RRS advice (Page 2): I have just converted to RRS and Markins lever clamps. In addition to being quicker to release, they also prevent accidental confusion with a ball head tension...

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

MrBob wrote:

A question from a friend who is going to spend big bucks on a Ballhead. No, don't offer alternatives as it is useless. Question is for actual users of RRS ballheads; what are the pros and cons of a lever clamp as opposed to a knurled knob. Does the extended lever get in the way? Any chance of accidentally opening. There will be no quick change of camera bodies. Meanwhile I as a mere mortal use my pistol grip. Thanks for any advice.

I have just converted to RRS and Markins lever clamps. In addition to being quicker to release, they also prevent accidental confusion with a ball head tension screws. Surely I am not the only person who has looked through the viewfinder and by mistake turned the clamp screw instead of the tripod screw in an effort to adjust the direction of the lens. Stupid and avoidable, I know, but the lever clamp eliminates that possibility entirely.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

I've used both, and once had a camera and large lens fall, destroying the (very expensive!) lens hood when I was carrying my tripod over my shoulder using the lever style clamp. I prefer the knob type clamp and now use them almost exclusively.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I have lever clamps on all my RRS gear. The main reason for using a screw clamp would be if they don’t offer a lever clamp on that piece of gear, as some of the plates and other supports don’t, or if you are using non RRS Arca-Swiss plates which may be of slightly different dimensions and tolerance to the RRS product standards.

Accidentally loosening is not an issue with the lever clamps in my experience.

MrBob wrote:

A question from a friend who is going to spend big bucks on a Ballhead. No, don't offer alternatives as it is useless. Question is for actual users of RRS ballheads; what are the pros and cons of a lever clamp as opposed to a knurled knob. Does the extended lever get in the way? Any chance of accidentally opening. There will be no quick change of camera bodies. Meanwhile I as a mere mortal use my pistol grip. Thanks for any advice.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I prefer the lever clamps. With an RRS L-bracket, it makes for very quick changes between landscape and portrait modes. Never had one come off unintentionally.

Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO

Have the lever clamp and have used it since 2006.
Love it. Easy to change cameras.
You do have to pay attention to direction, but that is not difficult.
Have never "accidentally" unclamped a camera or lens.

Aldla Loc: Central NJ

MrBob wrote:

A question from a friend who is going to spend big bucks on a Ballhead. No, don't offer alternatives as it is useless. Question is for actual users of RRS ballheads; what are the pros and cons of a lever clamp as opposed to a knurled knob. Does the extended lever get in the way? Any chance of accidentally opening. There will be no quick change of camera bodies. Meanwhile I as a mere mortal use my pistol grip. Thanks for any advice.

Been using RRS lever ballhead with their L bracelet for years and never had any problems
Easiest and fastest way to go from vertical to horizontal It locks secure and I never give it a second thought

RGG

If my shoes were all the same brand and type, I'd like a lever clamp - but my shoes are NOT a matched set so the knob clamp works best for me.

Vladimir200 Loc: Beaumont, Ca.

Lever only on my RRS ballhead. I've had for many years and never a problem or a worry and I put expensive equipment on top. The lever is sooo easy to use & when I say it is "secure", I mean it is SECURE.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

The RRS stuff is exceedingly well designed and manufactured. I've always been of the view that you should, "Buy well once."[/quote]
I did and I did cry once. Bought the lens support system for the Nikon 200-500. It's well designed. Now I need a sherpa to carry the camera, lens and tripod.

jno

MrBob wrote:

A question from a friend who is going to spend big bucks on a Ballhead. No, don't offer alternatives as it is useless. Question is for actual users of RRS ballheads; what are the pros and cons of a lever clamp as opposed to a knurled knob. Does the extended lever get in the way? Any chance of accidentally opening. There will be no quick change of camera bodies. Meanwhile I as a mere mortal use my pistol grip. Thanks for any advice.

I have both lever and knob. Go for the lever..never had it loosen, need to check knob just to be sure it's tight. RRS is the way to go!