5D Mark III L-plates?

mrmarks wrote in post #14789777
Anyone can do a simple evaluation to show that the tab does
not add any stability in the Kirk design.

1) Remove the bottom bracket screw so that it does not interfere with the evaluation
2) Attach the Kirk L-bracket to the camera and fasten the tab to the camera left strap hook as tightly as you can
3) You will see that the tab does not clamp on the strap hook at all and the freeplay allows the bracket can move in the x, y, and z directions at the tab position.

Bottomline, the strap tab design in the Kirk L-bracket is useless and only adds to the inconvenience of having to constantly remove and re-attach a strap, and having to lug around two different allen keys for two different screws.

mrmarks,

I think yours must be out of spec, because I just did the exact test you propose, and got opposite results.

I left the bottom screw loosely mounted and then attached the side screw tightly. Then I completely removed the bottom screw and found that the side screw locked into the tab tightly enough to whole the entire L-bracket in place securely.

Obviously if I pulled up and out, it would come off, but it's definitely adding a lot of stability on mine. I don't have time to post pics or a video, but I can clearly see - and feel - that it's locking into the tab securely on the side, giving two points of stability.

I'm probably going to have to sell mine, because I've got a BG-E11 grip on the way, but I actually like the Kirk's side strap mount so much I think I'm going to go with Kirk for the larger L-bracket as well.

It's true that it takes longer to take off, but I have no interest in taking it off. It mounts more securely, and I'm willing to have the additional stability for a few more seconds with an allen wrench at home.

Santa is bringing me a new 5D Mark III!! As exciting as THAT is, this L bracket situation with the RRS design is really disappointing. Based on the photos shown here:

http://www.fredmiranda​.com …topic/1103460/1​2#10603472

It appears the retaining lips on the RRS 5D Mark III have been welded onto the bracket. That would explain the bump that runs along the back of edge the camera side of the bracket. The bump that digs into the camera case as shown (and circled) in this photo:

https://photography-on-the.net …?p=14482214&pos​tcount=111

I realize that photo is of the original RRS bracket, but that bump/edge still exists (only smaller) on the Rev A bracket as shown in the photos in the first link.

I see that the bracket is backordered at RRS. Does anyone have one of the Rev A designs and find themselves completely happy with it?

I've written to RRS to inquire as to the status of the bracket (are the parts welded on instead of machined from a single piece of aluminum?). I look forward to their reply but I'd also appreciate some more up-to-date feedback from current 5D Mark III owners that have been using RRS or Kirk L brackets.

Thanks!

Mark

No issues at all with my RRS L bracket for the mk III that I bought a few months ago (the "revised" one). After installing it, and shooting with it for a while, removing it to look at the camera, I have no idea at all what all the fuss was about.

I have been using the original RRS 5D3 L bracket. I never did see an issue with it. Everything still works.

Mark Booth - "....I'd also appreciate some more up-to-date feedback from current 5D Mark III owners that have been using RRS or Kirk L brackets."

Mark Booth wrote in post #15294022
I look forward to their reply but I'd also appreciate some more up-to-date feedback from current 5D Mark III owners that have been using RRS or Kirk L brackets.

I'm very happy with the Kirk L-Bracket. I was one of the first to receive one and have had no problems with it. I don't mind that it has two attachement points, but I do think they should have made them both the same wrench size. It's not a big deal, though.

I've been using a RRS original (non revised) plate on my 5DIII since they were available...no issues at all and I certainly can't see what all the fuss is about. It certainly looks less trouble than the odd Kirk arrangement with the strap.

I don't know, I can't shake the feeling that RRS decided to "remove excess material" in spots where they should have machined gently curved contours. The rear anti-twist ridge on the bracket appears to have no curve to it at all. That's a big departure from the beautiful contour-hugging design of my RRS 5D Mark II bracket. The cynic in me thinks that design decisions were made to keep costs down vs. the more important objective (IMHO) of providing the best form-fitting product possible.

The other side of the coin is that I'm not 100% enamored with the Kirk bracket either. I REALLY like the fact that the Kirk L-bracket can be slid sideways to allow more room at the cable ports. But I really DON'T like the fact that the Kirk L-bracket has the fiddly extra neck strap lug piece that you have to remove/replace to shift (or remove) the L-bracket. Plus, even if you don't put that fiddly extra lug piece in place, there are reports that the tolerances are too tight to allow a neck strap to be attached to the camera's lug on that side. Kirk complicates things by using a different size hex screw head vs. the tripod socket screw.

In the search for alternatives to the two big players, I came across this one:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1230226

The Sunwayphoto PCL-5DIII appears to fit the 5D Mark III like a glove. Though, I'd really like to get some feedback from anyone that's used one on their 5D Mark III for awhile.

Other options?

Mark

I'm using the revised RRS bracket with no issues at all. Doesn't leave any marks on the bottom. It is very sturdy. Works great with my Benro tripod. I pretty much leave it on all the time now.

I'm using one, too. No issues with it and I'm very happy with it.

It's just another tool, my advise is if you need a really good Arca/Swiss plate for a 5DIII....get an RRS, pop it on and get out there and use it. There are far too many gear nuts on forums who have plenty of kit and no photos to show for it. I'm sure after a few coastal shots, you'll be far more worried about sea spray than a little piece of metal on the anti-twist plate!

Sorry to revive an old thread. For those with the Kirk bracket...

You don't have to slide the bracket in order to use a remote cable in portrait mode correct? It looks to be the case i the photos, but I haven't seen any photos of it on a tripod with a cable attached.

Laramie wrote in post #16256747
Sorry to revive an old thread. For those with the Kirk bracket...

You don't have to slide the bracket in order to use a remote cable in portrait mode correct? It looks to be the case i the photos, but I haven't seen any photos of it on a tripod with a cable attached.

Does this help?

Phrasikleia wrote in post #16256876
Does this help?

No, you don't have to slide the bracket. Just push aside the little rubber door, and pop in the plug. The rubber door will rest against the other rubber door, tucked neatly inside the little cage formed by the L-bracket around the side of the camera. Piece of cake.

Much appreciated! Just wanted to be sure. I was initially looking at the Markin's L-plate but I got word back from them that you DO have to slide the bracket. I figured the Kirk would be the same as the RRS, but just wanted to be sure before ordering. I like the looks of the Kirk plate a bit better than the RRS. Thanks again!

Resurrecting an old thread instead of starting a new one.

Any updates on new users of the RRS L-Plate for 5D3 with BG-E11 grip? Any marring or scratching of your camera bodies? That's ultimately the issue every has had with their design.

Thanks!

-Jalal