Camera Rotation Bracket

[aram535]

I'm looking to get a Rotation Bracket for in-studio work and wanted some feedback on the two top choices and see if there is something else I missed.

Just to make sure, the idea is not being able to switch from Portrait to Landscape, but doing it over and over again without having to take the camera off of the tripod. Flash hold is not needed and not wanted.

1) Custom Bracket Digital PRO-SV (http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodViewnew.asp?idproduct=122) - $500 for the package
2) RRS - CRD087 Package (http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=CRD-87-Pkg&eq=)- $800 for the package.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, specially for the RRS as the extra $300 to me is not worth the extra benefit of the design.

[Wilt]

Newton camera rotator. He doesn't merely make flash brackets.

www.newtoncamerabrackets.com

[aram535]

Can you point to it on his site? I don't see anything even close to what I was looking for.

[Ook]

Can you point to it on his site? I don't see anything even close to what I was looking for.

I see some stuff in the Brackets section: http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/new_page_5.htm

I haven't heard anything about the JustRite units, but they look good in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MjqWuxedug

[aram535]

I filled in the contact info for both sites, but I think the justrite units would be the better choice, they just don't seem to have any pricing or what fits into what on their site. I'll post a follow up as soon as I learn some more.

[Ook]

I think the justrite units would be the better choice, they just don't seem to have any pricing or what fits into what on their site.


For the JustRite, pricing is here:

http://www.justritebracket.com/Pricing_Order_Info.html

As for compatibility, I think it's a one-size-fits-all unit (one for grips, one for not), likely with different quick-release plate. You can email them with this form, if you haven't seen it:

http://justritebracket.com/Compatibility.html

[Wilt]

If you go the Newton web site, there is a phone number to talk directly to Robert Newton who is very accomodating and provides very detailed discussion of the bits and pieces to fit your particular circumstance. He makes superb products, and is very free with advice.

[Pinto]

Have you thought about a L bracket? I realize you'd have to dismount, which you indicated you did not want, but it's not very laborious.

[René Damkot]

Agree on the L bracket... Way cheaper option as well (even if you'd include a ballhead!)

[ryant35]

I've got a Calumet Photographic brand tripod with a standard non-ball head that flips to vertical after loosening a thumbscrew. It's not great, but good enough for me when an alternative is $800.

[claybuster]

For the JustRite, pricing is here:

http://www.justritebracket.com/Pricing_Order_Info.html

As for compatibility, I think it's a one-size-fits-all unit (one for grips, one for not), likely with different quick-release plate. You can email them with this form, if you haven't seen it:

http://justritebracket.com/Compatibility.html
This place is local for me. I'm going to give them a call to see if I can look at the brackets in person.

[aram535]

For the JustRite, pricing is here:

http://www.justritebracket.com/Pricing_Order_Info.html

As for compatibility, I think it's a one-size-fits-all unit (one for grips, one for not), likely with different quick-release plate. You can email them with this form, if you haven't seen it:

http://justritebracket.com/Compatibility.html

Thank very much for this. So am I right in assuming this is what I need:

JRB 170 Rotating Platform - $180
Tripod Quick Release kit - (Top & BasePlate) - $60
CANON 70-200 Lens Mount - $50


If you go the Newton web site, there is a phone number to talk directly to Robert Newton who is very accomodating and provides very detailed discussion of the bits and pieces to fit your particular circumstance. He makes superb products, and is very free with advice.

I actually emailed him, and he responded very quickly. His concern was my 70-200 f/2.8 which has a collar. He think that the lens is going to damage the body if you use the body to hold it up. The 70-200 is my main lens in studio so I'll have to see if there is way around it. I much rather give him my business than a corporation.

Have you thought about a L bracket? I realize you'd have to dismount, which you indicated you did not want, but it's not very laborious.

Yes, although the RRS L bracket is very nice (seen their video on how easy it is), I think this would be a better solution as you can go back and forth on a shot by shot basis. It really was my backup choice in case the $500 and $800 prices were the prices. I may still end up with it. I'll call Rob on Monday to see what he can offer me if I were to exclude the 70-200.

[jrsforums]

Aram, from you post above, it appears you have two seperate "problems".

The 70-200 is easily solvable. All you need is a lens ring QR attachment for the ring and rotation is on the ring. I am not sure what your QR is, but based on your gear list is probably....or could easily be....the Bogen/Monfrotto RC2.

Now all you would need would be a rotator for the camera when a "big white" lens is not being used. For this you could use, for example, the Newton Di400TR Tripod rotator (which is designed for "grip" cameras).

http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/default-old1.htm page down to tripod rotator.

This can easily adapted to use the RC2 or Arca-Swiss (if you go this route an need assistance, I can show you what I did). This will you to easily attach/detach to camera and/or tripod.

John

[SkipD]

The 70-200 is my main lens in studio so I'll have to see if there is way around it.I don't understand your problem if you are using the 70-200. Just rotate the camera/lens in the lens' tripod ring.

