RRS: Lever or Screw Clamp?

[mrshish]

I'm getting ready to purchase a RRS BH-55. I have a lever quick on my bogen head right now which has let me down. The clamp came loose and my new 5D hit the marble ground while on a shoot. Not the best time but that's what backup bodies are for.

Anyway, I'm a little gun shy now of lever quick release. What's everyone's experience been with them from RRS? I need something stable that can hold a 70-200mm and wont come loose.

[cosworth]

I have screw clamp and like it.

[Xpri]

I have the quick release on my BH40 and trust it completely, it's very well made.

[oldsquawk]

The RRS lever clamp is far and away superior to the Bogen clamp. The only camera rig I've ever dropped from a tripod was with a Bogen lever release that supposedly had a "safety lock". Never again Bogen! I have a RRS BH-55 with lever clamp and I trust it implicitly with all of my "normal" gear. The only lenses I would be hesitant to mount in the RRS lever clamp would be the really big telephotos like my 500mm f 4 lens. That lens gets mounted in a full Wimberley head. ;)

[Wilt]

Bogen QR systems are not something I would ever entrust my expensive gear. I had an inadvertant release that fortunately was allayed only due to the camera strap still around my arm.

You might want to simply pre-arrange with RRS to purchase the QR lever style, with full exchange (and difference in price refunded) if you can try out the head for a week and determine if you trust it. I have always 'field tested' my QR considerations in the store before ever making a purchase, as it is easy enough to simulate inadertant bumps of the lever to see if it releases immediately or if it hangs on until the lever is in the extreme, fully released position.

[Richard_Miami]

Please note the following warning on Lever Release Clamps from the RRS people themselves!! http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/clamps/index.html

NOTE: Choose a Lever Release clamp ONLY if you have quick release plates from Really Right Stuff or Wimberley. Lever Release clamp are not user-adjustable, and different manufacturers may follow different standards when producing Arca-Swiss compatible plates. Specifically, our Lever Release clamps do not work with plates from Markins, AcraTech, Arca-Swiss, and some Kirk plates–the dovetails are too shallow. Choose a screw-knob clamp if you have plates OTHER than those from RRS or Wimberley.

[Rumjungle]

I use both types and much prefer the Lever Release on the BH-55. It's fast, solid, and secure. The 70-200 won't be an issue at all.

[JBillings]

I vote for the lever release.... I changed it from the PCL variety.

[jdkeck]

I have several RRS clamps that are all screw type. The reason is the need to slide the L-bracket or rails, I find it faster to loosen the clamp a bit and adjust the rail. This is a personal preference that has nothing to do with concern about security. As has been mentioned, if you are using other manufacturers plates, RRS recommends the screw clamp. I'd recommend picking the style you'd feel most comfortable using if you're going to use all RRS parts. RRS makes high quality parts that are a real joy to use.

Jeff

[JohnJ80]

Lever for sure.

The RRS QR lever is terrific - every tripod should have one.

There are orders of magnitude difference between RRS and the Bogen system. I hate to say it, but in comparison, the Bogen stuff is a click above, well ... junk, IMO. Single biggest problem is no L plates and the plates are generic and don't fit that well.

J

[RichNY]

I'd probably would go for the levers unless you are planning on using the ballhead for use on a monopod also. Then you might think twice about it getting snagged and popping open on you.

[MDJAK]

I've got the RRS55 ballhead with the quick release clamp. I don't see anyway that it can accidentally come open.

That said, I think their screw clamp is also excellent and probably very easy to use also.

mark

[RichNY]

Good morning Mark.

My post above had come from just reading a thread about this over on Nikonians last week. http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID15/16102.html#15 (http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID15/16102.html#15)

See you tomorrow at Javits.


clamp-less

[JohnJ80]

Also, forgot to add, if you shoot in the cold, the lever is much easier to work with gloves than is the screw.

j

[SunTsu]

Hello Rumjungle. I noticed you also have a Gitzo 3530. I want to order the BH-55 but think it might be a bit too much for me. The biggest lens I think I'll ever go to is the 100-400mm L. Do you ever think the BH-40 would have been enough?

I've read that having a head that's too heavy is also not good because it can create a top heavy tripod (assuming one doesn't hang a weight from the tripod that is). The other concern of course, is cost. I don't want to get a BH-55 if it is going to be totally overkill. Thanks

I use both types and much prefer the Lever Release on the BH-55. It's fast, solid, and secure. The 70-200 won't be an issue at all.

