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Which tripod head types have a sliding quick release plate?
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Feb 23, 2021 13:55:42   #
dvbird
 
I'm looking for a tripod head that has a plate that can slide forward and back like a video plate but for stills. I can't tell from the sites like manfrotto if they slade because all of the photos are centered. My goal is to mount a plate on my Tamron 150-600mm lens so I can quickly attach it to the tripod and slide it forward or back to balance it depending on how for forward the lens goes when I zoom. I see numbers like 357pl, 501pl, 200pl, Arca-Swiss. Thanks in advance.

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Feb 23, 2021 14:19:00   #
juan_uy Loc: Uruguay
 
Any head with an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp should work for what you need

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Feb 23, 2021 14:45:05   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
I agree with Juan. Arca-Swiss plates are the way to go. I used them on the multiple cameras I use.
--Bob
dvbird wrote:
I'm looking for a tripod head that has a plate that can slide forward and back like a video plate but for stills. I can't tell from the sites like manfrotto if they slade because all of the photos are centered. My goal is to mount a plate on my Tamron 150-600mm lens so I can quickly attach it to the tripod and slide it forward or back to balance it depending on how for forward the lens goes when I zoom. I see numbers like 357pl, 501pl, 200pl, Arca-Swiss. Thanks in advance.

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Feb 23, 2021 15:53:05   #
Orphoto Loc: Oregon
 
From what I've seen the Manfrotto plate design fits entirely within the clamp, so there is no room for sliding.

Just like the others, I strongly recommend clamps in the Arca-Swiss family. The numbers mentioned are usually referring to the length of the plate, in mm.

At 600mm you are getting a lot of magnification of any weaknesses in your system and/or technique. If you are looking at an entirely new head, look for a ball head with a fairly large diameter ball. Ones with more strength will lock in your view and not sag as you let go of them. If your current head suffices, you can often replace just the clamping part of it.

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Feb 23, 2021 16:50:26   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
I agree with previous recommendations.... Look for anything that's listed as Arca-Swiss quick release compatible. That's by far the most universal type of quick release system and is used by many dozens of manufacturers (not just Arca-Swiss). And, it works the way you want it to.

In fact, Arca-compatible QR is pretty much standard equipment on gimbal heads, which require that sliding feature to balance just as you describe, which allows big, heavy lenses to be used swiftly and smoothly with a light touch. Examples of gimbals here: http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm (Manfrotto does make an Arca-compatible system, but they also make several that are not... their own, proprietary systems that don't slide in the manner you want. Same with a few other manufacturers. I'm not sure what Manfrotto's own gimbal uses.... it's unique to that head alone, does allow sliding the gear fore and aft, but I don't know if it's Arca-compatible.)

You mention the Tamron 150-600mm... if it's the first version, you'll need to purchase a "lens plate". Those are available in different lengths from various manufacturers.

Look for an "anti-twist" feature in any lens plate you buy. That might be second screw or a tab or shape and is important to keep the lens plate from accidentally loosening. Beware of "universal" plates that just use a rubber insert to prevent loosening. Those typically don't work well with larger, heavier gear.

Also, some of those lens plates have "safety stops", to prevent them accidentally being slid too far forward or back. Usually those are just some stainless steel hex head screws that limit the sliding movement, preventing accidents. Those safety stops are removable, too.

I think the second version Tamron 150-600mm "G2" tripod mounting ring foot has an Arca-compatible dovetail built in.

With that version of the lens, all you would need is an Arca-compatible head of any type (ballhead, pan/tilt, gimbal or hybrids).

There also are Arca-compatible "adapters" that can be screwed onto a standard tripod head to convert it to work with the lens (and camera) plates.

B&H Photo lists 318 various types of tripod heads that have Arca-compatible quick release platforms: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Tripod-Heads/ci/140/N/4075788769?searchWithin=arca

And they list 58 different lens plates, collars, etc. that are Arca-compatible: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/lens-plates-tripod-collars/ci/38007?filters=fct_lens-plate-type_6421%3Alens-plates&searchWithin=arca

You may also want to fit an Arca plate to your camera, so that it can use the same quick release system when you're shooting with shorter lenses that don't have a tripod collar. When it comes to the cameras, I recommend the fitted ones, custom made for specific camera models (to prevent accidental loosening). B&H lists 858 of those! (though some are "universal" that I'd avoid): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/camera-plates-l-brackets/ci/38006?filters=fct_quick-release-system_7375%3Aarca

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Feb 23, 2021 21:32:01   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
dvbird wrote:
I'm looking for a tripod head that has a plate that can slide forward and back like a video plate but for stills. I can't tell from the sites like manfrotto if they slade because all of the photos are centered. My goal is to mount a plate on my Tamron 150-600mm lens so I can quickly attach it to the tripod and slide it forward or back to balance it depending on how for forward the lens goes when I zoom. I see numbers like 357pl, 501pl, 200pl, Arca-Swiss. Thanks in advance.