For the rest, get or make an L-bracket which uses a quick-release mechanism. None of the camera rotators will be as sturdy. Use the same quick-release system on the 70-200 and you'll be set.

[jrsforums]

I don't understand your problem if you are using the 70-200. Just rotate the camera/lens in the lens' tripod ring.

For the rest, get or make an L-bracket which uses a quick-release mechanism. None of the camera rotators will be as sturdy. Use the same quick-release system on the 70-200 and you'll be set.

I didn't mention this as Aram didn't seem interested in the 'L' bracket, but Bogen makes one for RC2.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283710-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_341_341_Jr_Elbow_Bracke t.html

I actually think I have one of these in the closet, which I'd sell for 1/2 B&H, plus shipping, if he's interested.

[aram535]

I don't understand your problem if you are using the 70-200. Just rotate the camera/lens in the lens' tripod ring.

For the rest, get or make an L-bracket which uses a quick-release mechanism. None of the camera rotators will be as sturdy. Use the same quick-release system on the 70-200 and you'll be set.

Ok... and than what for the rest of the lenses? Think a little further down the line.

[aram535]

I didn't mention this as Aram didn't seem interested in the 'L' bracket, but Bogen makes one for RC2.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283710-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_341_341_Jr_Elbow_Bracke t.html

I actually think I have one of these in the closet, which I'd sell for 1/2 B&H, plus shipping, if he's interested.

I saw this, but sadly I bought into the RC4 and all of my heads and bodies have RC4 on them.

[claybuster]

I didn't mention this as Aram didn't seem interested in the 'L' bracket, but Bogen makes one for RC2.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283710-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_341_341_Jr_Elbow_Bracke t.html

I actually think I have one of these in the closet, which I'd sell for 1/2 B&H, plus shipping, if he's interested.
John,
Do both ends of that bracket fit into the RC2 quick release heads?

[jrsforums]

I saw this, but sadly I bought into the RC4 and all of my heads and bodies have RC4 on them.

OK...so your choice is to convert to the RC2...which might be a little difficult if you are "wed" to the 808. The other is to get some RC4 plates and replace the RC2 plates on the rt angle bracket.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554165-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_410PL_410PL_Quick_Relea se_Plate.html

Then you could mount a RC4 QR on the inside of the bracket so the camera(s) will snap in

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5563-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_394_394_Rapid_Connect_4 .html

Personally, I like the RC2 better, but it depends on what direction you want to take. Neither way would be very expensive...and you really don't have that many pieces left on your gear list.

All the other options you were looking at will require something similar as I don't believe any of them "natively" support the RC4.

RRS stuff would be you most expensive route. I know, I made the change...worth it, but pricey.

[jrsforums]

John,
Do both ends of that bracket fit into the RC2 quick release heads?

Yes. RC2 plates are mounted on both outer surfaces. When I used it, I put a RC2 QR clamp on the long (horizontal) inner surface to quickly mount the camera(s). RC2 QR such as this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_323_323_RC2_System_Quic k.html

I'm not sure what the other brass and grey stuff is for.

[SkipD]

I saw this, but sadly I bought into the RC4 and all of my heads and bodies have RC4 on them.You could make your own angle bracket using a piece of 4" x 6" aluminum angle and this RC4 adapter from Manfrotto (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=394&productDescription=QUICK%20R.ADAPTOR"LOW%20PROFILE"&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true). It would be a LOT less expensive than the rotating brackets you were looking at and it would also be a lot sturdier.

[Pinto]

I don't understand your problem if you are using the 70-200. Just rotate the camera/lens in the lens' tripod ring.



Skip is right on the mark. This is all you need with the 70-200.

[aram535]

Skip is right on the mark. This is all you need with the 70-200.

I agree that is "a" solution, but what it doesn't give you is:

1. Quick Lockable
2. Quick Change
3. Auto Level

You still have to unscrew, move, screw. To change requires some thought as to making sure the camera is still level (see #3). I know you can fix it in post easily, but why add extra work?

It also doesn't address a 85 or 50mm lens -- which do get used.

OK...so your choice is to convert to the RC2...which might be a little difficult if you are "wed" to the 808. The other is to get some RC4 plates and replace the RC2 plates on the rt angle bracket.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554165-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_410PL_410PL_Quick_Relea se_Plate.html

Then you could mount a RC4 QR on the inside of the bracket so the camera(s) will snap in

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5563-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_394_394_Rapid_Connect_4 .html

Personally, I like the RC2 better, but it depends on what direction you want to take. Neither way would be very expensive...and you really don't have that many pieces left on your gear list.

All the other options you were looking at will require something similar as I don't believe any of them "natively" support the RC4.

RRS stuff would be you most expensive route. I know, I made the change...worth it, but pricey.

I think I like John's version the best so far. I will certainly look into this. Thank you for pointing out the options.

[aram535]

Just to summerize, I went with the JustRight bracket. I really like it so far, its easy to use and uses the same RC4 quick release that I'm using everywhere else.

Just a note, he calls it something else... 394 which I think is the part number of the plate alone but it is the RC4 system.