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Tripod and L bracket questions
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Jul 19, 2018 17:34:20   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does not take Arca Swiss. I am considering getting a different tripod or at least changing heads.

I think I want to be able to use an L bracket. I am interested in feed back on L brackets and their use. I use a tripod quite a bit and seldom do vertical shots because of the hassle. It seems to be the way to go but it is an investment so I want to be sure.

I use both a full frame camera and also a D500. I see several choices for brackets for the FF - RRS, Kirk and others. As far as I can tell, RRS does not have a bracket for the D500 but I did find one Kirk model. Is there some reason not to use an L bracket on the D500? I was surprised RRS did not have one (unless I missed it). EDIT: RRS does have one. It is just currently out of stock.

I would appreciate any advice on these subjects.

Reply
Jul 19, 2018 17:48:58   #
Linary Loc: UK
 
Cwilson341 wrote:
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does not take Arca Swiss. I am considering getting a different tripod or at least changing heads.

I think I want to be able to use an L bracket. I am interested in feed back on L brackets and their use. I use a tripod quite a bit and seldom do vertical shots because of the hassle. It seems to be the way to go but it is an investment so I want to be sure.

I use both a full frame camera and also a D500. I see several choices for brackets for the FF - RRS, Kirk and others. As far as I can tell, RRS does not have a bracket for the D500 but I did find one Kirk model. Is there some reason not to use an L bracket on the D500? I was surprised RRS did not have one (unless I missed it).

I would appreciate any advice on these subjects.
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)


I had the same thoughts as you, but rather than spend a lot of cash on something I may not use I bought a generic bracket for less than $20. The bracket fits all my DSLRs
and flipping it to the portrait mode takes a few seconds. Being a "generic" bracket, I can't open all of the side panels on the cameras without removing the brackets - the panels are for various leads (USB, in and out, camera to computer etc). As I never use those sockets while shooting, absolutely no loss at all. I now have generic brackets fitted to all my DSLRs.

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Jul 19, 2018 17:56:55   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
Linary wrote:
I had the same thoughts as you, but rather than spend a lot of cash on something I may not use I bought a generic bracket for less than $20. The bracket fits all my DSLRs
and flipping it to the portrait mode takes a few seconds. Being a "generic" bracket, I can't open all of the side panels on the cameras without removing the brackets - the panels are for various leads (USB, in and out, camera to computer etc). As I never use those sockets while shooting, absolutely no loss at all. I now have generic brackets fitted to all my DSLRs.
I had the same thoughts as you, but rather than sp... (show quote)


Thank you for the quick response, Linary! I noticed that there is a tremendous price range for brackets. I’m not sure generic would work for me since I want to put it on the camera and leave it on all the time. However, I don’t normally use the side ports either. Can you still change batteries with the generic plate in place? Other than the battery, my main other concern is the port for the cable release but that is on the front and probably wouldn’t be affected. It sounds like you are a believer in using a bracket.

Reply
 
 
Jul 19, 2018 18:03:51   #
Linary Loc: UK
 
Cwilson341 wrote:
Thank you for the quick response, Linary! I noticed that there is a tremendous price range for brackets. I’m not sure generic would work for me since I want to put it on the camera and leave it on all the time. However, I don’t normally use the side ports either. Can you still change batteries with the generic plate in place? Other than the battery, my main other concern is the port for the cable release but that is on the front and probably wouldn’t be affected. It sounds like you are a believer in using a bracket.
Thank you for the quick response, Linary! I notic... (show quote)


I can't answer for the D500, but on my D200 and my D70s (I now have 6 of the latter) the battery compartment is not blocked by the bracket.
For a major experiment I am engaged in, I needed four (turned out I needed six) identical cameras which could be oriented and aligned fairly easily in landscape and portrait mode. With the help of levelling bases and L brackets this alignment is (almost) easy.

Reply
Jul 19, 2018 18:09:02   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
Cwilson341 wrote:
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does not take Arca Swiss. I am considering getting a different tripod or at least changing heads.

I think I want to be able to use an L bracket. I am interested in feed back on L brackets and their use. I use a tripod quite a bit and seldom do vertical shots because of the hassle. It seems to be the way to go but it is an investment so I want to be sure.

