Do you fear the camera falling off RC2?

PacAce wrote in post #10048373
I've always wondered why some people complain about this. Why don't you just mount the plate on the lens collar so that the clamp release is on the side and not at the back where you can't get to it with a grip attached?

1. counter intuitive
2. you cannot shoot vertical with the shutter button on the top

dchen99 wrote in post #10048410
1. counter intuitive
2. you cannot shoot vertical with the shutter button on the top

I don't get it. We must be talking about two different things.

I was referring to the orientation of the RC2 clamp and the plate. Not sure what the camera orientation has to do with that.

Hmm.... OK I think I got what you said now. So the handle of the action ballhead will be right under the camera towards you instead of to the right. Fine, I will take that as a workaround.
I mentioned the camera orientation because someone suggested to mount the plate in opposite direction, that way the handle will be on the left. When you want to shoot a vertical frame you will have to flip camera clockwise.

PacAce wrote in post #10048391
I wouldn't do it if I had the RC2 QR system but have no problems doing it with the current Arca-Swiss type QR system I'm using now. But, like others have said, I do hang on to the neck straps of both the camera and the lens, just in case.

But, truth be told, I do it less now than I used to, but only because it really gets uncomfortable carrying all that weight on one shoulder. So I now tend to take the (heavy) lens off and carry it with the camera mounted in one hand and the tripod in the other.

So its more of the design of the Arca-Swiss QR systems that is more secure compared to what is offered with the RC2? What type of design does the RC2 utilize?

keitaro wrote in post #10049405
So its more of the design of the Arca-Swiss QR systems that is more secure compared to what is offered with the RC2? What type of design does the RC2 utilize?

I'm not sure if you've ever seen the components of the RC2 QR system but if not, here's what it looks like:

http://images.manfrott​o.com …_product_big&re​fresh=null

Notice how the plate is held in place with just one contact point of the locking lever? That lever is held in place with one little screw that, when loose even a tad, could cause the plate to pop off when enough force is exerted on it. A camera with a heavy lens could be enough to do that.

The RC2 QR system is pretty good but I personally wouldn't have a camera and a heavy lens mounted on it when carrying the tripod over my shoulder.

keitaro wrote in post #10048306
Wait, you guys mean you shouldn't be walking around with your camera mounted on a tripod which is slung over your shoulder? Is that for all tripods? ...

I certainly don't mean that. I do it all the time!!!
And I'm doing this with 3 pound camera on an 8 pound lens. (500mm & 1D)
This is in fact "the norm," among birders, sports 'togs and other people mounting the big guns.

I think the issue is that the RC2 QR system is not hugely robust,. not up to the loads the Arca system needed by such heavy lenses is up to, and the fact that the OP is mounting the camera to tripod via the battery grip, not the lens collar.


And again,.. I do this shoulder sling thing with a lens strap and or camera strap around my neck in case.

keitaro wrote in post #10049405
So its more of the design of the Arca-Swiss QR systems that is more secure compared to what is offered with the RC2? What type of design does the RC2 utilize?

Absolutely, the load capacity of a large Arca clamp system is multitudes higher than that of the RC2. (leo explained about the RC2 already,. )

If you shooting with something like a 70-200mm f/4 or lighter, I'd suggest the RC2 is up to any task you throw at it, but move up to heavier gear and one must invest in a more substantial QR system.


There is a section in our Tripod FAQ dedicated to the discussion of QR systems you might want to read.

When I use my monopod with my Bigmos (685B Neotec) I always carry the rig by the tripod handle when I can (leaning it on one shoulder), occasionally I have been guilty of slinging it over my shoulder...but my hand is firmly on that tripod mount.

PacAce wrote in post #10050162
I'm not sure if you've ever seen the components of the RC2 QR system but if not, here's what it looks like:

http://images.manfrott​o.com …_product_big&re​fresh=null

Notice how the plate is held in place with just one contact point of the locking lever? That lever is held in place with one little screw that, when loose even a tad, could cause the plate to pop off when enough force is exerted on it. A camera with a heavy lens could be enough to do that.

The RC2 QR system is pretty good but I personally wouldn't have a camera and a heavy lens mounted on it when carrying the tripod over my shoulder.

Wow that does look kind of sketechy, you'd think they would have put in a bit more design for how the plate is held in.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #10051256
I certainly don't mean that. I do it all the time!!!
And I'm doing this with 3 pound camera on an 8 pound lens. (500mm & 1D)
This is in fact "the norm," among birders, sports 'togs and other people mounting the big guns.

I think the issue is that the RC2 QR system is not hugely robust,. not up to the loads the Arca system needed by such heavy lenses is up to, and the fact that the OP is mounting the camera to tripod via the battery grip, not the lens collar.


And again,.. I do this shoulder sling thing with a lens strap and or camera strap around my neck in case.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #10051270
Absolutely, the load capacity of a large Arca clamp system is multitudes higher than that of the RC2. (leo explained about the RC2 already,. )

If you shooting with something like a 70-200mm f/4 or lighter, I'd suggest the RC2 is up to any task you throw at it, but move up to heavier gear and one must invest in a more substantial QR system.


There is a section in our Tripod FAQ dedicated to the discussion of QR systems you might want to read.

I have noticed that the ArcaTech style uses kind of like a double dovetail design. More points of contact, which makes more secure. That does explain why Art Wolfe (mentioned in my previous post) slings his over. I was watching a video where he mentioned that uses a Wimberley head (IIRC).

I'll take a read on the sticky regarding plates. Thanks!