[RichNY]

Hello Rumjungle. I noticed you also have a Gitzo 3530. I want to order the BH-55 but think it might be a bit too much for me. The biggest lens I think I'll ever go to is the 100-400mm L. Do you ever think the BH-40 would have been enough?

I've read that having a head that's too heavy is also not good because it can create a top heavy tripod (assuming one doesn't hang a weight from the tripod that is). The other concern of course, is cost. I don't want to get a BH-55 if it is going to be totally overkill. Thanks

The BH-40 will be fine for the 100-400. When buying your ballhead keep in mind not only the glass that you intend to purchase but also the glass you might be renting at various times.

[JohnJ80]

Hello Rumjungle. I noticed you also have a Gitzo 3530. I want to order the BH-55 but think it might be a bit too much for me. The biggest lens I think I'll ever go to is the 100-400mm L. Do you ever think the BH-40 would have been enough?

I've read that having a head that's too heavy is also not good because it can create a top heavy tripod (assuming one doesn't hang a weight from the tripod that is). The other concern of course, is cost. I don't want to get a BH-55 if it is going to be totally overkill. Thanks

The BH40 would be too small on top of the 3530. The BH40 was primarily designed for the Series 2, the BH55 for the Series 3.

I'm a big fan of RRS for pretty much all their gear. However, I think they and some of the other ballhead guys got caught with their pants down on these new Series 3 lightweight tripods. They are so light and so strong and so good at damping, it is really quite something. I have the 3540LS and I am really surprised at how light it is. I'm actually considering selling my smaller tripod and getting one of the new yet smaller ones (1540) for travel.

That said, because these tripods are so light, it just seems to be almost crazy to put a 2lb ballhead on top of it and give away a big part of the huge benefit of light weight. When you consider that there are some choices out there of excellent ballheads that are about half the weight, it is cause for concern.

When I bought my Series 3, I put the Markins M20 on top simply because it is 1.25lb to the RRS BH55 2.0lb. Surprisingly, I've come to like the M20 better than the BH40 I have on my 1258. The BH40 seems to drop a touch when you tighten the clamp. I believe it is a function of the design of the ballhead clamp. The Markins on the other hand has much better friction control for adjusting and it does not move when you tighten it down. That may not seem like a big thing, but if you put a long lens on it and it becomes an issue for me at longer than 200mm equivalent (I shoot with FF) and for sure by 300mm equivalent. I don't know if the BH55 has the same issue as the BH40, but I seem to recall that it does from reading elsewhere (perhaps others can comment).

So, I'd argue against the BH40 in that it is too small and against the BH55 because it is too heavy.

I did buy the M20 without the clamp and added a RRS Lever clamp. No tripod should be without the lever clamp.

At this level of gear, it is pretty hard to find a product that is bad. All the top mfgs have good product and it comes down pretty much to personal preference in ergonomics.

J.

[SunTsu]

Thanks guys. I just went ahead and finally pulled the trigger. I got the Gitzo 3530S and the BH-55 LR. Now it's just more of the waiting game to this addicting and expensive hobby.

[Rumjungle]

Good choices, SunTsu...they will serve you well. BTW, I'm a big fan of your teachings.;)

I'm in the camp that thinks more holding power is better when it comes to heads. Not only does it need to support a particular lens, but also the camera, brackets, & flash. On top of that, physically long lenses have more leverage on the head. You throw the weight of your hand in as well (if you're apt to rest it on the lens/cam assy).

[SunTsu]

Thanks. To date, this purchasing decision was the most difficult and time-consuming one I've had to make. I was just going to get the head today, but the guy on the phone was new (but he tried) and the phone supervisor was pretty helpful, so I figured I might as well get the tripod legs from them as well. As it turns out, they are cheaper than B&H and they had it in stock. They processed and shipped the order within an hour so for now, I've been pretty impressed. Given the choice, I'd rather put the money in RRS' hands over the big bad B&H any day.

[JohnJ80]

Nice rig.

The new Gitzo CF is really quite something.

