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Archive 2009 · RRS and other accessories?

dmcginnis
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p.1 #1 · RRS and other accessories?

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...

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dave

Feb 03, 2009 at 07:37 PM

Aaron Macomber
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p.1 #2 · RRS and other accessories?

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

Aaron

Feb 03, 2009 at 09:12 PM

Chris S.
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p.1 #3 · RRS and other accessories?

Dave,

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.

Best,

--Chris

Feb 03, 2009 at 09:47 PM

Ray Still
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p.1 #4 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Ray Still

Feb 03, 2009 at 10:14 PM

Doug Otto
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p.1 #5 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Feb 03, 2009 at 10:22 PM

PierreB
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p.1 #6 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Feb 03, 2009 at 10:28 PM

ckcarr
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p.1 #7 · RRS and other accessories?

+1.

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.

Feb 03, 2009 at 10:40 PM

Mark Schapper
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p.1 #8 · RRS and other accessories?

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!

Mark

Feb 03, 2009 at 11:29 PM

Jeffrey
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p.1 #9 · RRS and other accessories?

moved, for more answers here.

Feb 03, 2009 at 11:54 PM

bshamilton
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p.1 #10 · RRS and other accessories?

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

Aaron

+1!!!!!!!

Feb 03, 2009 at 11:55 PM

fishfilm
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p.1 #11 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Feb 04, 2009 at 04:33 AM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #12 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Feb 04, 2009 at 04:59 AM

Chris S.
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p.1 #13 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Best,

--Chris

Feb 04, 2009 at 05:26 AM

Chris S.
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p.1 #14 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Best,

--Chris

Feb 04, 2009 at 05:48 AM

Chris S.
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p.1 #15 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=30565432561290&RecordID=20013&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=27965432901104&RecordID=20011&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

--Chris

Feb 04, 2009 at 06:00 AM

MountainTop
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p.1 #16 · RRS and other accessories?

Thanks for that "heads up" on RRS.

I'm now even more happy with my Acratech ball head and self-leveling base. I now will certainly be getting a Kirk L plate for my 5D Mark II.

Let's move forward.

Edited on Feb 04, 2009 at 10:51 PM · View previous versions

Feb 04, 2009 at 07:11 AM

Beni
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p.1 #17 · RRS and other accessories?

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.

Feb 04, 2009 at 07:24 AM

mediahound
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p.1 #18 · RRS and other accessories?

+1

I will not support RRS.

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.

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=30565432561290&RecordID=20013&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=27965432901104&RecordID=20011&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

--Chris

Feb 04, 2009 at 10:38 AM

mdbassman
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p.1 #19 · RRS and other accessories?

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

Feb 04, 2009 at 11:16 AM

sjms
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p.1 #20 · RRS and other accessories?

mediahound wrote:
+1

I will not support RRS.

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.

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=30565432561290&RecordID=20013&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

http://www.sfgate.com/webdb/prop8/?appSession=27965432901104&RecordID=20011&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=

--Chris

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.

Feb 04, 2009 at 03:02 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #21 · RRS and other accessories?

sjms wrote: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.

In general, I'm very much in agreement. Part of the basic business of citizenship is respectful disagreement, and I don't vet the politics of people and companies I do business with.

What makes this different is the extremity of the issue, coupled with the high dollar amount, which goes well beyond incidental support of a political candidate or cause. I can't conscionably purchase from them when I know that some of the profits of that transaction help fund an anti-civil rights campaign. At that point, it becomes less like the everyday disagreements that are part of a healthy public sphere, and more a question of ethical investing. In our society, we vote with our dollars as much as with ballots.

Others will disagree, of course, and that's fine.

Edited on Feb 04, 2009 at 03:30 PM · View previous versions

Feb 04, 2009 at 03:26 PM

sjms
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p.1 #22 · RRS and other accessories?

Smiert Spionam wrote:
sjms wrote: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.

In general, I'm very much in agreement. Part of the basic business of citizenship is respectful disagreement, and I don't vet the politics of people and companies I do business with.

What makes this different, for me, is the extremity of the issue, coupled with the high dollar amount, which in my tax bracket goes well beyond incidental support of a political candidate or cause. I can't conscionably purchase from them when I know that some of the profits of that transaction help fund an anti-civil rights campaign. At that point, it becomes less like the everyday disagreements that are part of a healthy public sphere, and more like a question of ethical investing.

Others will disagree, of course, and that's fine.

actually it goes further then that considering the fundemental backround of the owners.

i also work in an industry that has a form reverse discrimination in certain areas of benefits. but in the long run i just let it ride. but it is annoying.

it really isn't something that should be discussed in this, a photographic forum

Feb 04, 2009 at 03:29 PM

dmcginnis
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p.1 #23 · RRS and other accessories?

Let me get back to the equipment for a moment....my old-school tripod is the three-lever Bogen head. I don't have the actual number. Does the RRS equipment (or other manufacturers) require a ball head on the tripod?

Thanks,
Dave

Feb 04, 2009 at 04:27 PM

mediahound
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p.1 #24 · RRS and other accessories?

mdbassman wrote:
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

Every little bit helps though. I used to think like that but then I got a lighter carbon fiber tripod and was very pleasantly surprised. I was like 'Wow, this is what I've been missing!" Even a half pound reduction is noticeable and as you reduce more weight it becomes so much nicer and more fun to carry and use in the field.

Feb 04, 2009 at 05:33 PM

Smiert Spionam
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p.1 #25 · RRS and other accessories?

dmcginnis wrote:
Let me get back to the equipment for a moment....my old-school tripod is the three-lever Bogen head. I don't have the actual number. Does the RRS equipment (or other manufacturers) require a ball head on the tripod?

Thanks,
Dave

You need a clamp and an appropriate QR plate for your camera or collared lens.

RRS and the other top manufacturers (Kirk, Markins, Arca, etc.) generally sell ballheads paired with clamps, but you can also add a clamp directly to your existing head. In that case, you just need the clamp and a plate for your camera.

Kirk sells fairly inexpensive clamps on ebay. Here's one:

Kirk qr clamp

I have a couple of Kirks and one RRS lever clamp. The latter is nice to use, but also heavier and much more expensive. Either will work great.

Feb 04, 2009 at 06:32 PM


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