20D L Plates

[Mthorpe_Davies]

Hi guys I'm thinking about getting an L plate for my 20D, so far I have found two different types on the net.

First up is the RRS

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/media/product_size/BGE2L_side.jpg

second is the Kirk

http://www.kirkphoto.com/bl20dg.jpg

does anyone use either plate, what are your opinions of them.

[RJNear]

Hi

I don't have a 20D but I have a 1Ds and 10d and I hve the RRS L-plates on both of these cameras. I relly like the RRS products, and yes the L plates are expensive but once you have used one you will find it worth every penny.

Robert Near
www.rjnphoto.com

[CyberDyneSystems]

I don't think you can go wrong with either.. they are both "top Shelf" products.

[DaveG]

Hi guys I'm thinking about getting an L plate for my 20D, so far I have found two different types on the net.

First up is the RRS

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/media/product_size/BGE2L_side.jpg

second is the Kirk

http://www.kirkphoto.com/bl20dg.jpg

does anyone use either plate, what are your opinions of them.

The 20D with the vertical grip is light enough to be supported by pretty much any ballhead, and especially the good ones shown in the ads, even with the centre of gravity off centre. So what exactly does this do for you? You have to remove it from the tripod to switch from horizontal to vertical, so it's not particularly fast. And for big heavy lenses you'd probably have a tripod collar on the lens.

I just don't see that point of spending the moeny on this product. I think that you'd be better served spending the money on a better ballhead.

[FloridaShooter]

What do these actually do?

[IainB]

Glad you asked, Florida, on belhalf of the rest of us........
IainB

[Turbowolf]

My understanding is that the "L" plate is used to keep the camera centered over the head of the tripod. I assume it's of use in panorama for vertically framed shots and other technical photo's where it is of importance to keep the sensor in the same place over multiple images.

99% of my stuff is wildlife "from the hip", i.e. no time for setting up a tripod, so I don't use one. Use a Bushhawk w/ a 100-400L For those who don't know, a Bushhawk is a shoulder stock with a trigger button under the index finger, just like a rifle.

[alan sh]

That is weird. In the UK, an 'L' plate is put onto cars to signify a learner driver. So, I was expecting something similar for a new 20D owner :)

Happy New Year

Alan

[davelewis]

Turbowolf, I like using an L-bracket for keeping the camera centered over the head of the tripod for reasons of tripod balance and stability. You can test this for yourself by "flopping" the camera over to the side for a vertical shot (with say a 24-70mm L zoom) and then move the camera so it is between two of your tripod legs as viewed from above. Then lift the opposite leg of your tripod to see you relatively easy it is to tip over. Then put the camera directly above the tripod head (horizontal view) and see how easy it is to lift the same leg. I had a situation last year where two young brothers spontaneously started horsing around and one crashed into my tripod while I had the ballhead flipped to the side. Fortunately, I responded quickly and caught the tripod before it fell over. That incident got me thinking about the use of an L-bracket on my 10D. I generally tried to keep the camera centered over one of the legs, but I made a mistake and positioned it somwhere between 2 legs when the young fellow decided to almost tackle my tripod.

One benefit of using an L-bracket came as a surprise to me. I'm fairly tall (6', 4"). Vertical shots utilizing the L-bracket on my camera means that in many cases I don't have to hunch down that 5 inches or so to see into the viewfinder when the camera is "flopped" to the side without using an L-bracket. Use of the L-bracket is low-back friendly for me. Most of the time I still have to lower my tripod for say portrait shots, but many times when I am out shooting landscape shots I end up sparring my back some unnecessary "grief."

For Mthorpe, the original poster, I have a Kirk L-bracket on my 20D with BG-E2 grip. It is a different L-bracket from the 10D bracket but has the same interesting characteristic - there are two points of attachment to the camera. When both points of attachment (to the left camera strap tab and to the tripod socket) are properly attached, there is no flex at all between the Camera and the BG-E2 grip. I have had no problems at all with my grip while using this L-bracket. I got the L-bracket the day my 20D arrived so I have no experience not using the L-bracket on this particular camera. I leave it on all the time. I have no personal experience with the RRS L-bracket so please correct me if I am incorrect when I say that I *believe* that the RRS L-bracket (for use with the BG-E2 grip) only has one point of attachment to the camera - at the tripod socket. I don't believe that the RRS bracket adds any rigidity to prevent any flexing of the 20D and the BG-E2 if there is only one point of connection. RRS make wonderful products, but this is one design feature that can be contrasted. I am very pleased with the Kirk L-bracket - the finish is particulary good and it feels good to hold in my hands.

[Turbowolf]

One benefit of using an L-bracket came as a surprise to me. I'm fairly tall (6', 4"). Vertical shots utilizing the L-bracket on my camera means that in many cases I don't have to hunch down that 5 inches or so to see into the viewfinder when the camera is "flopped" to the side without using an L-bracket. Use of the L-bracket is low-back friendly for me. Most of the time I still have to lower my tripod for say portrait shots, but many times when I am out shooting landscape shots I end up sparring my back some unnecessary "grief."

Sounds like a real good reason for me to pick one up - esp. since I too am 6' 04". I'll be in Yellowstone starting the 20th, so I'll give it a try on landscapes. I like the idea of not having the tripod off balance, but then again I shoot 99% of the time w/ a 100-400 IS USM - so the lense gets mounted instead of the body, and the lens mount lets me switch from horizontal to vertical . Guess that's why it has never crossed my mind.

Thanks for the tip.

[FloridaShooter]

How does this add to the weight, feel, and balance of the 20D?

[davelewis]

Turbowolf, you certainly would have to evaluate the costs and benefits for your lens usage pattern. The Kirk costs $180 so it's not cheap but because it is more back friendly, my wife has saved much more $ than that on me not being irritable.;) What a wonderful time to be going to Yellowstone! I hope you have a great time. I suspect you will see more than one of you "namesakes" there.:)

FloridaShooter, the weight of the Kirk L-bracket for the 20D is 4.5 ounces. I don't really notice the added weight when I hand hold the camera. The balance when hand holding the 24-70mm is very,very good, IMO. The feel is certainly going to be subjective. I have long, skinny fingers and the feel and fit of the camera in my hands is excellent. I also have the Canon E1 handstrap attached to the camera full time and find that this combo works well for me and feels good to the touch.