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
Can we clarify what you're looking for?
A "quick release" is typically a system to attach the camera camera to the head of the tripod. This is in place of the 1/4" screw that's pretty universal to cameras and non-quick release tripods. The quick release is usually a plate that you semi-permanently install on the camera (screws into that 1/4" socket and stays there whether using the tripod or not). That plate then locks into some sort of corresponding platform on top of the head. Some heads come so equipped, while in other cases they can be adapted. There are quick release mechanisms that use a thumb screw to lock down, as well as some that use levers. There are also "replacement platforms" that can be used to convert a tripod head from non-quick release to quick release. And there are adapters that convert from one type of quick release to another type. Two of the more common quick release systems are "Arca-Swiss" (the most universally by far, used by many manufacturers as well as Arca-Swiss themselves) and Manfrotto (which is proprietary, but relatively common because the brand has been around a long time). These are the easiest quick release systems to get parts for, such as extra camera and lens plates. Some other much less common ones can be a problem... the tripod or at least the head may be unusable if the plate is lost and cannot be replaced, for example.
Does that sound like what you're referring to when you ask about a "quick release"?
There also are many different types of tripod heads. Most use some sort of knob or handle that's twisted loosen to allow the various movements or to tighten and lock everything in place once you have it where you want it. Some heads are "pistol grips" that have no knobs, instead use a large lever you squeeze to loosen and allow movements. Releasing the grip on that lever locks the head in place. This type is very quick to work with, but usually somewhat limit in the amount of weight it can hold, plus it depends upon one or more springs to lock the movements. Does this sound like what you're looking for?
Finally there are tripod legs that use different types of locking mechanisms. The three major types are twist, thumbscrew and lever locks. All these are loosened to set up or collapse the tripod, then re-tightened to lock it in place when the legs are either extended or retracted to the point you want. The lever type leg locks are the fastest, but over time may wear and require some adjustment or even replacement. They also can catch on things like branches or sleeves or cuffs and be accidentally loosened. Or if dirt or something else gets into the mechanism they may not lock correctly. The twist type are the most common, especially on "better" tripods. They are also the most low profile, least likely to catch on things and are largely self-adjusting over time and are somewhat resistant to dirt or anything else getting into the mechanism. Some even have rubber o-rings to help keep water out. They rarely need service, unless you use them frequently in water and mud and need to clean them out. Thumbscrews are typically only used on the very cheapest and flimsiest or on the most heavy duty tripods. Do any of these sound like what you are wanting?
As you can see, asking for "quick release tripod" and "lever system" the way you have can mean different things. People are trying to help you, but I suspect not understanding what you're wanting.