mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I just bought a Manfroto because of the quick release.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Do any of you use a quick release (Arca-Swiss) between your tripod and your ball head or gimbal head? I use a Arca-Swiss system between the TOP of the ball head or gimbal head to the camera, but have pondered the use on the other side. Just lazy I guess

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I have Arca Swiss components on all my cameras. I don't use Arca Swiss compatible, because they aren't totally compatible. I wouldn't use anything else.
--Bob

tcthome Loc: NJ

Guessing your talking about a quick change system from ball to gimbal, etc. Steve Perry has a vid on you tube, maybe a tripod vid where he does this.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Guessing your talking about a quick change system for swapping out your ball head & the gimbal, etc. Steve Perry has vid on doing this( maybe a tripod vid) on You Tube where he does this.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I do not use A/S under my heads because they are not beefy enough and they allow too much movement IMO. Instead I use this large self locking Manfro -
but I think these may be hard to find now - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-625-RC0-Rapid-Connect-Adapter-with-030-14-Plate/332575935817?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
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amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Arca-Swiss is by far the most universal and versatile QR system. It's an "open" system, where many different manufacturers make products that use it.

For many years I used two different Manfrotto QR systems (which aren't even compatible with each other). There are a few manufacturers who make plates and other products to work with them. Better than some other proprietary QR systems, but nowhere near what's available for the Arca system.

I have converted everything... cameras, lenses, accessory brackets, tripod heads (including a number of Manfrotto (or Bogen) items).... to Arca. I recently bought an old, used Bogen tripod and head for $10, cleaned it up, and installed a $16 Arca QR platform from China. That platform is surprisingly well made for $16 (including shipping), works great with all the camera and lens plates I've tried so far. Another ballhead (Manfrotto) that I converted some years ago was best done by fully removing the existing platform and replacing it with one made by Kirk Photo that cost around $50 plus shipping (there weren't many choices for that, because of the large dia. thread used to mount the platform).

If you use large telephoto lenses with gimbal heads or gimbal adapters, Arca-Swiss type plates are almost mandatory and the standard used by all but a few (one of which is Manfrotto's large gimbal, for which they designed a unique plate that's not compatible with anything else... even other Manfrotto heads!) The Arca design allows for some adjustment forward or backward, to set the gear on the gimbal close to perfect equilibrium so that 10 lb. or heavier lens & camera can be panned and tilted smoothly with a light touch. On large telephotos I use Arca plates that are slightly longer than usual, to allow for more adjustments. I also look for plates that provide some sort of anti-twist feature, so that the weight of the gear won't loosen it at inconvenient times! One of my lenses (Canon 100-400mm "II") had a tripod mounting foot with a cool looking curved shape that doesn't work well with Arca plates. In that case I replaced the foot entirely, with one that incorporates an Arca-compatible dovetail (at the time, there were three manufacturers... today there are more choices).

Camera plates are another place I don't compromise. I always buy one that's custom fitted to the camera, providing anti-twist features. These are available for most popular camera models from a number of manufacturers (Kirk, RRS, Hejnar and others.)

Some lens and camera manufacturers have even begun to incorporate Arca-compatible dovetails into their designs. Tamron's latest lenses with a tripod mounting collar all now have the dovetail built right in. Some Fujifilm camera battery grips have incorporated thedovetail, too. I wish more would do this because.... 1. it saves having to buy a separate plate... 2. it is perhaps more secure than a separately installed plate... 3. it might save an ounce or two and a little bulk... 4. and it doesn't interfere with other functions.

Even Manfrotto and Gitzo... who have both had their own proprietary QR systems (several each, in fact... all of which are non-interchangeable with each other or anyone else's).... have started offering a few items that are Arca-compatible.

To me it's a "no brainer". I won't use anything else and can't understand why anyone would.



To each his own! Hey, I'm sure I've got some of those in a box or drawer somewhere... removed from my tripods when I converted to Arca-Swiss. If, as you say, they're getting hard to find, maybe I should put them up for auction!





Over the years, I've had probably a dozen or more different "Arca Swiss compatible" camera plates, eight or ten lens plates, various size "universal" plates on accessories such as flash brackets and macro focusing stages, as well as "Arca-compatible" platforms on around a half dozen tripods and a couple monopods. These have been branded items from Kirk, Wimberley, RRS, Hejnar, Induro, Desmond, Smith-Victor, Meike and others, as well as some inexpensive "no brand name" Chinese made stuff bought via eBay. With them all, I've never had a "compatibility issue". I've heard of occasional problems due to variations, but never experienced anything significant myself. One ballhead I bought had a unique "safety stop screw" in the platform that I had to remove so that other brand items would work with it (only that brand's own plates would work with the safety screw installed). But that's the "worst" compatibility issue I can recall and only took about 10 seconds to permanently "fix".

Regarding "lever versus thumbscrew" fasteners.... I mostly just use the thumbscrews now. It might take a couple seconds longer to mount something, but I know it's secure. And, to me the thumbscrew just seems a less complex mechanism that doesn't rely upon a spring to hold things securely.

P.S. I sure am opinionated!

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

I will second CHG_Canon. Especially regarding the screw on vs lever. I love the lever clamp when it works, but I have a couple plates that it will not tighten down on.

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Tcthome. Thank you. Steve Perry's video was exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate you taking the time to help a fellow Hog.

Norm

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you have some I will probably buy them - if reasonable .....
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n46130

I am using the Arca-Swiss style of mount. I use some of the knockoffs and found them adequate for my equipment. I found the knockoffs well made and worked interchangeability. However, buyer beware, you generally get what you pay for.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

My experience also !! I am not rich and not trying to impress anyone .....

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Nice job removing an important part of the post! "Buyer beware - you generally get what you pay for." Democrat's trick!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I use mostly RRS gear for these tasks, but I also have some Wimberley lens feet as that's what my local dealer stocks. All gear works as new, even after years of abuse! YMMV. Best of luck.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

That is because I do not agree - and I am not a democrat ! - If you are smart you CAN get more than you pay for .....