Greetings - I have never used any of the RRS or other types of accessories that appear helpful for landscape photography. As I am purchasing a 5D classic soon, and given that I do a lot of landscape work in and around Yellowstone, I am curious to learn more about what accessories are most valuable and helpful. I may want to try some panoramas, etc. in the future...
I just added the RRs L-plate and quick release to my setup. I love it.. I can't say enough about how well its made, and how well it works. Especially if you like to do a lot of portrait-oriented shooting. Awesome stuff
I find the RRS L-plate indispensible, along with a BH-55 ball head and quick release on a Gitzo tripod. For my lenses that have tripod collars, I also consider RRS feet to be a must. (Of course, if you go that route you probably want to add a remote cable and lock up your mirror.)
Though much of the other stuff in the RRS catalog is worthwhile, if you start with a setup like this, you'll have a good idea what, if any, additional things would benefit you.
Also, Kirk and other companies make also make good L-plates, ball heads, etc. My experience is mostly with RRS, and I'm a big fan. But I would not quibble with someone who advocated for some of the other equipment that exists at this quality level.
I just bought a RRS plate here on FM for my 40d with grip. Nice thing clamp on my ballhead was 2wide to fit plate but RRS sells just the clamp to attach to the ballhead. Just love it especially shooting vertical can not say enough good about RRS. Shipping was betond quick and great customer service.
RRS is simply great gear. I have one of their L brackets and it is beautifully designed & engineered and their pano elements package is a great way to get into single row panoramas.
The gear is top-notch and I've had excellent service. Both from the company and out in the field with the equipment.
What do you need?
1) Quality tripod (They do sell), but you can buy anywhere.
2) Ball head. Most buy the BH40 with quick release.
3) L-Plate for your body
It's not just panoramas. It's holding the camera rock steady under low light conditions.
4) Lens plates or if you have really long lenses.
The RRS gear is terrific. I use the BH55 and quick release plates and clamp. It's a superb set-up.
(One thing to check is that I read somewhere that the L-plate for the 5D II interferes with the remote release plug - but I haven't yet seen this for myself.)
RRS gear is beautifully engineered, and they are a delight to deal with - even from here in Aus!
Aaron Macomber wrote:
I just added the RRs L-plate and quick release to my setup. I love it.. I can't say enough about how well its made, and how well it works. Especially if you like to do a lot of portrait-oriented shooting. Awesome stuff
Great customer service too. Knowledgable humans answer the phone. While there might be minor differences between gear at the upper tiers, great service is something that is hard to find and worth knowing that you are buying into.
I'm a happy customer, too, and have nothing but good things to say about their equipment. I'm honestly torn, though -- very disappointed when I heard how much of the owner's profits went toward a political campaign I found deeply repugnant. I'm not generally one inclined toward a litmus test, especially for a small business that makes quality crafted products -- but this issue is pretty close.
Smiert Spionam wrote:
I'm a happy customer, too, and have nothing but good things to say about their equipment. I'm honestly torn, though -- very disappointed when I heard how much of the owner's profits went toward a political campaign I found deeply repugnant. I'm not generally one inclined toward a litmus test, especially for a small business that makes quality crafted products -- but this issue is pretty close.
Smiert,
I hadn't heard about the owner's political contributions, and do care pretty deeply about things like that in deciding where to spend my money. Could I ask you to direct me to further information, either in a post or PM? Thanks!
Fishfilm,
I totally agree with you on the superb RRS customer service, and its importance. But in fairness, I've also had extremely good service in my (much more limited) dealing with Kirk--informed, friendly, and straight-shooting. And come to think of it, Wimberley has treated me pretty well, too.
The majority of my camera support system comes from RRS, and I would enthusiastically recommend their products and customer service. But I suspect that at these upper tiers, excellent customer service is not the exclusive province of any one provider.
OK, a little more searching shows me a Flickr discussion about an issue to which Smiert may be referring. If factual, it would influence my purchasing decisions. However, I regard much of what I see with skepticism.
I am going to email or call RRS and ask about this. If I get a substantive reply, I'll share it.
Skepticism largely diminished. Here are records in a database hosted by the San Francisco Chronical based on campaign finance reports submitted to the Calif. Secretary of State's Office.
The owner of RRS is listed as making a total of $16,000 in contributions to a political cause that I, too, find repugnant.
RRS makes great gear, but when they take my money and use it for something terrible, it makes me think I should be spending my money somewhere else. Very sad.
beerguy wrote:
Once you use their L-plate you'll never go back. I'll stop using mine when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
+1 and I'd say the same thing about their lever release. I've fallen in love with both over the years, I couldn't say the same about any camera I've used since the A1...
I'm also very happy with the pano head and BH-40 though both would appreciate a mkII design to sort out a couple of niggles.
Also, the BH-55 is very heavy (2 lbs) for what it is so it's not the best choice. You can get another manufacture that will perform as well and is lighter. Markins and Acratech come to mind.
Chris S. wrote:
Skepticism largely diminished. Here are records in a database hosted by the San Francisco Chronical based on campaign finance reports submitted to the Calif. Secretary of State's Office.
The owner of RRS is listed as making a total of $16,000 in contributions to a political cause that I, too, find repugnant.
RRS makes great gear, but when they take my money and use it for something terrible, it makes me think I should be spending my money somewhere else. Very sad.
I second all the above "kudos" on RRS gear. I use the conventional plates and 1 "L" bracket. I have 3 BH's, the 55 Pros and LR. To me they are indespensible.
But I think this may be sibjective to each user of RRS and others. There seems to be other fine brands. I believe it is a matter of preference. The RRS gear is well built and rugged. 2lbs is NOT heavy for me at 61 1/2 yrs young on a 5-10lbs tripod on a Tamrac Expedition 7 and 8x bp loaded.
Dan
Also, the BH-55 is very heavy (2 lbs) for what it is so it's not the best choice. You can get another manufacture that will perform as well and is lighter. Markins and Acratech come to mind.
feel free not to. in my life i have learned to work with people i feel not to be my liking for their social and political views.