J

[Cathpah]

Thanks. To date, this purchasing decision was the most difficult and time-consuming one I've had to make. I was just going to get the head today, but the guy on the phone was new (but he tried) and the phone supervisor was pretty helpful, so I figured I might as well get the tripod legs from them as well. As it turns out, they are cheaper than B&H and they had it in stock. They processed and shipped the order within an hour so for now, I've been pretty impressed. Given the choice, I'd rather put the money in RRS' hands over the big bad B&H any day.

wait a second...I know some people are upset about not getting the 1d3 when they hoped, but lets not jump on B&H here. They are the most reliable, competitively priced camera store out there. They have helped me many times, never gave me crap for cancelling an order, and have been 1000 times more honest than 99% of the other stores in NYC. B&H is a wonderful resource...they are far from bad.

regarding the OP--I too worry about QR's on something so vital, but I put a RRS clamp on top of my markins ballhead and opted for the QR and have used it regularaly for 6+ months with zero reason to worry about it's security/safety/reliability.

[Steve Beck]

I use the 'pro' screw type clamp on my 55. This is the only clamp to be sure other plates from other companies will be tight in head/clamp. RRS told me there is always that chance a plate from eimberly or kirk would not hold in the quick release lever style that I should get the screw knob kind.

[Cathpah]

I use the 'pro' screw type clamp on my 55. This is the only clamp to be sure other plates from other companies will be tight in head/clamp. RRS told me there is always that chance a plate from eimberly or kirk would not hold in the quick release lever style that I should get the screw knob kind.

that's why i use RRS plates with my RRS clamp. no worries there!

[SunTsu]

I purchased the lever BH-55, but I wonder if the QR lever is really that much faster than a knob. I can't imagine it takes that much time to turn a knob...or does it? Does anyone have it and know off-hand how many turns it takes to loosen it enough to release the clamp?

[freaking102]

got 'em both. the screw clamp screw sticks out kind of far, so less compact. but lever clamp is more compact, but weighs more. use the screw on monopod, and clamp on tripod.

[Rumjungle]

Lever is way faster than the screw...you'll see when you get it.

[SunTsu]

I use the 'pro' screw type clamp on my 55. This is the only clamp to be sure other plates from other companies will be tight in head/clamp. RRS told me there is always that chance a plate from eimberly or kirk would not hold in the quick release lever style that I should get the screw knob kind.

I bought the Wimberley P5 plate based on RRS' recommendation that it would fit fine on their BH-55LR clamp. It doesn't so they are currently looking into it for me. I have to say that everyone that I've spoken to there so far, has been really friendly and helpful.

[Richard_Miami]

Sun.. That is very interesting indeed. In my earlier post I quoted them, they explicitly state that Wimberley plates will work. That quote is a "copy and paste" from their own website. Please keep us posted as to how they work this out! They are a great company to do business with from my personal experience, so I am sure they will do the right thing by you.

[SunTsu]

It is interesting, isn't it. Well, even the instruction sheet that came with the head, states that RRS and Wimberley heads work well together. I was on the phone with the sales guy quite a bit when I bought all my gear and he even suggested that RRS and Wimberley work well together. In fact, all their literature states such.

After spending well over USD1K on a support system, it's a bit disappointing when everything isn't spot on, but so far, RRS has been pretty receptive. They told me they are going to call Wimberley tomorrow to see if the P5 was "changed" at all. Thing is, I got my Wimberley plate from B&H and everything else from RRS so I kind of need to know quickly if I am going to have to RMA the plate back to B&H or the ballhead back to RRS.

I've got another post about the drag knob on my BH-55 too. I'm hoping that RRS can provide a good answer for that too. I'm pretty hopeful so far because to date, everyone I've spoken to at RRS has been really open to investigating. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a whack of cash and then have someone tell you, "Sorry, nothing I can do for you and I don't want to listen either."

[jdizzle]

Since you guys are on the subject of ballheads, I would like to know whether or not the BH-40 or the BH-55 will fit my needs. I own the 1257 Gitzo and I've been wanting to upgrade to an RRS. What are your suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[jdizzle]

Can someone please give me a suggestion on which ballhead please?

[Cathpah]

Can someone please give me a suggestion on which ballhead please?

depending on your glass (you didnt tell us what you're trying to support here) the BH-40 should be fine...unless you're using big primes.

do a search and you should find many many threads comparing the two.

[jdizzle]

depending on your glass (you didnt tell us what you're trying to support here) the BH-40 should be fine...unless you're using big primes.

do a search and you should find many many threads comparing the two.
Thanks Cathpah. I was leaning toward the BH-40 too. I'm mostly landscape and it's very rare that I use my 70-200 on there. Thanks for the help. :)

[SunTsu]

I was going to get the BH-40 myself because of the lighter weight. The guy on the phone at RRS told me that I should get the BH-55 if I ever plan on getting the 100-400mm. After playing with my BH-55 for a couple of days, I'm not sure I needed the BH-55. I agree with a previous poster regarding leg weight vs. head weight. It seems a bit of a waste to get CF legs for weight reduction and then throw on a 2 lb head. If I had to do it again, I think I might get the BH-40 with knob (as opposed to QR).

