When I was asked to write a review of the new TQR1 (Tripod Quick Release) I thought this was perfect. I have been following this project and offering advice for some eleven month’s and was able to see the first balsa wood models and test the various prototypes, even taking one of the prototypes to Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico to give the part a good field test. The quick release worked well in the various photo shoots at Bosque Del Apache and it was very simple to change out the Wimberley head to the Ball head, even in the cold early mornings when my fingers where barely working.
The new TQR1 is slightly different then its early predecessor and this is due to the constant feedback from people in the field and several of the photography supply houses which were approached for help on design changes.
The TQR1 is a simple tongue and grove design and is made out of high quality aluminum and anodized black. The two parts are the bottom plate which threads onto the top of the tripod and is securely fastened in place with a small setscrew. The top plate threads onto the bottom of the Wimberley or Ball heads and also has a small setscrew that helps to fasten it in place. It is then only a matter of sliding the two parts together over the Vlier pin and locking it into place with the positioning pin.
Pull slightly on the ring of the positioning pin and turn one half turn and you are able to gently push the two halfs apart and place a new head onto your tripod in the matter of a minute. Relock the positioning pin and you are ready to shoot.
I do like this, there is no more fumbling in the field threading and unthreading the Wimberley or the Ball head from your tripod. I can quickly take my Wimberley head off the tripod and place it on my Skimmer Pod to which I have already place a bottom plate of the TQR1. I have used the TQR1 while shooting on the beach and when using the skimmer pod and then back to the tripod with great ease and do not have to worry about missing a shot. I have run in the rain with my 600mm lens and D3 camera body slung over my shoulder and never once had to worry about the TQR1 coming apart. The positioning pin is spring loaded which keeps it in the locked position until I am ready to change it out. This device has proven to be very helpful in the field and I now wonder how I did without it. I can take one tripod, use multiple heads and the three plates weigh in at 7.5 ounces.
I guess my mentioning that the threads on my Wimberley Head were showing some signs of wear, fell on the right ears and with that the TQR1 was born. I would certainly recommend this new camera part to anyone who does both landscape and nature photography and can see it being used in the video field.
The TQR1 should be available shortly through Outdoor Photo Gear and Naturescapes as well as several, other Photography supply houses.
jcolwell wrote:
Any idea what the retail price will be, for a top and bottom set?
It is a set of a base + two tops for two different heads.
Price should be determined by now but I don't want to give you a wrong price if anything changes. It is worth it for the price.
troylim wrote:
It is a set of a base + two tops for two different heads.
Price should be determined by now but I don't want to give you a wrong price if anything changes. It is worth it for the price.
DGC1 wrote:
It always amazes me that so many people find faults with a product they have never even seen or used. This looks like a great idea to me.
I also think it can be a great idea. But only if you change ballheads all the time. Or change between a gimbal and ballhead a lot. And I would guess that 99% of the photographers don't do that. Even l that owns five ballheads and one Wimberley head don't change between those heads all the time when shooting. It's not like the quick release you use for your camera/lenses where you change those many times
Lars Johnsson wrote:
I also think it can be a great idea. But only if you change ballheads all the time. Or change between a gimbal and ballhead a lot. And I would guess that 99% of the photographers don't do that. Even l that owns five ballheads and one Wimberley head don't change between those heads all the time when shooting. It's not like the quick release you use for your camera/lenses where you change those many times
But the product looks very nice
I agree. I have a friend that was in Bosque and because the weather was so cold her wimberly got stuck and never had the chance of using Ballhead for landscape shots.
It is useful if you want to change. Or hate the fact that wimberley head threads wear down so easily from even just a few unscrewing for changing to the ballhead
DGC1 wrote:
It always amazes me that so many people find faults with a product they have never even seen or used. This looks like a great idea to me.
I agree to that statement
I have been testing and using it since the first design. I know what works or what doesn't when it comes to my gear. I love the luxury of just take it off my tripod and snap into skimmer pod in seconds when I'm at the beach and get flat on the ground.
Sep 24, 2011 at 06:01 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
But did you buy it ? Or did they give it to you just so you could make a review. And do you know the guy who makes it? I don't really belive he pics a random man in the phonebook and give it to him I'm not saying that it's wrong to to that. But I have been reading at least 100 reviews of free ballheads, tripods, quick releases, monopods and other photo equipment. And everyone have written that their equipment was very good
Lars Johnsson wrote:
But did you buy it ? Or did they give it to you just so you could make a review. And do you know the guy who makes it? I don't really belive he pics a random man in the phonebook and give it to him I'm not saying that it's wrong to to that. But I have been reading at least 100 reviews of free ballheads, tripods, quick releases, monopods and other photo equipment. And everyone have written that their equipment was very good
Just like every equipment, you don't have to have one if you don't feel it benefits you.
So far two stores are going to carry it. You do not have to agree on my review. I'll let the product speaks for itself.