I use both a full frame camera and also a D500. I see several choices for brackets for the FF - RRS, Kirk and others. As far as I can tell, RRS does not have a bracket for the D500 but I did find one Kirk model. Is there some reason not to use an L bracket on the D500? I was surprised RRS did not have one (unless I missed it). EDIT: RRS does have one. It is just currently out of stock.

I would appreciate any advice on these subjects.
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)



My new cameras all come with additional batteries and an "L" bracket, absolutely. I do not remember taking one off, no reason to do so. Don't beat yourself up over the photos you never even tried to shoot, that might be endless. "L" brackets are so practical and useful they should be built-in on pro and pro-sumer models, IMO. If your photography interests lean towards landscapes you are cheating yourself badly by not having and using one. Don't get hung up on prices, these things are simple and easy to mill. I believe my 5D Mk ii has a generic B&H plate. Several brands are on the market.

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Jul 19, 2018 18:12:24   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
Linary wrote:
I can't answer for the D500, but on my D200 and my D70s (I now have 6 of the latter) the battery compartment is not blocked by the bracket.
For a major experiment I am engaged in, I needed four (turned out I needed six) identical cameras which could be oriented and aligned fairly easily in landscape and portrait mode. With the help of levelling bases and L brackets this alignment is (almost) easy.


Sound like an interesting project, Linary! I’m think the brackets will make life a little easier.

Reply
Jul 19, 2018 18:17:02   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Carol, I use an older Gitzo with a tilt/pan head (the newer ones would work the same way). On that I have an Arca Swiss fliplock Quickset Device. Each of my cameras have Arca Swiss plates to attach to the Quickset Device. Landscape to portrait is a simple loosen the appropriate handle on the tripod and tilt the head 90 degrees.
--Bob
Cwilson341 wrote:
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does not take Arca Swiss. I am considering getting a different tripod or at least changing heads.

I think I want to be able to use an L bracket. I am interested in feed back on L brackets and their use. I use a tripod quite a bit and seldom do vertical shots because of the hassle. It seems to be the way to go but it is an investment so I want to be sure.

I use both a full frame camera and also a D500. I see several choices for brackets for the FF - RRS, Kirk and others. As far as I can tell, RRS does not have a bracket for the D500 but I did find one Kirk model. Is there some reason not to use an L bracket on the D500? I was surprised RRS did not have one (unless I missed it). EDIT: RRS does have one. It is just currently out of stock.

I would appreciate any advice on these subjects.
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)

Reply
 
 
Jul 19, 2018 18:17:39   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
davidrb wrote:
My new cameras all come with additional batteries and an "L" bracket, absolutely. Don't beat yourself up over the photos you never even tried to shoot, that might be endless. "L" brackets are so practical and useful they should be built-in on pro and pro-sumer models, IMO. If your photography interests lean towards landscapes you are cheating yourself badly by not having and using one.


That is the kind of encouragement I needed, David! I shoot a little bit of everything but lean towards big birds, landscapes and close ups of flowers. Even with Egrets and Herons I frequently end up cropping to a portrait format when it would be better to just shoot it that way. I find myself using a tripod more and more so this seems to make sense for me.

Reply
Jul 19, 2018 18:27:21   #
CO
 
Definitely purchase an L-bracket. I have a Kirk L-bracket for my D7000 and want to get another one for my D500 now. There are three advantages that I see.

1) It makes switching between landscape and portrait orientation quick and easy.
2) It keeps the weight of the camera and lens centered over the tripod.
3) The L-bracket is machined to fit the bottom of the particular camera. There's a ledge on the front and on the back sides that prevent the camera from rotating when in portrait orientation.

I use it with an Acratech Nomad ballhead. The Acratech ballheads have a unique design. The bottom of the ball is exposed. Debris will fall away instead of being trapped in a ballhead socket. The locking and friction knobs have a positive feel. Many ballheads have a mushy feel when tightening and not with the Acratech.

