Arca Swiss system

Just converted my tripods to the Arca swiss system, how did it take me so long to hear about this system, why isn't it an industry standard, why don't people talk about it more? I'#d have changed years ago if I'd known! So much more versatile and logical, and I much prefer the solidity and confidence of tightening everything up myself rather than relying on the Manfrotto quick release clamp, always worried it hasn't worked properly. Very happy I've changed over

I converted years ago and can't figure out why some people are still using other plates.

The frustrating hold-out used to be the camera strap. I switched to a sling-type strap for better comfort and easier use (I use a Black Rapid strap) but sling straps thread into the mounting bolt on the bottom of the camera or tripod mounting collar of a large lens. That meant that to go from strap to tripod I had to unscrew the "quick release" plate (Arca-Swiss mounting rail). That was a bit of an irony since it makes things slower and not "quicker". ...but THEN... I discovered Black Rapid offers a mounting saddle (they call it the ArcaTech and on their website it's not easy to find) which provides the quick release clamp right on the strap. Now I can go from strap to tripod without removing the plate.

Edit: I should make a correction... the clamp used to be sold at Black Rapid but appears it's not their own product. They were selling the Acra Tech "Swift Clamp" (note that they spell it "Acra" and not "Arca". Here's a link to the product: http://www.acratech.ne​t …ease-clamps/swift-clamps/

It lets me flip from camera strap to tripod without having to swap out attachment bolt for a mounting plate. I ordered mounting plates for all my camera bodies and lens collars.

I see Peak design do the same thing, but yeah, the system is a no brainer isn't it?? So why isn't it common?? Why isn't it a standard?? Baffling, just glad I looked into it, all because a bloke was raving about his L plate...

TCampbell wrote in post #17936391
...but THEN... I discovered Black Rapid offers a mounting saddle (they call it the ArcaTech and on their website it's not easy to find) which provides the quick release clamp right on the strap. Now I can go from strap to tripod without removing the plate.

I agree the Arca system is probably the best way to mount equipmpent, especially with the exact matching plates from Really Right Stuff and others.

As for the Black Rapid strap... I've never heard of the ArcaTech, so I simply removed the BR clip and replaced it with a small RRS clamp with a slot for the BR strap.

Sirui makes a nice Arca plate with an offset mounting hole that works great with my BR strap. Has a couple of anti rotation tabs so the plate doesn't spin under a heavy load.

I have a couple of Sirui QR plates and they are very nice + work well. My only words of caution is regarding lever clamps. My Sirui plates have slightly different dimensions to my other plates. With a lever type clamp this can cause problems, however with screw type clamps (from various manufacturers) mine work just fine.

Most important gear decision I've made was going to this system. RRS rocks.

Ya the 1" clamp from Kirk and RRS works perfect for the BR straps.

Primarily because the "budget" tripods that most shops and box stores carry are Manfrottos, which have the RC2 mounts by default. I, too, feel like it's a much better system and wish I'd used it earlier. It just isn't something that most people get into until they are ready to upgrade their 'starter' tripods; but, 'starter' tripods have started to become more available in the last 2-3 years, with MeFoto and the like, that have AS mounts to begin with.

TCampbell wrote in post #17936391
I converted years ago and can't figure out why some people are still using other plates.

Because we need to use geared heads and the Manfrotto 410 is incompatible with ArcaSwiss.

Alveric wrote in post #17936942
Because we need to use geared heads and the Manfrotto 410 is incompatible with ArcaSwiss.

There is a conversion process available for the 410 after all! http://www.daveparryph​otography.co.uk …otto-410-gearde-head-arca

Peak Design sells an arca-compatible plate that can be used with their anchor links and straps that work quite well. The plate stays on my camera bodies at all times and I can switch between tripod, sling strap and Capture Pro clip with ease.

Wilt wrote in post #17937155
There is a conversion process available for the 410 after all! http://www.daveparryph​otography.co.uk …otto-410-gearde-head-arca

Or do what I've done - bolt and Loctite an A-S clamp onto an RC-4 plate.

OP: lol for those that have been into photography a while it IS an industry standard! Glad you finally got on board! Its definitely a switch youll never regret!

Done the same with mine - works great!