RRS QR Clamps Pro and Con

[mufutau55]

I am looking at the RRS Clamps namely "Lever Release Clamps" and "Screw-knob Clamps". I need to know which is best and what are the pros and cons of both QR clamps. Thanks.

Mufutau

[GSansoucie]

It is very subjective. . .

I have both.

The QR Lever is on my Tripod, the "Screw-knob Clamp" is on my monopod. I'd wanted both the same for the tripod and monopod, but RRS warned against the lever style on the monopod as it would happen too fast and I'd risk dropping the camera.

So far, I can't see any reason to favor one over the other, I like them both. I will admit that the level style does require a bit of force to move and sometimes causes the head to spin.

[jhom]

I have both. I prefer the lever clamp for my tripod and screw clamp for my monopod. The lever is more convenient and faster to use. But, the screw clamp offers an extra bit of security because of the greater clamping power. Both do the job excellently. RRS gear are well manufactured and will last forever. The only con is the initial expense of buying the RRS gear. However, they are in great demand and you can recover much of the cost if you decide to sell.

[argyle]

+1 to what Jim posted. It puts an initial bite on the wallet, but the quality, workmanship, functionality, and ease of use are well worth the initial expense. There really aren't any "cons" to the RRS gear, at least IMO...the quality is second to none.

[Lowner]

All RRS kit is a work of art.

The big advantage of the lever clamp is it's ease of use. Flick the lever half way and the lens will slide in, flick it all the way and the lens will drop in. Another flick closes it and it is rock solid. An atomic bomb blast might strip the camera down to its skeleton, but I'll bet on the clamp still doing its job. The screw knob version is just as secure, just less convenient in use.

The only downside to the lever clamp is that it works on smaller limits than the screw knob versions which can always be tightened or slackened that little bit more. The lever system does not give that option. That's not a problem when using RRS or Wimberly plates, but it is a theoretical possibility with others.

I bought a Markins PL-55 lens clamp to use with my 100-400L. When I first tried to use it I almost had an expensive accident. The lever needed that tiny extra throw, but was unable to provide it. To RRS's great credit, although it was my error not theirs, they offered to provide a free replacement for the Markins plate if I would send them the PL-55. But the postage charges UK > US > UK ruled that out.

The solution was simple. As a sailing instructor I have access to sailcloth repair patches, simple adhesive backed cloth. I've stuck a piece of this on the bottom of the plate and the problem is solved.

[mufutau55]

Thanks guys. I can see the reason why "Lever" type will be better on the tripod and why the "Screw-knob" will be better on a monopod which I never thought about when I was writing this thread. But at least I know both of them will serve their purpose.. and I will be getting their "L" plate too, so that should compliment things. Thanks people.

Mufutau

[Gimpy00Wang]

Just casting another nod for RRS. Like others, I have a lever clamp on my tripod and a screw clamp on my monopod. If you don't have any super-heavy gear you would actually be fine with lever clamps all around.

- Chris

[GSansoucie]

and I will be getting their "L" plate too, so that should compliment things. Thanks people.

Mufutau

I have to admit that the addition of the L Plate to my 40D has made the world of difference. I can switch between landscape & portrait on both tripod and monopod very fast. For family shots, speed is of the essence. I haven't found that the L Plate has interfered with the connectors on the side either. I regularly use a remote shutter release (cabled) and there is plenty of room to plug in.

[bps]

I have to admit that the addition of the L Plate to my 40D has made the world of difference. I can switch between landscape & portrait on both tripod and monopod very fast. For family shots, speed is of the essence. I haven't found that the L Plate has interfered with the connectors on the side either. I regularly use a remote shutter release (cabled) and there is plenty of room to plug in.

I found the same thing too. With my non-gripped 40D and a RRS L plate, my cable release fits perfectly without having to adjust the L plate. (the L plate remains snug against the camera body)

Bryan