[Cathpah]

I was going to get the BH-40 myself because of the lighter weight. The guy on the phone at RRS told me that I should get the BH-55 if I ever plan on getting the 100-400mm. After playing with my BH-55 for a couple of days, I'm not sure I needed the BH-55. I agree with a previous poster regarding leg weight vs. head weight. It seems a bit of a waste to get CF legs for weight reduction and then throw on a 2 lb head. If I had to do it again, I think I might get the BH-40 with knob (as opposed to QR).

I would imagine you were told to go for the BH-55 if using a 100-400 not because of the weight of the 100-400, but rather the size and therefore sail effect in the wind...thus making a more solid connection advantageous.

I agree though, that maybe that's not necessary--but that's purely from speculation and what i've read from others with bh-40, as i haven't used it myself....I'm a markins boy at heart.

[jdizzle]

Markins heads are nice and they are high quality like the RRS stuff. Either way they are good reputable companies and you will win either way. My biggest concern was the base of the center column of my tripod which made me think the BH-55 was kind of large in diameter as supposed to the BH-40 which is smaller. I guess it would look funny seeing a big head on small based tripod column :) . Thanks for the advice guys.

[SunTsu]

Yes, I also think it would look a bit funny to have a head with a larger base diameter than the tripod mounting plate. Fortunately, I have the Gitzo 3530S which has a HUGE base plate. I think this makes for a good combo because it would appear to me that a large base would for a larger connection and would be more stable.

I was messing around with my combo last night and did notice that there is still some wiggle if I put my hand on the lens and push gently down. I guess not tripod is going to be 100% dead steady.

[oni0n56]

the lever is great. ive got one and never had any problems. biggest lens is a 70-200 though

[JohnJ80]

Markins heads are nice and they are high quality like the RRS stuff. Either way they are good reputable companies and you will win either way. My biggest concern was the base of the center column of my tripod which made me think the BH-55 was kind of large in diameter as supposed to the BH-40 which is smaller. I guess it would look funny seeing a big head on small based tripod column :) . Thanks for the advice guys.

Markins M10 , Q3, RRS BH40 are for Series 1 or 2. Markins M20, BH55 are for Series 3.

J.

[SunTsu]

the lever is great. ive got one and never had any problems. biggest lens is a 70-200 though

Just wondering if you've EVER wished you had the knob instead. Also, I'm wondering if you've ever been worried or had to worry that the lever might "pop" open accidently by you or someone else. Thanks.

[Wilt]

Just wondering if you've EVER wished you had the knob instead. Also, I'm wondering if you've ever been worried or had to worry that the lever might "pop" open accidently by you or someone else. Thanks.

Not speaking about any specific brand, but I am concerned about levers being bumped sufficiently to release the camera in a flight to the ground! That once happened with a Bogen (Manfrotto) QR when the lever was bumped partially (fortunately the camera strap was around my arm, and arrested its flight to the ground!-- so I would never consider using any Bogen that does have a safety latch design!)

I know my Linhof is bump proof because it simply will not release with just a partial bump, you have to deliberately give a full swing to the release lever. I would want to ensure that any QR system is equally resistant, and not like the Bogen! Testimonials would work for me, when products like the RRS are not in stores to play with...that or a 'satisfaction guaranteed or swap to a knob' assurance from the manufacturer!

[Rumjungle]

Although unlikely, it's possible to get that latch snagged onto something. That's why I use a knob for my monopod (cuz that thing is going on and off my shoulder all day). On a tripod, however, especailly if it's mated to a large head like the BH-55, it becomes much more difficult to accidentally open it. I haven't even come close even though I shoulder my tripod frequently. I just don't see it happening.

[SunTsu]

Not speaking about any specific brand, but I am concerned about levers being bumped sufficiently to release the camera in a flight to the ground! That once happened with a Bogen (Manfrotto) QR when the lever was bumped partially (fortunately the camera strap was around my arm, and arrested its flight to the ground!-- so I would never consider using any Bogen that does have a safety latch design!)

