L-Brackets for 7D: Kirk vs RRS... thoughts?

looking to purchase a L grip for the 7D and was looking at the 2 models listed above.
Kirk BL7D $139.95

seems to be interesting option...
pro's: seems you can access the side hatches without re-positioning the bracket
con's: the bottom dovetail is not bi-directional...

RRS B7D-L $140.00

i like this option... the pro's is definitely the bi-directional and is a bit slimmer... but my concern is that it seems that you have to re-position the bracket to access the side panels while mounted sideways...

anyone has either one and want to chime in on their user opinions?

thanks in advance for your input... much appreciated.

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10558345
looking to purchase a L grip for the 7D and was looking at the 2 models listed above.
Kirk BL7D $139.95

seems to be interesting option...
pro's: seems you can access the side hatches without re-positioning the bracket
con's: the bottom dovetail is not bi-directional...

RRS B7D-L $140.00

i like this option... the pro's is definitely the bi-directional and is a bit slimmer... but my concern is that it seems that you have to re-position the bracket to access the side panels while mounted sideways...

anyone has either one and want to chime in on their user opinions?

thanks in advance for your input... much appreciated.

As I hold my 7D with the RRS L bracket attached, I am opening both access covers without adjusting anything. I use a wireless shutter release all the time and this bracket works awesomely with it attached. Both my 5DII and 7D have the RRS L brackets, my 40D has the base plate only (I couldn't see spending $140 on that body). RRS stuff is nice!

thanks... i too have the wireless remote so i'm leaning a bit towards the RSS... i like the bi-directional bottom... and the slimmer profile of the RSS plate...

RRS is the way to go when it comes to L brackets.

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10558408
thanks... i too have the wireless remote so i'm leaning a bit towards the RSS... i like the bi-directional bottom... and the slimmer profile of the RSS plate...

Sounds like you have your mind made up then

I've ordered the RRS 7D L bracket too. Didn't like the Kirk one, as more bulky and like you said not bi-directional.

Here's some sample pics of the L bracket on my cam. It's a thing of beauty.

So the 1 series brackets come in maroon anodized? Nice lens.

windpig wrote in post #10560422
So the 1 series brackets come in maroon anodized? Nice lens.

Thanks. It's actually black but, depending on the light it looks like that black sharpie color.

jdizzle wrote in post #10560445
Thanks. It's actually black but, depending on the light it looks like that black sharpie color.

I know, that other black.

I work in a designer environment where there are shades of black, they just don't get it.

windpig wrote in post #10560512
I know, that other black.

I work in a designer environment where there are shades of black, they just don't get it.

hahaha... on an inspection trip to Korean fabric vendor, i was checking the lapdip/beaker test for colors...

i was told that the color comparison and selection should be done in a lightbox, not outdoors...

"ridiculous! am i making garments that is to be worn in a lightbox?!?!?"

turns out... greys turned purple... blues turned greenish... the blacks were all over...

yep, black color is the toughest color to get...

Not sure what you mean by the Kirk being non bi-directional but I can't see any difference between the left or right side of the dovetail on mine. I have the L-bracket for the 7D and grip and it's given me no issues yet whatsoever. I can slide it in my ballhead mount any way I please, not just one way.

I would highly doubt there is much practical difference between the RRS and the Kirk. Both companies make awesome stuff, so get whatever is available to you at the best price.

The latest dovetail sections are square I gather, allowing the user more flexibility than the original long, two sided dovetail section you and I are used to.

Seems a double edged sword I have to say. I like the long plates, gives me more security and its simple enough to twist the clamp around.

If Kirk and RRS are really as close in price, then if there is no other overiding consideration I'd go with RRS. The quality and finish is superb. I'm not saying Kirk is bad, just that RRS kit is in a different league.

Lowner wrote in post #10564830
The latest dovetail sections are square I gather, allowing the user more flexibility than the original long, two sided dovetail section you and I are used to.

Seems a double edged sword I have to say. I like the long plates, gives me more security and its simple enough to twist the clamp around.

If Kirk and RRS are really as close in price, then if there is no other overiding consideration I'd go with RRS. The quality and finish is superb. I'm not saying Kirk is bad, just that RRS kit is in a different league.

The bottom dovetail on the RRS is square, the side dovetail runs from top to bottom.

I use my 5Dii L-bracket on my 7D. yes their brackets are camera specific, but 10 minutes of sanding saved me $150.

Lowner wrote in post #10564830
The latest dovetail sections are square I gather, allowing the user more flexibility than the original long, two sided dovetail section you and I are used to.

Seems a double edged sword I have to say. I like the long plates, gives me more security and its simple enough to twist the clamp around.

If Kirk and RRS are really as close in price, then if there is no other overiding consideration I'd go with RRS. The quality and finish is superb. I'm not saying Kirk is bad, just that RRS kit is in a different league.

For a few bucks more you get the quality of RRS. I never liked Kirk products. Their designs aren't as streamlined as the RRS. Anyways, go with what you prefer.