Do you leave you L-Plate or Grip on your camera?

Hi everyone!

I recently bought the RRS L-Plate for my Canon 60D to use with my Markins Hand Strap. I can't seem to decide whether or not to keep the Grip or L-Plate on to use with my hand strap. The L-plate combo is lighter than the grip, while the grip allows more comfortable portrait shooting at the expense of weight, but you have to take your hand out of the hand strap to shoot at that orientation.

What are your thoughts and what do you find the most useful/convenient/comf​ortable? I know it's based on personal preference but kinda just wanted to find out what works for other people and why .

Thanks!
Xeo

I leave my RRS plate on all the time, along with the Markins hand strap. It protects the edges and bottom of the camera from getting scratched or damaged, it is ready to use with my tripod, monopod, and R-Strap, all of which have RRS clamps on them, and it allows the camera to sit better on a table when a large lens with hood is mounted.

I don't like grips ... so switching things around isn't a problem. I can raise my arm up to shoot portrait just like I did with my 35mm film cameras for years, they are bulky and limit my choices of thin camara bags, I always seem to be able to switch batteries if necessary, and they are heavy!

-howard

Whole point of a QR plate is to make quick attachment/detachment of the camera and tripod possible. If you have to fasten the plate to the camera every time, it's not "quick" any more. I'm not a grip user, but if I were, I'd get the L plate to go with the grip (and maybe stiffen the camera-grip connection a bit while it's at it).

I agree hfgarris, I'm finding the weight of the grip somewhat substantial, but the portrait orientation is definitely more comfortable.

Jon, I was actually considering getting the L-plate designed for a Gripped 60D, but after using the grip alone, and the L-plate alone, I don't think my hand can manage the grip + L-plate together for long, even with a hand strap.

Well, you should really be supporting the camera from underneath, with your left hand, not relying on your right hand (even with a strap) to hold it up at the same time you're trying to smoothly press the shutter release.

Jon wrote in post #14553564
Well, you should really be supporting the camera from underneath, with your left hand, not relying on your right hand (even with a strap) to hold it up at the same time you're trying to smoothly press the shutter release.

Definitely, it's just the weight combination of a grip + 60D is already fairly noticeable to me.

Yes to both.

mike_d wrote in post #14553580
Yes to both.

Do you prefer one on over the other mike?

xeodragon wrote in post #14553610
Do you prefer one on over the other mike?

I have an L-plate that fits my gripped camera. I really like how the camera fits my hand with the grip and it makes shooting portrait more comfortable. The L-plate makes putting the camera on a tripod quick and easy. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the grip. Luckily, I don't have to choose.

mike_d wrote in post #14553623
I have an L-plate that fits my gripped camera. I really like how the camera fits my hand with the grip and it makes shooting portrait more comfortable. The L-plate makes putting the camera on a tripod quick and easy. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the grip. Luckily, I don't have to choose.

I see!

Jon wrote in post #14553522
Whole point of a QR plate is to make quick attachment/detachment of the camera and tripod possible. If you have to fasten the plate to the camera every time, it's not "quick" any more. I'm not a grip user, but if I were, I'd get the L plate to go with the grip (and maybe stiffen the camera-grip connection a bit while it's at it).

But if you are going out shooting without a tripod, the plate or l- plate is just added bulk and weight. I always take it off when I know I won't need it and always leave it on when I know I'll be using a tripod. Why leave it on when you have no intention of using it. Do you leave a flash on your camera all the time?

L plates go on our camera bodies and do not come off until we trade in the bodies. As for grips, neither of us like or use them. If we diid use grips, we would simply get RRS L plates for grips.

Hogloff wrote in post #14554170
But if you are going out shooting without a tripod, the plate or l- plate is just added bulk and weight. I always take it off when I know I won't need it and always leave it on when I know I'll be using a tripod. Why leave it on when you have no intention of using it. Do you leave a flash on your camera all the time?

A flash is designed to be easy to remove. And I always have it in my bag. An L plate takes up more bag space off the camera than on, due to its shape, and isn't designed to be removed from the camera quickly and easily. The added weight is negligible, especially compared to the weight of a grip.

Jon wrote in post #14554494
A flash is designed to be easy to remove. And I always have it in my bag. An L plate takes up more bag space off the camera than on, due to its shape, and isn't designed to be removed from the camera quickly and easily. The added weight is negligible, especially compared to the weight of a grip.

I know when leaving for a shoot if I will be needing the L-plate or not. Usually a good hint is if I am lugging my tripod or not. No tripod means no L-plate. Taking it on and off the camera is like 10 seconds...what is the hassle? Yes, it might not add too much weight, but why add any weight or bulk at all if you will not be using it.

If I am out shooting landscapes then L-plate for sure, if I am shooting events, my L-plate stays home.

If 6 oz. is going to break you, then you've got a bigger problem than the L plate. Maybe the actual installation is 10 sec. but there's also storing it where you'll be able to find it. Your gamble, but it's a bogus issue.

ETA: And the L plate's part of my flash bracket setup.