Arca-Swiss vs. RC2

[shutterfiend]

I've been using the Bogen/Manfrotto RC2 system. I have plates under my cameras and bracket and clamps on my bracket and tripod.

It works quite well IMO, and the stuff's made out of tough material. So no problem there. The only problem I have is with the portrait orientation, as expected.

So I started looking at RRS stuff. I got a L-plate for my camera and was pleased to see how well it fit. Now this is where I'm stuck.

Why in the world is arca-swiss stuff so freaking expensive? A set of RC2 clamp and plate sell for 30 bucks. A set of arca-swiss is easily 5 times as much!!! It couldn't be that much better, could it?

[Colorblinded]

I think it's that much better. I've got an assortment of Kirk plates and an L bracket right now and use them on a Markins ballhead. It's just a faster and nicer system to use in my opinion.

Before switching over I was using a Bogen/Manfrotto head with their plates. Having the fitted plates for my lenses and the camera body just makes things a lot nicer, everything has its own specialized plate and the plates are lower profile and less bulky.

[René Damkot]

I too have a hard time accepting something like $50,= for a simple piece of machined aluminium.

Then again, the AS QR system is so much nicer to use that I reluctantly pay for it...

Got my L-plate of e-bay though :p

[ben_r_]

Its expensive because they know they are the best and its the best option, so they charge a premium for it. I know when I went from Bogen to RRS I had to give up the luxury of having all those extra plates on everything, but when I sat an thought about it a bit I found that most of the stuff I had plates on I could live without plates on or didnt use at all and could sell. So I found I needed to buy less RRS stuff then I thought I would. If that makes sense... In other words since it costs so much more I was forced to reevaluate what I really needed and what I didnt. The RRS stuff is however infinitely better and IMO well worth whatever cost I have to pay to get it.

[Colorblinded]

I suspect part of why the AS QR plates are expensive is because of how RRS and Kirk and others manufacture plates and because of the fact that it's probably relatively limited volume they sell in compared to the generic tripod head & plates Bogen/Manfrotto are selling.

[Wilt]

Keep in mind that the L plates are custom designed to fit specific models and yet still permit access to sync ports, etc. So you are not merely paying for the materials and machining, but also for the initial design time and documentation for making more copies...of which you are buying one. Could it be less expensive, YES! But the market is showing its willingness to pay the price.

[RPCrowe]

I love Arca Compatible Q.R. equipment but, I will admit that it is pretty costly.

IMO, Bogen does not do a good job of marketing their Manfrotto products. They have a few products that many photographers might be interested in, but don't know of...

As an example, many photographers have never heard of the Bogen - Manfrotto Anti Twist Plate 1/4" (same as the 3157N with an additional lip to prevent camera twist) (#3157NR).. This plate helps prevent a camera which is tipped over to the side on a Manfrotto QR System from twisting on the tripod screw.

http://www.adorama.com/BG3157NR.html?searchinfo=plate&item_no=19

Of course, if you want the plate with a 3/8" screw, it is called a Manfrotto RC2 Rapid Connect Architectural Mntg. Plate w/3/8" screw. The 1/4" unit used to be called an Architectural Mounting Plate, but this is Tuesday, and Manfrotto seems to enjoy switching designations and model numbers at what seems to be a weekly rate.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?detailPid=8153&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB24:3CAT:CCC 1&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&marketList=MARKET:MKT1|&productCode=3157ANR&productDescription=3157ANR%20-%20QK%20REL%20ARCHITECTURAL%20PLATE%203/8&curBrandId=MANFROTTO&product_from_search=true

Now if you really need to have an L-Bracket, but don't want to scrap your present Manfrotto RC2 system, Bogen Manfrotto markets a little know L-Bracket which they call Bogen - Manfrotto Junior Elbow Bracket with 1/4"-20 Camera Mounting Screw.

http://www.adorama.com/BG341.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20L%20plate&item_no=40

I will be the first to admit that this L-bracket is not as neat as the individualized L-bracket that I use which is marketed by Really Right Stuff. However, if you already have an RC-2 system, this will allow you to place your camera in the portrait position without being cantilevered over to the side. At $63.50, it doesn't seem like a bad buy.

On the other hand, you can replace the Manfrotto Q.R. system on a Manfrotto ball head with an Arca Compatible Kirk clamp at a lot lower price than purchasing a ball head that is Arca Compatible. You would, of course, need to use Arca Compatible plates and brackets.

[jacobsen1]

L plates are designed specifically for each body then MACHINED individually to that design (usually in the US).

RC2 plates are generic, cast, and made overseas using less materials and less expensive materials at that.

Is that really that hard to figure out why one might cost more than the other?

[shutterfiend]

Thanks for the responses.

RPCrowe, that L-bracket is pretty neat. No comparison to the RRS custom Ls, but it looks functional.

I bought the RRS L-bracket used. I'd need at least a basic clamp to make it work. Together I'm looking at sinking at least 3 times as much as the generic L-plate. On top of that I'll be losing the convenience of using my bracket and tripod simultaneously.

It's a tough call. Thanks again for all the responses.