I bought it because it was lighter and able to mount and hold more while being lighter. I use this tripod for hiking.
I am finding the clamp releases in a scary short amount of time. At about 1/2 turn my camera would fall out. I have a kirk L plate on both my 5dii and 7d.
My question is: Any thought on replacing the clamp with a kirk clamp? Anyone else have this experience? Should I just get used to it? Does Acratech have a slower release?
It seems kind of crazy that they would put a safety pin in but have it releases so quickly.
I would be scared to use it with my 500 f4. Adjust the wrong knob (head, clamp, 1/2 kick - lots going on) and crash - out $9,000 camera and body.
When I look on B&H for just clamps they refer to a double speed release. "The Acratech Quick Release Clamp is a quick release adapter that accepts any of the "Arca" style plates, available from Acratech and from Arca-Swiss, Kirk, Wimberly, Really Right Stuff, Foba, etc. It mounts onto a 3/8" screw and features a "double-speed" rubber quick release knob that opens and closes twice as fast as standard "Arca" style clamps." I suspect that this one has the double speed release.
i guess in this case the hand is quicker then the eye
yes it is a double speed threaded mechanism. you might appreciate it when attaching a heavy setup on it. just be ready when removing it. it just a matter of thinking what your doing when you do it. it will become natural. at least it should
sjms: quicker than my brain you mean. I think I will swap out the clamp. It is too sensitive. Too dangerous for a sidekick wimberly head. Thanks. Scott
Does Acratech make another clamp which isn't "double-speed"? If so, give them a call, and based on what I've read of their customer service, I'd bet they swap it out for you.