What range of movement are you looking for? A nodal slide rail would enable you to move the camera and lens to the center of gravity.

https://www.amazon.com/D-Ring-screws-Compatible-NR-200-Leofoto/dp/B01LR8LRXC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=Tripod+Rail+Mount&qid=1614133850&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A176JZWP3HA4ZJ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSDc2NE5UODlNTElLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMzNjAxM0FDSzJYVUNHVDQ0WCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTU5ODg1MkUzVlBOM1pHN0I2MCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Would this work?

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Feb 23, 2021 22:20:47   #
dvbird
 
Thank you all for your responses. I went to Allen's Camera. They had a clamp that screws onto my existing ballhead so cost was minimal $30. I also picked up a couple of lengths of plates. 70mm for my G1 Tamron 150-600mm, and a longer one that will attach to the D7100 camera body for use with the long model of the 18-300mm DX lens that has no mount. It's light but still throws the ballance way off. Being able to balance the long lens helps stability a lot, however, this setup will become my light hiking setup, as I can see that the legs and ballhead have some play. They are rated to 7 pounds which is very near where I am. I'd like a heaver vehicle tripod that is built for ~20 pounds. A guy's got to have goals.

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Feb 23, 2021 23:53:32   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
rmalarz wrote:
I agree with Juan. Arca-Swiss plates are the way to go. I used them on the multiple cameras I use.
--Bob


The Tamron tripod collar on the G2 is an Arca-Swiss compatible setup, so no additional plate is required, and it is long enough to slide forward or backwards for better balance. Ah but the OP has the G1 - so nevermind - he needs an Arca Swiss plate.

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Feb 24, 2021 01:44:45   #
dvbird
 
Ya, I'd like the G2, but the plate was cheaper, and the G1 is still getting the job done for me. :-)

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Feb 24, 2021 01:48:32   #
dvbird
 
Now, if someone would just buy the brand new D810 I have listed for sale here. I can't justify using it myself. I've only taken1000 photos per year for the last seven years...

Was that too blatant?

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Feb 24, 2021 09:20:07   #
Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY
 
dvbird wrote:
Now, if someone would just buy the brand new D810 I have listed for sale here. I can't justify using it myself. I've only taken1000 photos per year for the last seven years...

Was that too blatant?


Yes

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Feb 24, 2021 10:05:01   #
george19
 
dvbird wrote:
Thank you all for your responses. I went to Allen's Camera. They had a clamp that screws onto my existing ballhead so cost was minimal $30. I also picked up a couple of lengths of plates. 70mm for my G1 Tamron 150-600mm, and a longer one that will attach to the D7100 camera body for use with the long model of the 18-300mm DX lens that has no mount. It's light but still throws the ballance way off. Being able to balance the long lens helps stability a lot, however, this setup will become my light hiking setup, as I can see that the legs and ballhead have some play. They are rated to 7 pounds which is very near where I am. I'd like a heaver vehicle tripod that is built for ~20 pounds. A guy's got to have goals.
Thank you all for your responses. I went to Allen... (show quote)


I also bought a silver Sharpie, and use it to mark reference points for nominal balance on the head and plate. I keep the plate on the lens, but would mark the lens foot if necessary.

Also use it to mark connector orientations, my black equipment pouches, etc.

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Feb 24, 2021 10:09:43   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
dvbird wrote:
I'm looking for a tripod head that has a plate that can slide forward and back like a video plate but for stills. I can't tell from the sites like manfrotto if they slade because all of the photos are centered. My goal is to mount a plate on my Tamron 150-600mm lens so I can quickly attach it to the tripod and slide it forward or back to balance it depending on how for forward the lens goes when I zoom. I see numbers like 357pl, 501pl, 200pl, Arca-Swiss. Thanks in advance.


Here is what I recommend for the big zooms it is Arca/Swiss compatible - https://www.ebay.com/itm/L200-Long-Focus-Telephoto-Lens-Support-Holder-w-Quick-Release-Plate-US/283448072618?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

But, you could cheap out with this A/S plate - https://www.ebay.com/itm/100mm-QR-Quick-Release-Plate-for-Benro-Arca-Swiss-Camera-Tripod-Ball-Head/113369354039?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
Your tripod head would need to be Arca/Swiss compatible.
.

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Feb 24, 2021 11:45:02   #
Settlit Loc: Baton Rouge LA
 
dvbird wrote:
Now, if someone would just buy the brand new D810 I have listed for sale here. I can't justify using it myself. I've only taken1000 photos per year for the last seven years...

Was that too blatant?


No. Just blatant enough.

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Feb 24, 2021 16:09:41   #
lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ
 
dvbird wrote:
I'm looking for a tripod head that has a plate that can slide forward and back like a video plate but for stills. I can't tell from the sites like manfrotto if they slade because all of the photos are centered. My goal is to mount a plate on my Tamron 150-600mm lens so I can quickly attach it to the tripod and slide it forward or back to balance it depending on how for forward the lens goes when I zoom. I see numbers like 357pl, 501pl, 200pl, Arca-Swiss. Thanks in advance.


the tamron 150-600 collar has an arca swiss compatible mount on it.

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