yes, and in reality we all know what these values are really worth since there is no standard to go by. but yes RRS makes it modern, simple and effective.
May 19, 2013 at 04:15 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
OK - one more question. Will the Kirk L bracket for my camera model (I don't have one yet, obviously) work with the Arca Swiss Ball head? Thanks! Leaning toward the Gitzo Pod, as the model I'd want would be $699 after the $150 rebates going on right now. Not a huge difference, but the $$ can go toward the ball head and plate/bracket.
May 19, 2013 at 04:51 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
The Kirk L bracket works on my Arca-Swiss Z1 head. But I have a screw clamp on mine I suppose you will use a lever clamp. Which one ?
I belive it will work whatever clamp you pick
Lars - I am looking at the Z1 - which you and someone else recommended! Do you prefer the screw clamp!? This is getting silly, but I have to ask... THank you!
May 19, 2013 at 05:19 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I know it will fit every plate and L Bracket. And I don't think a gain anything with the more expensive lever.
I have 7 heads. 3 lever and 4 screw so it's not a big deal for me
If you are interested in the Z1 consider the cheapest one with a round base. The current Arca-Swiss clamp is a new design that has two sets of jaws to accommodate their new Slidefix plates as well as the "regular" A-S type of plates that we all use. The "regular" jaws are the upper ones so if you have safety stop screws in your camera plate they won't work.
If you want a screw clamp for a Z1 then Kirk, RRS and Wimberley make quality screw clamps for it. If you want a lever clamp RRS makes a B2 AS II clamp with an M6 screw which will fit on top of the A-S ball stem. This clamp is self-adjusting to various non-RRS camera or lens plates.
Sharona wrote:
Thanks once more - I just compared - the Arca Swiss is a tad lighter and less expensive by a small margin. Two pluses! But on B&H some reviewers said the release mechanism was difficult and manual was non-existent. Anyone have some comments about that?
Sorry I missed this earlier. Yes the instruction sheet that comes with a Z1 is er, minimalist. There are good tips for using the head that relate to both the A-S B1 and Z1 by the A-S service company in the US.
If by release mechanism you mean the clamp I addressed that in the post above.
Thanks Peter - I don't currently own any plates except the two that work with my Manfrotto ball head so it would be easier and less expensive to get the ball head with the QR plate with it. Unless I am missing something?
Yes it's easy to buy a ballhead, clamp and plate or L-bracket as a kit no question about that. However the original Arca-Swiss dovetail quick release design has become so ubiquitous that there are now many manufacturers with an enormous range in pricing.
I use both the most expensive plates and the cheapest and have found no real difference in either usability or function. I use Benro, Clearsight, ProMediaGear, SunwayFoto, RRS & Wimberley plates, and they all have a very good non-slip connection with the camera body base.
The L-brackets are more expensive and mostly camera model specific. Many also have an anti-rotation flange or lip and L-brackets are generally considered very secure. They're also useful if you use both portrait and landscape camera orientation frequently.
On the Kirk product: kirk tightened up on their tolerances a few years ago so they will fit any lever or screw type clamp out there. they pretty much match the dimensions of RRS plates.
on the Slidefix system: pretty much a niche market non starter.
on owning multiple manufacturers plates: it is a fun thing to collect and try things. but in the long run if you look carefully some have a methodology or system approach you might want to look into. they can interconnect to other components that operate as a unified tool. maybe not necessary for some but an advantage for others. in the end it can be an advantage to choosing one maker of your choice and sticking with it for consistency.
I suppose you will use a lever clamp. Which one ?