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Jul 19, 2018 18:29:21   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
rmalarz wrote:
Carol, I use an older Gitzo with a tilt/pan head (the newer ones would work the same way). On that I have an Arca Swiss fliplock Quickset Device. Each of my cameras have Arca Swiss plates to attach to the Quickset Device. Landscape to portrait is a simple loosen the appropriate handle on the tripod and tilt the head 90 degrees.
--Bob


Bob, I started with a ball head but it probably wasn’t big enough for the load I put on it. I was getting too much slippage. I switched to a pan tilt head but it seems very awkward when I flip it over. I have to either raise the tripod or stoop a bit which makes my back unhappy. My Manfrotto head doesn’t take Arca Swiss at all. I’ve always liked the Manfrotto quick release system but I can’t use a bracket with it. I was hoping a bracket would secure the camera a little better. I tighten the QR plates but in some situations I still notice the slippage when flipped over. It sounds like the pan-tilt is working for you so it may just be me.

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Jul 19, 2018 18:34:25   #
Vienna74 Loc: Bountiful, Utah now Panama
 
I think the L-bracket I have is one of the best accessories ever for my camera. The problem with tipping the ball head is having to realign the photo. With an L-bracket the swap is faster. Also, when shooting a pano, the pivot of the ball head is no longer below the focal plane. The L-bracket solves that. I leave it on my camera all the time.

Reply
 
 
Jul 19, 2018 18:38:26   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
CO wrote:
Definitely purchase an L-bracket. I have a Kirk L-bracket for my D7000 and want to get another one for my D500 now. There are three advantages that I see.

1) It makes switching between landscape and portrait orientation quick and easy.
2) It keeps the weight of the camera and lens centered over the tripod.
3) The L-bracket is machined to fit the bottom of the particular camera. There's a ledge on the front and on the back sides that prevent the camera from rotating when in portrait orientation.

I use it with an Acratech Nomad ballhead. The Acratech ballheads have a unique design. The bottom of the ball is exposed. Debris will fall away instead of being trapped in a ballhead socket. It has a positive feel the the locking and friction knobs. Many ballheads have a mushy feel when tightening and not with the Acratech.
Definitely purchase an L-bracket. I have a Kirk L-... (show quote)


Thank you, CO. I’m becoming well convinced the bracket is a winner. I appreciate your three points. #3 was something extra I was hoping would be the case. I’ll also take a serious look at Artech. My original ball head was probably not up to the job and I switched to a pan-tilt head. I’ve really been wanting to go back to a ball head if I can be sure it will be solid.

Reply
Jul 19, 2018 18:45:30   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
Vienna74 wrote:
I think the L-bracket I have is one of the best accessories ever for my camera. The problem with tipping the ball head is having to realign the photo. With an L-bracket the swap is faster. Also, when shooting a pano, the pivot of the ball head is no longer below the focal plane. The L-bracket solves that. I leave it on my camera all the time.


Seeing all these positive remarks about using a bracket, I don’t know why I waited so long. I have definitely noticed how involved it is to tip the head. I always either have to raise the tripod a little bit or stoop down which makes it harder to see and also makes my back hurt. I have also worried about instability, particularly for field shooting. I am encouraged by the positive responses!

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Jul 19, 2018 18:50:53   #
DaveO Loc: Northeast CT
 
Depending on your model, several people on the forum have used these guys for converting select Manfrotto heads to arca-swiss.

http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/146.htm

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Jul 19, 2018 18:51:31   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Cwilson341 wrote:
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does not take Arca Swiss. I am considering getting a different tripod or at least changing heads.

I think I want to be able to use an L bracket. I am interested in feed back on L brackets and their use. I use a tripod quite a bit and seldom do vertical shots because of the hassle. It seems to be the way to go but it is an investment so I want to be sure.

I use both a full frame camera and also a D500. I see several choices for brackets for the FF - RRS, Kirk and others. As far as I can tell, RRS does not have a bracket for the D500 but I did find one Kirk model. Is there some reason not to use an L bracket on the D500? I was surprised RRS did not have one (unless I missed it). EDIT: RRS does have one. It is just currently out of stock.

I would appreciate any advice on these subjects.
I have a Manfrotto tripod that I like but it does ... (show quote)

PMG does make a "hybrid" L bracket, that fits both!

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