RRS plates/QR question

I have a Gitzo head with an RRS quick release set-up on my tripod, and I am looking into getting a good monopod, and would like be be able to use my QR set up on it as well.

Do any of the other QR systems accept the RRS plates? Are they a standard size?

Mike

RRS, Kirk, Acratech, Wimberly and many many more all use a plate system that was invented by "Arca Swiss"

For the most part they are 100% compatible.
More info in the Tripod sticky about QR systems and why the Arca system is the best.

So pretty much I going to have to pony up some serious scratch and give RRS some more business on the head for the monopod? I love their products, I am forced to essplain (sic) myself, as my wife has caught on to the fact that a package from RRS usually indicates a few hundred gone in checking!!

I was hoping that maybe one of the Bogen systems would work with my plates, but it looks like a no...

For just a QR clamp, I think the Wimberlys might be a bit more affordable, are you looking for a head or just the QR clamp.

As for RRS I feel your pain, they are a very pricey little indulgence, but Sooooooooo wotrh it.
They are the Lego of the grown man/child

I am torn on that subject... The swivel head looks nice. I don't think a ballhead is necessary (I can always be persuaded) I would like to have one that folded up and fit into one of my bags.

I had opportunity to fondle the new RRS Swivel head,. it is very nice!

Just a little word of warning from someone who has got caught.

The Arca Swiss system is universally compatible until the moment its not. I bought an RRS BR LR 11 lever QR clamp and tried to use a Markins PL-55 lens plate in it. It slid straight in and out the other end! According to RRS, the lever operated clamps have tighter tolerances than the screw knob types.

So if planning to use any of RRS's lever clamps, make sure you buy RRS camera and lens plates. Again according to RRS, they have an agreement with Wimberley to assure that each others kit works seamlessly together. No such agreement exists between them and other maunufacturers (they say).

I'm not trying to put anyone off RRS kit, its superb. Just be careful.

This here is what you want! LINK

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Thank you for all the feedback so far!

I knew I was going to end up buying something from RRS!! Never cheap, but not something I need, or want to, replace 6 months in.

What mononpods are you guys sticking this bad boy on the end of?

Am I nuts thinking I may be able to get a monopod that would fold up small enough to fit inside of a Domke bag?

I just got back from NYC and hit B&H for the exact same thing you were looking for... I came away with the Wimberly plate and have been happy with it so far... I pair it up with my RRS angle bracket and B87 portrait hardware.

lakesidechadwick wrote in post #6044021
Thank you for all the feedback so far!

I knew I was going to end up buying something from RRS!! Never cheap, but not something I need, or want to, replace 6 months in.

What mononpods are you guys sticking this bad boy on the end of?

Am I nuts thinking I may be able to get a monopod that would fold up small enough to fit inside of a Domke bag?

I ordered a Gitzo GM2540 monopod for my setup. There are the Traveler monopod from Gitzo that probably would fit in your bag, but the RRS is def over kill for those tripod as they only hold 9.9lbs, and on top of that I think the RRS head weighs twice as much!

lakesidechadwick wrote in post #6041621
So pretty much I going to have to pony up some serious scratch and give RRS some more business on the head for the monopod? I love their products, I am forced to essplain (sic) myself, as my wife has caught on to the fact that a package from RRS usually indicates a few hundred gone in checking!!

I was hoping that maybe one of the Bogen systems would work with my plates, but it looks like a no...

Actually, you can forgo the RRS high-dollar monopod swivel. I'm using a Bogen 3232 swivel (costs about $25), topped off with an RRS lever clamp on my monopod. Yeah, the RRS swivel is impressive looking, but would you really need it? Looking at your gear list, I doubt you'd need something like this (unless you're looking at future additions). I'm a big fan of RRS gear (have a ton of it), but this piece looks like overkill, although it will provide some bragging rights .

argyle wrote in post #6044603
Actually, you can forgo the RRS high-dollar monopod swivel. I'm using a Bogen 3232 swivel (costs about $25), topped off with an RRS lever clamp on my monopod. Yeah, the RRS swivel is impressive looking, but would you really need it? Looking at your gear list, I doubt you'd need something like this (unless you're looking at future additions). I'm a big fan of RRS gear (have a ton of it), but this piece looks like overkill, although it will provide some bragging rights .

Hard to brag from the hole in the backyard, especially once the old lady shovels the six feet of dirt on top of me!!

Argyle, you helped me immensely with my tripod purchase, and it was you that turned me on to RRS (they should send you a referral fee!!) so I value your opinion pretty highly. So, I am going to be purchasing another clamp, which would be a lever clamp, and the only decision left on the head is RRS swivel or the Bogen (or equivalent.)

I actually think I have a 3232... I have the 681B. but the thing is seriously heavy and freaking huge. I guess maybe I am disillusioned (that should be my middle name) but I am thinking of a monopod to fill in when I can't have the tripod with me, which would usually be due to size restrictions.

I have been looking at them, and am a little shocked at the folded lengths... I figured I would be able to get one that fit in the bag. I guess I need to figure out just how much I need the monopod to be able to hold... my 70-200 2.8 and the 100-400 are the heavies, along with the 24-70 2.8 on a 40D w/ grip body...

My own monopod kit comprises the Manfrotto 694 Magfiber 'pod, with a 486 ballhead and Markins QR-60 clamp.

Its roughly 620mm end to end and weighs in at around 1 Kg. Costings ran like this:

694 monopod £98.00
QR-60 clamp £62.00
486 ballhead £50.00 (it was reused from my tripod, so effectively free).
Total £210.00

It will very happily cope with my 100-400 and a 1.4x converter when I'm shooting MotoGP and British Superbikes. I'm off to Valencia and expect it to deal with F1 just as happily. I prefer the full flexibility a ballhead gives me. The ability to place the monopod at an angle to brace it, then use the ballhead to level everything is invaluable to me. Although I do appreciate that it depends what you shoot.

lakesidechadwick wrote in post #6044733
Hard to brag from the hole in the backyard, especially once the old lady shovels the six feet of dirt on top of me!!

Argyle, you helped me immensely with my tripod purchase, and it was you that turned me on to RRS (they should send you a referral fee!!) so I value your opinion pretty highly. So, I am going to be purchasing another clamp, which would be a lever clamp, and the only decision left on the head is RRS swivel or the Bogen (or equivalent.)

I actually think I have a 3232... I have the 681B. but the thing is seriously heavy and freaking huge. I guess maybe I am disillusioned (that should be my middle name) but I am thinking of a monopod to fill in when I can't have the tripod with me, which would usually be due to size restrictions.

I have been looking at them, and am a little shocked at the folded lengths... I figured I would be able to get one that fit in the bag. I guess I need to figure out just how much I need the monopod to be able to hold... my 70-200 2.8 and the 100-400 are the heavies, along with the 24-70 2.8 on a 40D w/ grip body...

I have the 680B with the 3232 swivel and RRS lever clamp. Fully collapsed, with the clamp in the 'normal' position, its 23-1/2" long. With the swivel flipped over, its 22-1/2 inches long. You can check for CF monopods...you'll save weight, and maybe some length depending on the number of sections. I don't have any referrals...with as little as I use my own, I didn't feel a need to research any. Good luck.