jerryc41 wrote:
Tripod release plates remind me of watch batteries and printer ink cartridges. Why so many different styles? We've had some cheapo, light tripods over the years, and each one had a different release plate.
My son got a Vanguard Tracker 4 a few years ago and bought extra plates for it, knowing he would not be able to walk into a store and buy one.
I recently got one of these myself - nice tripod and not too expensive. I got the new GH-100 pistol grip ball head for it, and that takes a different plate - almost twice the price of the regular plate. There is absolutely no reason for a different release plate on the ball head. From a manufacturing standoint, it would be cheaper to make one plate for all products, and it would make life easier for customers.
If I am in the market for a new tripod, I would like to be able to use the mounting plates I already have. If I know that even if I buy another Vanguard, I will need a different plate, that could steer me toward a different brand.
Tripod release plates remind me of watch batteries... (
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I have converted all my equipment 3 cameras, 3 telephoto lenses with ring mounts, a spotting scope ,and 5 Tripods to Arca Swiss type plates so everything is easily interchangeable. If you shop E-bay dilligently you can find them very cheap to very pricey I opted for some cheap one for the less important things and moderate priced ones for the more critical items. I think it is worth the money just to get rid of the frustration of never having the right plate on the combination I was going to use.