I know my Linhof is bump proof because it simply will not release with just a partial bump, you have to deliberately give a full swing to the release lever. I would want to ensure that any QR system is equally resistant, and not like the Bogen! Testimonials would work for me, when products like the RRS are not in stores to play with...that or a 'satisfaction guaranteed or swap to a knob' assurance from the manufacturer!

Yes, I would say for sure that it would have been nice to try out the BH-55 before buying it. When you can't play with it first, you have to go by testimonials. I went to our local camera store today to ask if they had any RRS stuff and he mentioned that RRS won't let any retailers sell their stuff.

[SunTsu]

Although unlikely, it's possible to get that latch snagged onto something. That's why I use a knob for my monopod (cuz that thing is going on and off my shoulder all day). On a tripod, however, especailly if it's mated to a large head like the BH-55, it becomes much more difficult to accidentally open it. I haven't even come close even though I shoulder my tripod frequently. I just don't see it happening.

When I use the lens plate, I've found a way of mounting the plate such that it "covers" the tip of the QR lever. That makes me feel a little more safe. Unfortunatley, when the body is mounted, the QR lever is still exposed in the back.

[JohnJ80]

When I use the lens plate, I've found a way of mounting the plate such that it "covers" the tip of the QR lever. That makes me feel a little more safe. Unfortunatley, when the body is mounted, the QR lever is still exposed in the back.

I use QR on all my tripods AND on my monopods. I always mount the camera so that they QR lever is in front, under the lens. That pretty much solves that problem. When using a long lens and plate is on the collar, I just have not had a problem. Even with knob clamps, I'm not one for carrying it all over my shoulder anyhow. I prefer to use the QR lever and take it off and put it back.

J

[SunTsu]

"Even with knob clamps, I'm not one for carrying it all over my shoulder anyhow"

Hey7 JohnJ80, can you please explain this a bit more? Thanks.

[pwm2]

...so I would never consider using any Bogen that does have a safety latch design!)
Are you saying that you don't trust the Bogen safety latch design, or did you accidentally loose a not in that sentence?

[Cathpah]

"Even with knob clamps, I'm not one for carrying it all over my shoulder anyhow"

Hey7 JohnJ80, can you please explain this a bit more? Thanks.

i'm not john, but i bet i can answer that question too.

everything can/will break. the bolt that holds the head onto the legs could break, the lever could break, you could even bump the camera into something because of holding like this. just a precaution to stay on the safe side and avoid a catastrophic mistake.

[JohnJ80]

i'm not john, but i bet i can answer that question too.

everything can/will break. the bolt that holds the head onto the legs could break, the lever could break, you could even bump the camera into something because of holding like this. just a precaution to stay on the safe side and avoid a catastrophic mistake.

Exactly right. With any clamp system it is possible to get it not quite right when you load it and have it be prone to coming out. I don't carry the whole thing over my shoulder with the camera clamped on the monopod.

If I have to run down the sidelines, I carry it horizontally with the camera strap wrapped around my hand. No less convenient or easy to carry but much more controllable.

J

[Wilt]

Originally Posted by Wilt http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3540029#post3540029)
...so I would never consider using any Bogen that does have a safety latch design!)


Are you saying that you don't trust the Bogen safety latch design, or did you accidentally loose a not in that sentence?

It seemst that over 10 years ago, the Manfrotto QR was a single latch that could be slightly bumped, and the jaws would open sufficiently to release the QR plate enough to let the camera fall to the ground. Later (now) Manfrotto added a secondary safely latch that must first be released, before the main release can even move any amount.

Since POTN users buy used goods, I simply wanted used Manfrotto head buyers to be aware the the fact that the 'same head' has a safety catch or NOT!

[JohnJ80]

None of these are foolproof ("if you make it foolproof, only a fool would use it..."). The trick on that is then to look at which is the most stable, the most available and the best mount system (plates and clamps). Of these two, the A-S stuff meets that points.

For what its worth, I have a 3229 RC2 head on one of my monopods that has the secondary latch Wilt mentioned above. I have had it inadvertently open on me too. But then, I'm sort of the poster child for things going wrong at times...

J

[Wilt]

For what its worth, I have a 3229 RC2 head on one of my monopods that has the secondary latch Wilt mentioned above. I have had it inadvertently open on me too. But then, I'm sort of the poster child for things going wrong at times...

Gee, I better modify my prior statement to read, "...so I would never consider using any Bogen head for any mobile and portable application with my camera mounted on a tripod...I'd use it only for studio work!) :confused: