RC2 tripod clamp (unless I get a different head). I’m not sure the adapter will do that but I need to look again later with fresh eyes. I really appreciate the tip and I will check it out more.

Imagemeister runs that set-up I believe and could provide some recommendations. I gave up and went all arca-swiss and my bigger lenses come with an a-s foot and no need for a plate. Wimberley also is a-s.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Cwilson341 wrote:

I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)

3Legged Thing has a universal "L" bracket for $49 in black or orange (they say Copper, but it sure looks Orange to me) anodized aluminum that works quite nicely and has a threaded lug on the vertical side for attaching a Black Rapid type strap. https://3leggedthing.com/qr11.html

And yes, you can remove the battery with the "L" bracket on, you just have to adjust the position to allow the battery door to open fully, really no big deal. The more expensive, bespoke "L" brackets have casting that keep the camera body twisting when attached, but I have honestly never had that problem. Just make sure the allen head screw is securely tightened.

Depending on the attachment for the mounting plate on your Manfrotto, you might be able to get a new mounting plate that will use the same screw hole/lug pattern and allow you to convert to Arca Swiss. Either that or a new ball head

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

DaveO wrote:

I have a shoulder strap with an arca-swiss release for attaching in to the camera or lens foot for easy carry. Lots of miles with that set-up. Quick removal and placement on a mono or tripod if need be. There is even a flash mount available that will attach to the bracket if desired. I will not own a camera for my use without a decent l-plate.

I should have been born rich instead of good looking. Anyway, that's my story!

If you have either advantage, you’re ahead of me! Lol

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I have been shooting a digital Fuji X100F mostly hand held. In an effort to get images that avoid inadvertent movement or jostling, I bought an RRS L-bracket with an enhanced grip built in. The bracket is very easy to use in landscape or portrait modes. Moreoever, the bracket is extremely sturdy and well-manufactured. I was surprised to find the added weight of the grip + bracket + L seems negligible, apparently owing to the balance engineered into the components.
I would certainly recommend them to most any user.

CO

Cwilson341 wrote:

Thanks for the link, Dave. I just studied it and ... (show quote)

The L-bracket prevents rotation but using it with your D850 and the 200-500mm lens attached might be asking for too much. That lens weighs 5.07 lbs. The lens is going to exert a lot of leverage and put a lot of stress on the lens mount and everything. Why are you not using the tripod foot on the lens? You can rotate the lens in the collar to get a vertical orientation. You would be better off using the lens tripod foot on a gimbal head. Maybe I'm not understanding your set up completely.

I have a Manfrotto 055 tripod. It's rated for 19.8 lbs. Your D850 plus Nikon 200-500mm lens is 7.08 lbs. so you should be alright there.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I don't use an L bracket for either a tripod or monopod. For switching quickly from portrait to landscape, I have a Custom Bracket digital pro SV bracket. It mounts to the tripod/monopod and I simply rotate the camera from vertical to horizontal or any angle in between.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423693-REG/Custom_Brackets_DIGITALPROSV_Digital_PRO_SV_Bracket.html

I also have a free standing model with a flash bracket. I can run and gun at events with this, switch orientation on the fly, keep the flash at a relative angle consistently and I added a QR plate to the base so it attaches to a tripod.

These are more expensive than an L bracket from Home Depot with QR plates (which I did make), but the fact that I don't have to unmount and remount during a shoot is worth it to me. Plus, you can always find them for much cheaper on Ebay.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

3Legged Thing has a universal "L" bracke... (show quote)

I saw the “orange” plate and couldn’t decide what I thought about that look. I like the color but somehow I was afraid it would embarrass my Nikon!

I have doubts that my Manfrotto Head is really adequate for the big camera and lens combo. I had a D7100 and 70-300 lens when I got it and I went small on the head because I’m cheap. That never works out well! I’m thinking I may order a new head and put it on my Manfrotto legs and see how it does. I can always get heavier legs too if need be. I know I want L brackets so the big question will be picking a head.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

rjaywallace wrote:

I have been shooting a digital Fuji X100F mostly h... (show quote)

Thank you, Ralph! I think I’m convinced on the bracket part of the question.

CO

jdubu wrote:

I don't use an L bracket for either a tripod or mo... (show quote)

That look like a great device. I didn't know it existed.