L Brackets: I've never had much of an interest in L brackets. If I want to go from landscape to portrait when the camera is on a tripod, I flip the head. I watched a couple of reviews...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've never had much of an interest in L brackets. If I want to go from landscape to portrait when the camera is on a tripod, I flip the head.

I watched a couple of reviews of the new SmallRig L bracket, and the reviewers liked it. One thing that surprised me is that it must be paired with a Arca Swiss QR Plate. I've been using the Manfrotto type plate for years, and I like it. If I decided to buy an L bracket - just to have one - I'd have to buy all new QR plates.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

? how often would I use it? versus cost. Since my computer screen is "landscape" I prefer to shoot almost exclusively with that orientation. When I did weddings that was a different matter as we often needed "portrait" orientation since the subjects at that moment were often vertical.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I like the protection it offers and the way it feels when shooting.

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

I have one also, not SmallRig's, but it works fine.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

jerryc41 wrote:

I've never had much of an interest in L brackets. If I want to go from landscape to portrait when the camera is on a tripod, I flip the head.

I watched a couple of reviews of the new SmallRig L bracket, and the reviewers liked it. One thing that surprised me is that it must be paired with a Arca Swiss QR Plate. I've been using the Manfrotto type plate for years, and I like it. If I decided to buy an L bracket - just to have one - I'd have to buy all new QR plates.

I think just for the hell of it I might just make an L bracket,Or maybe Not they look like a PITA to me.
I have making my own QR plates for a few years now, I just finished a 6"X 5/8" plate for a cost of $8.75 for materials and a little over an hours labor.
I was gonna Cera-Coat it but just don't feel like heating up the oven, so Flat black Krylon it will be.

uhaas2009

I wouldn’t get a l- bracket because most l-bracket you can attach only one QR plate.

pahtspix

Most good L-Brackets DO in fact have a dovetail ARCA type "groove" as part of thier design and each side of the "L" can easily be mounted to an ARCA type clamp. Another advantage to a L-bracket, is that your "view" stays in " center" when you are shooting in BOTH portrait and landscape mode..You do not have to re-compose due to flopping the camera to the side!!

pahtspix

Most good L-Brackets DO in fact have a dovetail ARCA type "groove" as part of thier design and each side of the "L" can easily be mounted to an ARCA type clamp. Another advantage to a L-bracket, is that your "view" stays in " center" when you are shooting in BOTH portrait and landscape mode..You do not have to re-compose due to flopping the camera to the side!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Like everything else, prices vary wildly, from $15 to $250. I like this orange one. I saw a photographer on YouTube using an orange bracket. Still, if I'm not going to use it or need it, why buy it? Give me a minute, and I'll think of a reason. 😋

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1774790-REG/3_legged_thing_zooey_c_zooey_l_bracket_for_nikon.html

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

DaveO wrote:

I like the protection it offers and the way it feels when shooting.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DaveO wrote:

I like the protection it offers and the way it feels when shooting.

Yes, I like the idea of protection, and the SmallRig allows for battery replacement.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

I use a Kirk L bracket on my D500 that I like a lot. It too allows for battery changes on my grip.

Bill_de Loc: US

pahtspix wrote:

You do not have to re-compose due to flopping the camera to the side!!

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pjeffers51 Loc: Richmond texas

For L bracket

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I used to automatically buyan L bracket every time I got new camera. Now that I shoot Oly mirrorless exclusively, I almost never use a tripod anymore, even shooting birds at a 100 mm equivalent. The IS is that good.

That said, once in a while I think a tripod would come in handy, and If I'm going to shoot with one, I would definitely want an L bracket.