Good QR Plate system?

[PZengel]

I have done some research on some of the QR systems and have desided that I would rather have the plate type. I like the RRS and Kirk plates but I am also consered about how expensive they are. Does anyone recommend any systems they might use?

thanks
paul

[NickSimcheck]

I've only used RRS, and with 100% satisfaction.

But I cannot speak for any more affordable brands.

[DocFrankenstein]

I've tried bogen RC0 and ended up with the arca swiss. You can get their plates off ebay for absollutely normal prices.

[Jon]

For what you've got the RC-2s of Manfrotto heads will be fine; if you were to get an Arca or RRS head, you might need to go with their plates, but if Manfrotto heads meet your needs the RC-2's the way to go. They also make a release-plate assembly you can attach to someone else's head, should you need to.

[Woolburr]

I second the vote for the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 system...you don't have anything large enough to justify needing one of the more elaborate systems. If you were into super telephotos that might change.

[JohnJ80]

Don't mess with anything else other than the Arca Swiss compatible stuff. There are many more options, choices etc... than with any of the manufacturer's proprietary systems. Getting a plate that is made explicitely for your camera model makes it work just that much better. Additionally, if it isn't a perfect fit, it can have play that can degrade your image.

Yes, it is expensive but it will out last your camera. You get what you pay for and you have many, many more options for ballheads, accessory clamps etc..

You also cannot get an L bracket for most (any) proprietary plate systems that I know of - and that feature alone argues for Arca Swiss compatible.

Also, IMO, the ballheads available with A-S compatible plates tend to be better (much) than the captive proprietary plates.

J.

[DocFrankenstein]

I made an L-bracket for my Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 quick release system for about $35 worth of material and parts. A piece of 3-inch extruded aluminum angle about two inches long and a Bogen/Manfrotto 3299 RC2 adapter. The quick release plate that came with the adapter is mounted to one leg of the aluminum angle and the adapter itself is attached to the other leg. The quick release parts make for a very quick installation of the L-bracket.
I bet it looks just as good as the original, eh? :D

[SkipD]

You also cannot get an L bracket for most (any) proprietary plate systems that I know of - and that feature alone argues for Arca Swiss compatible.I made an L-bracket for my Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 quick release system for about $35 worth of material and parts. A piece of 3-inch extruded aluminum angle about two inches long and a Bogen/Manfrotto 3299 RC2 adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=149686&is=REG&addedTroughType=search). The quick release plate that came with the adapter is mounted to one leg of the aluminum angle and the adapter itself is attached to the other leg. The quick release parts make for a very quick installation of the L-bracket.

(deleted original and reposted with link)

[SkipD]

I bet it looks just as good as the original, eh? :DI'll have to photograph it some time. It sure does not look like a hunk of scrap metal, though.

[Lightstream]

Don't mess with anything else other than the Arca Swiss compatible stuff. There are many more options, choices etc... than with any of the manufacturer's proprietary systems. Getting a plate that is made explicitely for your camera model makes it work just that much better. Additionally, if it isn't a perfect fit, it can have play that can degrade your image.

Yes, it is expensive but it will out last your camera. You get what you pay for and you have many, many more options for ballheads, accessory clamps etc..

You also cannot get an L bracket for most (any) proprietary plate systems that I know of - and that feature alone argues for Arca Swiss compatible.

Also, IMO, the ballheads available with A-S compatible plates tend to be better (much) than the captive proprietary plates.

J.


Amen to that.....

I usually shoot a 5D and 17-40, but the plates for my camera mate so much better to it, including an anti-twist lip.

Also because the plate is locked in a vise grip on two sides, I can loosen the vise (same way you open it) and slide the plate back and forth to better balance the camera when necessary. This is important with some of my longer lenses.

[PZengel]

I'm sure that most of the plates are made the same, but what companies make some good stuff. I actually plan to get a 400mm 2.8 next year that is why I would like a plate system. Does anyone recommend any companies that they use?

[JohnJ80]

I made an L-bracket for my Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 quick release system for about $35 worth of material and parts. A piece of 3-inch extruded aluminum angle about two inches long and a Bogen/Manfrotto 3299 RC2 adapter (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=149686&is=REG&addedTroughType=search). The quick release plate that came with the adapter is mounted to one leg of the aluminum angle and the adapter itself is attached to the other leg. The quick release parts make for a very quick installation of the L-bracket.

(deleted original and reposted with link)

unless you are manufacturing and selling these or is this a one-off?

J

[JohnJ80]

I'm sure that most of the plates are made the same, but what companies make some good stuff. I actually plan to get a 400mm 2.8 next year that is why I would like a plate system. Does anyone recommend any companies that they use?

My two favorites, in order are: RRS at http://www.reallyrightstuff.com and Kirk at http://www.kirkphoto.com.

J