Aloicious Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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I've had a couple desmond plates and QR clamps for various uses, for just a plate they're okay, you'd want to upgrade the screw and really test it out as sample variation can be noticeable, especially if you're using any type of QR clamp. its less of an issue with knob clamps for the most part. I wouldn't buy any of their clamps though, they're pretty low end quality, I don't use them for photography stuff so it didn't matter in my use. They're definitely made from lower grade aluminum than the higher end manufacturers (I've cut/modified plates and mounting setups from different manufacturers including arca, RRS, Sunwayfoto, desmond, and a few others and I can tell a difference in the work ability of the metal itself) the finish, while adequate, also seems to be somewhat less resistant to abrasion.
I like RRS/Kirk/Wimberley for the higher end parts, definitely for things that are model specific such as actual replacement feet or collars as they all tend to have high quality control and low sample variation with things of a very specific use. the materials and finishes they use are also higher end and more resistant to physical or cosmetic damage.
for less expensive and more general use options, I like Hejnar and Sunwayfoto which make good quality pieces at reasonable prices (Chris Hejnar will also make custom parts too, he built me a custom milled clamp for some astronomy work of mine and it was very reasonably priced) both use good materials, have good finishes, and good quality control. I wouldn't have any problem using sunway or hejnar on expensive items (and I have). I think RRS/Kirk have a slight edge in their finish over Hejnar and sunway, not necessarily from a durability standpoint (they all offer good durability), but just cosmetic and feel standpoint at least IMO.
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