Rightstuff

What does anyone recommend as a good, not too expensive quick release system for my camera to tripod. I would like one that allows purchase of multiple plates for different cameras but uses the same base attachment. I have a good tripod and do not need a tripod quick release system combination. I just want to upgrade my tripod with the addition of the quick release system. I don't care if it is the Manfrotto or the ARCA-Swiss type release system. There is so much negativity on line concerning any particular one I research that I can't decide.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

An L-plate on your camera is the best way to start. The best are custom-designed to the size and ports / battery access positions of your specific camera model. They'll also tend to use the arca-swiss standard. L-plates are just pieces of metal, so buying one used, even if scratched up a bit, is the more economical approach. Screw clamps are not as 'quick' as a lever-release clamp, but the screw versions are more likely to clamp securely if you use multiple brands, even when all are advertised as meeting the arca-swiss standard.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I have a Manfrotto tripod and a Slik one. I can purchase quick release connectors for each of them and have several. When I got a monopod, I put a head on it that uses the same quick release as the tripod. So search for those that fit the tripod(s) you will be using.

Rightstuff

My tripod is one I purchased in the 70's. It is an husky IV, super strong, versatile and reliable . I think any recommended quick release system will fit on top nicely. I think I need a specific brand of quick release system that a anyone who is happy with theirs and will recommend it to me.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I have only Really Right Stuff for clamps and ball heads. I have a mixture of Kirk and RRS for L-plates and lens plates, all arca-swiss style. As mentioned before, they're just metal so look at ebay to see if you can save some money vs new. Assure whatever brand / system you decide on can be fitted onto (or replace) your existing connection on the tripod. You'll typically need a mounting post with a 3/8”-16 threaded screw. The absence of this mounting post or being able to replace / create this mounting post is where older tripods fail as an option to update to new heads / clamps.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

It's important to use a high-quality quick-release system for your tripod. Besides convenience, SAFETY is a major consideration. You don't want the device to "unhinge" or detach accidentally thereby causing an expensive accident. A poorly crafted or incompatible attachment can impair the stability of you support system.

I have used, over the years. quick-release mechanisms made by Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Arca-Swiss. Theses are sturdy, reliable, and have very positive locking mechanisms.

Like any oter camera support accessory, you need to make certain that the quick-release you select is appropriate for the load and center of gravity for your heaviest camera/lens combination, that the threads, bushings, and screws are strong and sturdy and that when the camera is in place there is no wobble. Make sure the lever or release control is ergonomically correct for your hhands and manner of working so you won't accidentally release the camera while operating. See that the size of the unit is compatible with the surface of your tripod head so the join together in a lined up fashion.

You haven't specified the make of your tripod- you may find one made specifically for your model.

Rightstuff

My tripod is one I purchased in the 70's. It is an husky IV, super strong, versatile and reliable . I think any recommended quick release system will fit on top nicely. I think I need a specific brand of quick release system that a anyone who is happy with theirs and will recommend it to me.

CO

I've had Manfrotto tripod heads (I still have one) with the Manfrotto quick release system. I've been moving away from that to heads with Arca-Swiss dovetails. With the Manfrotto system, I always had to double check if the lever actually secured the quick release plate properly. The Arca-Swiss clamping is more robust. Another plus is that you can use L-brackets with it and some telephoto lenses now have Arca-Swiss dovetail grooves machined into the tripod collar foot.

Rightstuff

thanks, good Info. I will research that aspect.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Same here.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Here is an Arca Swiss receiver clamp that you can screw to the top of your head (or, anywhere else) -
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Adapter-Plate-Square-Clamp-with-Gradienter-for-Tripod-Ball-Head-Arca-Swiss/264634743422?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

Here are the Arca Swiss ( A/S) plates that you can screw to your cameras/lenses - https://www.ebay.com/itm/70-mm-QR-Quick-Release-Plate-for-Benro-Arca-Swiss-Camera-Tripod-Ball-Head/113369354101?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Whatever you end up with, go with a recognized brand. There are a lot of really cheap knockoffs on eBay that I wouldn't use even if they were a gift. Cheap materials with nice finishing to look like the real stuff. You want a solid reliable connection between the camera/plate or L bracket, and the tripod head.

RRS, Kirk, Wimberley etc all make great equipment. I have also found that Hejnar Photo's products are also very well made. I've got a few Arca-Swiss clamps and rails from him

https://www.hejnarphotostore.com/

He's not cheap but also not quite as expensive as the premium brands. I have been using his stuff for around 12 yrs now without a single failure or mishap. I second E.L.Shapiro's suggestion that a screw clamp is a bit more secure than a lever clamp.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Quote the OP "What does anyone recommend as a good, not too expensive quick release system" .........

Been using ebay stuff for years now - no problems .... but if you have plenty of money or just want to impress someone, get RRS.
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chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

I moved from Manfrotto QR to arca-swiss and have absolutely no regrets. It makes swapping anything onto anything a piece of cake. The only thing you should stear clear of are the arca-swiss clamps that have a lever rather than the thumbwheel. I found that arca-swiss plates and clamps from pretty much any manufacturer will work with any other EXCEPT the ones that use a lever. They turned out to be very finicky to adjust so that when clamped the plate was firmly held. Try the next plate (from a different manufacturer) and you had to adjust it again. If you stick with ALL the fittings from the same manufacturer you might get away with it but to my mind not worth the trouble and uncertainty (for starters one day you might need to use a plate from somebody elses gear and have to fiddle again twice over).
Other than the lever type anything will work anything else. I have plates and clamps from maybe 10 manufacturers and they all work together. Why aren't they all from the same supplier (leaving price out of it) ? Because if you suddenly need a plate or clamp you may not have quick access to 'expensive' supplier but can source something else almost anywhere.
I have not had a single arca-swiss failure or be unable to use a fitting (except for lever clamps as mentioned above).

uhaas2009

Manfrotto have to many different plates sizes and locking systems. Arca Swiss is More Universal. I even changed the foot on my 70-200 2.8 to acra Swiss

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