crhoetzl

If you are using a tripod, of what value is a quick release? You’re setting up the tripod putting the camera on it and adjusting for good composition. I don’t see any value to a quick release.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

I just got this to use on a Platypod base and I’m quite impressed with it at the price. https://www.amazon.com/Desmond-DB-40-Compatible-Tripod-Plate/dp/B01AVEX3OY

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I just replaced one of my tripod plate with the item you have pictured. It works great. I purchased L-brackets for all my cameras and standard ones for my telephoto lenses. The brackets are under $15 on eBay. Go with the Arca-Swiss style bracket has become the standard for tripods. So no mater what tripods you get in the future, they will work.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

The thing I notice with the bullheads is a tendency to move slightly when you let go of the camera after tightening the ball down. But I stick with it as I do little if any macro or portrait work.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

What ever you end up with, just be sure the same quick release plate can be used on anything else you get in the future.

lightyear

I have several tripods. I use ball heads on each, and all work well. I have switched my quick release clamp from the original twist-knob design to the lever release, and finally settled on the current Really right stuff (RRS) trigger or lever release clamp sold direct on line or on the phone from their Utah facility. The newer RRS clamp is designed to accommodate plates or slightly different widths, utilizing their patented lever self-adjustment. The clamp uses the Arca-Swiss design dove-tail male clamping edge and female plate attached to the bottom of the camera ( my D810) . The clamp accommodates plates made by RRS, Kirk, RRS, Wembley and probably others. Long telephoto lenses can also be held in this rig by attaching the appropriate plate to the lens. Lens or camera dismounting takes about 10 seconds.The RRS clamp, does NOT come apart like he Arca Swiss

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

First of all, the Arca-Swiss quick release system is the most universal and easiest to find plates and platforms. Many manufacturers makes compatible accessories....heck, even Manfrotto and Gitzo have started to make A-S compatible (they've each had their own proprietary QRs for decades... but are finally coming around). Some of the camera and lens manufacturers are even starting to incorporate built in A-S compatible dovetails in their products (Fuji makes some battery grips with a built-in A-S.... Tamron's recent lenses with tripod rings are also A-S compatible).

You can probably convert your current head to quick release easily, simply by adding an Arca-Swiss compatible platform that screws onto it (or replacing the one already on it, if that's the case). A little Locktite and maybe a pin or set screw (drill & tap) can keep it really secure. Then all you need is a camera plate.

Platform:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DM-60-60mm-3-8-Screw-Quick-Release-Clamp-Compatible-With-Arca-Swiss-Standard/263220240999?hash=item3d49262267:g:jFEAAOSwwrtZwyZC:rk:14:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Andoer-Quick-Release-Clamp-Lever-Knob-Type-1-4-3-8-Screw-Hole-for-Arca-Swiss/163148494764?hash=item25fc6877ac:g:06IAAOSwX2xao1RK:rk:12:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-Clamp-50mm-Quick-Release-Plate-for-Manfrotto-Arca-Swiss-Tripod-BallHead/332514076452?epid=1560601082&hash=item4d6b622724:g:GfoAAOSwOVpXVkIG:rk:9:pf:0 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Boss-Adapter-64mm-Quick-Release-Clamp-Arca-Swiss-Manfrotto-Bogen-Compatible/182035248284?hash=item2a6225749c:g:uC4AAOSwWTRWzsLg:rk:36:pf:0

Some of those platforms use a lever for faster release. Personally I prefer the thumbscrew type.... takes a few seconds longer to mount camera or lens, but just seems more secure to me.

Once you have that platform, you'll need a plate on your camera. I recommend the custom ones fitted to the specific camera, rather than the "universal" type. The custom ones prevent the camera from rotating under its own weight. The universal generally don't.

There are two types:

Plain, flat camera plates like this: https://express.google.com/u/0/product/15621521466275704038_15544254036986306533_1057813?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt&gtim=CM6Qrpbg6t6-aBDC-8778tfgvzsYsOzcGSIDVVNEKKD8uuEFMJXIQA&utm_campaign=1057813&gclid=Cj0KCQiApILhBRD1ARIsAOXWTzveA8hTC2gTfRMPIBkGJJts6WTgOpd95T5u367ZKEI5prZ2YEnoBzAaAjpcEALw_wcB

Or "L-brackets" like this: https://express.google.com/u/0/product/15621521466275704038_15544254036986306533_1057813?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt&gtim=CM6Qrpbg6t6-aBDC-8778tfgvzsYsOzcGSIDVVNEKKD8uuEFMJXIQA&utm_campaign=1057813&gclid=Cj0KCQiApILhBRD1ARIsAOXWTzveA8hTC2gTfRMPIBkGJJts6WTgOpd95T5u367ZKEI5prZ2YEnoBzAaAjpcEALw_wcB

The L-brackets are bulkier, but allow you to orient the camera vertically or horizontally.... are the best option if using on a ballhead (so the head doesn't need to be tipped off to one side).

The plain/flat brackets work well with pan/tilt heads that keep the camera better centered even in the vertical orientation.

There are also "lens plates", for use on longer lenses or macro lenses that have a tripod mounting ring. It doesn't sound as if you have any of those now, but if you ever do, it will be easy to find an Arca-style lens plate to use on it.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Just wondering what your talking about?

Mine only has a larger lever to quickly release the plate and a very small brass looking lever to lock the larger lever from accidentally releasing things if I should choose to use it, (normally I do). Besides the two parts as designed, what else could come apart?

I use Arca Swiss for everything when needed and that includes an 8 pound 500mm f4.5 lens plus my full frame and battery grip attached. No problems. Over the years those qr systems have proven to me how durable they are. In addition, as mentioned above, they are pretty much universal.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I have used the Manfrotto QR and the Arca-Swiss. Prefer A-S by a long shot and even replaced the receivers on my Manfrotto ball heads.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

=================

Yep!

I as well use this on my two tripods.

-0-

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

These RRS clamps are the best that I have used, acratech is well made also but are designed for their heads. I have tried several Chinese imitations wasting money till I settled on RRS.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Merry Christmas Everyone. Use Whatever Tripod and QR You Feel Happy With!

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

Merry Christmas.
I think Bob is is in the process of finding what he will be happy with and doesn't want to waste a lot of time and money being disappointed like many of us already have. Like my father always said, "learn what you can from other people's mistakes."
Someone else brought up another good point about custom L brackets. They are all arca swiss and by far the most secure.

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

I've used the Manfrotto quick release clamps on my cameras from my 35mm SLR, my digitals SLR's, my medium format Mamiya RB67 and both of my 4x5 cameras. Until I got my Tiltall tripod that has no quick release had I used anything but. I will probably stay with the quick release equipped tripod head with the SLR's. But after being exposed to the rigidity of the Tiltall, everything else is on the Tiltall. Unless the situation requires a quick "grab off the tripod and go", I may just sell my very good other tripod and stay with the old and reliable Machioni Brothers Tiltall.

BVBob Loc: Tri Cities, Wa.

I agree, what a great source of knowledge from a great group of photogs. I appreciate everyone's input.