L Bracket: RRS or Kirk (or other)

Heath wrote in post #14109387
I just found these guys.
Op/tech Utility Loop
http://optechusa.com …nectors/utility​-loop.html

I am thinking I can use these on the strap loop on the L-Bracket and then I do not have to unscrew anything to mount the camera on a tripod. Anyone try this?

I wonder how the camera will hang.

Here's what I do - I think I got this from Kirk and I use it with an Optech strap for peace of mind.

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IMO your not asking the right question. Which clamp on your ball head do you want to use? If you want to use the RRS quick release clamp you MUST use the RRS L-bracket and plates for lenses. It won't work with anyone else's brackets. If you use the screw clamps you have the freedom to use either one. I use screw clamps one on my ball head and to attach my Black Rapid strap to my L brackets and plates when I carry my camera (QRC-1). So I chose the Kirk system and use their brackets and plates but I can buy a RRS one if I want since again I chose to use screw quick release clamps and not the RRS lever release. For ball heads I have the M-10, Q-10, and Kirk BH-3 all with screw clamps. For my new 5D Mk III i willl buy who ever gets one out first or is available. With the screw clamp you have that flexibility.

swldstn wrote in post #14125567
IMO your not asking the right question. Which clamp on your ball head do you want to use?

What started this was purchasing a tripod head with a screw clamp, so either bracket will work with the head.

I think I am going Kirk so that I can just go to the store and pick it up. I like being able to buy local.

Now I need to either buy a new plate for the Manfrotto 055 Mag Ball Head that I have, or sell the ball head and get a completely new unit.

Does anyone make a screw plate that I could replace on the 055 Head?

swldstn wrote in post #14125567
IMO your not asking the right question. Which clamp on your ball head do you want to use? If you want to use the RRS quick release clamp you MUST use the RRS L-bracket and plates for lenses. It won't work with anyone else's brackets. If you use the screw clamps you have the freedom to use either one.

I have a screw clamp and use both Kirk and RRS. The inability to replace my QR plates is making me hesitant in upgrading to a quick release clamp (that and the fact that I don't use the tripod enough to really necessitate it).

Heath wrote in post #14125699
Does anyone make a screw plate that I could replace on the 055 Head?

RRS does, I'm not sure about Kirk.

I looked at the pictures of the Manfrotto ball head you had and could not confirm if you can detach the quick release portion but assuming you can ( since the several versions with their different quick releases) both Kirk, RRS, Markins, and others offer them. The link to Kirk is http://www.kirkphoto.c​om …Quick-Release-Clamps.html, the RRS link is http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …px?code=ClampsP​ro&key=cat

I think any of those guys do, and there are other cheaper options out there but I wouldn't rely on them. I have a flashlight I sometimes attach to the plate on my camera using an inexpensive screw clamp. It works fine but I don't know if it's as solidly built as my Markins clamp.

swldstn wrote in post #14125567
IMO your not asking the right question. Which clamp on your ball head do you want to use? If you want to use the RRS quick release clamp you MUST use the RRS L-bracket and plates for lenses. It won't work with anyone else's brackets.

Wrong.

RRS say that they will only guarantee that their plates, or those from Wimberley, are certain to work in the lever clamps.

Every Kirk plate I own (at least 6) all work perfectly well with the RRS lever clamp.

Yea several well known brands have been proven to work fine with RRS lever clamps. And if you use the screw clamps, theyll work with anyone arca-swiss plates.

swldstn wrote in post #14125995
I looked at the pictures of the Manfrotto ball head you had and could not confirm if you can detach the quick release portion but assuming you can ( since the several versions with their different quick releases) both Kirk, RRS, Markins, and others offer them. The link to Kirk is http://www.kirkphoto.c​om …Quick-Release-Clamps.html, the RRS link is http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …px?code=ClampsP​ro&key=cat

When I remove the quick release from the Manfrotto ball head, the stem is keyed. Meaning that the top of the stem is flat.

One option is that I file off the keyed part of the stem of the ball head. Although I would love to maintain the "key" as it means that the clamp will not twist on the ball head.

I am checking to see if Hejnar can modify his clamp for me. I know if the arca style quick release that would fit on a Manfrotto ball head existed, I would have switched much sooner.