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Quick release tripod recommendations, please.
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Dec 4, 2021 12:17:57   #
lyndacast
 
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA

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Dec 4, 2021 12:27:58   #
Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL
 
Are you looking for a new clamp with a lever for your head or for a new tripod. Generally, best solution to have a tripod head which can except a new lever clamp. If that’s your situation, Really Right Stuff has numerous such clamps to choose from and RRS is the gold standard in quality. If you don’t have a separate head or a head where you can change clamps, then the choices in your price range will exclude RRS. in that situation, you can buy a less expensive head with any lever clamp, but be careful about being too frugal on your choice of head and clamp. Too many have sacrificed quality to keep total cost low and then end up buying a more expensive set later which ends up costing more in the end.

Be more specific in what you’re looking for and more folks will chime in with suggestions

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Dec 4, 2021 12:34:22   #
kcooke Loc: Alabama
 
Look. At Manfrotto 222 , 322 rc2 ,
324 rc2 or 327 rc2. The 222 is discontinued but you might find it used

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Dec 4, 2021 12:35:49   #
kcooke Loc: Alabama
 
I misread you post. Maybe your looking for a quick release plate?

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Dec 4, 2021 12:38:19   #
cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


I don't know the depth of your pocketbook, but Acratech has some very nice options and, while not the cheapest by any means, also not the most expensive. For example,
https://www.acratech.net/quick-release-clamps/locking-lever-clamp

Happy hunting.

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Dec 4, 2021 13:20:24   #
Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


Is this what you are looking for?

https://smile.amazon.com/SMALLRIG-Mirrorless-Quick-Release-Standard/dp/B07NYRDGPM/ref=sr_1_20?crid=I4YPARZPQD2A&keywords=arca+swiss+quick+release+plate+level&qid=1638641870&sprefix=arca+Swiss+quick+release+plate%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-20

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Dec 4, 2021 13:22:02   #
uhaas2009
 
Really Right Stuff B2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)

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Dec 4, 2021 15:20:03   #
lyndacast
 
I am looking for tripod/lever quick release, not just the clamp…
TIA

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Dec 4, 2021 16:42:58   #
Orphoto Loc: Oregon
 
Most of the time more useful to think about tripod legs and then heads. If you can deploy the current legs ok, then likely in market for just the head. Some of the clamp & plate combos are designed for use with current head. If not for you, then consider replacing just the head. Nearly all heads interchange cleanly with the legs.

Clearly recommend arca/swiss style attachment system. Those are available with the hated knobs or also with levers.

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Dec 4, 2021 21:03:10   #
flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA

I have had a Slik U212 Deluxe tripod since the mid-80s that I still have and use. It is a very versatile tripod that features a lever activated quick release system as well as lever activated leg locks. The system uses quick release posts that you screw into the tripod socket on your camera. You then place the camera on the tripod head with the post in the center receptacle and lock it in place with the lever.

I used to carry at least 3 camera bodies so I purchased extra posts on eBay and had one mounted on each body so I could quickly switch bodies.

The tripod is no longer available new, but many are available used on eBay, etc. It is made from aluminum, so not heavy. I believe it is rated for 5.5 pounds. It comes with a tilt-pan head that you can replace, but the tilt-pan head is the one with the quick release.

One neat thing you can do is set the tripod up for low level pics and mount the tripod head on a post on one of the legs (see pics).

NOTE: In looking at images on the web Slik also sold a ball head that accepted the quick release posts.

quick release post
quick release post...

tripod set for low level work
tripod set for low level work...

head attachment on one leg
head attachment on one leg...

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Dec 5, 2021 06:55:55   #
tcthome Loc: NJ
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/b2-lr-ii You might be able to attach something like this to the tripod head you already have or just swap out the hole ballhead.

Also check B&H

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=quick%20release%20ball%20heads&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

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Dec 5, 2021 09:16:55   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


Manfrotto has a great line of quick release plates that use a simple lever requiring no grip strength nor twisting and turning.
The same for extending the legs with no need to twist or grip.
Very ADA compliant units.

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Dec 5, 2021 09:51:48   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


Sounds like you are looking for a lever-lock Arca-Swiss clamp to mount on an existing tripod head. The concern with using a lever style clamp is that you will need to use all the same plates, tripod feet that have integrated dovetails, and camera L brackets. The screw type accommodates the slight differences between plate widths from the different manufacturers, making it a more universal choice. There is Not knowing what you have, I would suggest that you take a look at Hejnar Photo which has a few screw clamps that have oversized knobs that might be easier for you to manage:

http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/f63a.htm

There are some manufacturers that offer an adjustable plate that uses a lever for locking but you still can't get away from using a screw knob to adjust the width of the clamp to the individual plate.

https://www.google.com/search?q=adjustable+lever+clamp+for+arca+swiss+style+plates&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS908US908&sxsrf=AOaemvJ1397nyjoGevA47zriG4gqdx1qWQ:1638715457261&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjq4d7l8sz0AhVelmoFHcP9Du8Q_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1920&bih=1057&dpr=1#imgrc=Iq9iy1oKoxm4dM

If you need a new tripod, then be sure you order the tripod with a decent head with an Arca-Swiss lever clamp and standardize on one manufacturer's plates and L brackets.

But if you have a decent tripod and your only complaint is that you can't easily use the clamp, then you may only need a replacement clamp or a tripod head.

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Dec 5, 2021 10:10:59   #
John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia
 
lyndacast wrote:
ISO quick release tripod that easily allows user to use the lever system, not the knob, for the camera to be held on tripod. I am not a professional, but have some arthritis in my hands and the knob system on my tripod is not the best for me. Needs to be lightweight, too.
$250-300 limit.
TIA


There are two families of Quick Release devices.
Manfrotto RC2
Swiss ACRA

Most name brand tripods will probably come with one or the other. Pick your tripod and go with the default release or pick your release and get a tripod that matches.

I would not put an adapter in between the tripod and the camera as that will raise the center of gravity which may or may not be a concern.

I do not know that one is really any better than the other, but I prefer the Manfrotto 323 which attaches to the tripod and includes a 200PL-14 Plate that attaches to the camera. It and costs about $60. I am sure there is a ACRA equivalent which should cost about the same. There are lots of fakes on Internet for a lot less.

There are plenty of people on here who prefer the ACRA,

I strongly recommend going to a camera store to get the "feel" of each. I think all stores will have multiple devices in both brands in stock.

Just pick one family and stay with it or you may often find yourself using one and needing the other.

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Dec 5, 2021 10:30:04   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
cbtsam wrote:
I don't know the depth of your pocketbook, but Acratech has some very nice options and, while not the cheapest by any means, also not the most expensive. For example,
https://www.acratech.net/quick-release-clamps/locking-lever-clamp

Happy hunting.


I’m a big fan of Acratech products. Yeah, they are bit pricy but the old adage of you get what you pay for applies. However, don’t be timid about calling them and check on cosmetic seconds. My wife bought me a GV2 ball head a few years ago that I fell in love with. When I decided that a pano head and leveler were on my “need list,” I decided to give them a call. I bought the pano head at a pretty significant discount and couldn’t identify the issue when I got it.

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