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Archive 2023 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

maverick777
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Leofoto offers a version of the Wimberly MH-100 monogimbal in both a knob style and lever style clamp. The lever style clamp can be half opened to allow for easy balancing, but does not have a way to adjust the clamp force for small adjustments to the width for varying sizes of arca swiss plates. If given the option whether it's Leofoto, Wimberly, or other brands, would you choose on style clamp of the other? I will be balancing a 100-400mm lens and camera on this monogimbal if that makes a difference.

Mar 21, 2023 at 03:13 PM

SSO-Images
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Ever since my RRS lever clamp (BH-55 Ball Head) broke on me, I learned never to trust it. For function, I favor the lever over the knob, but for longevity and reliability, I now favor the knob.

Mar 21, 2023 at 03:20 PM

sjms
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

the backstory is always quite interesting.

on the other side of the coin i have had mine since 2009 all of mine a lever locks. i trust them and then some. they do have a newer model of lever lock based on their SOAR product. mine have been all over a few continents.

i really would really like to see that broken one. i can then determine its cause pretty easy.

for the past 9 years I've been using the BH40 (just got a second one recently) with the lever locks on both my tripods (one original one new ARC. i travel more with them.

Mar 21, 2023 at 04:18 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Why are you buying a Chinese knockoff? Buy a Wimberley.

EBH

Mar 21, 2023 at 08:41 PM

nhanzero
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Buy the original Wimberly, buying knockoff won't help you much in long the run, especially mounting heavy premium combo on it.
I learnt the hard lesson buying Leofoto G4 thinking they would be at least half as good as the original Arca D4, and I was wrong, the Leo knockoff has very thin neck connects from the geared control to the clamp above, and the clamp to the surface of the neck is very losse, it likes they didn't make with tight tolerance makes it wobbles a lot even using light combo like Canon M6, now I'm using the D4 for peace of mind!
Buy original, buy once cry once, there is a reason the original gears are expensive in the first place!

Mar 21, 2023 at 10:53 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

My Arca Swiss clamps are all knob style. Perhaps a bit out of spending less that way, maybe a holdover from earlier days when there was some concern about "fit" with multiple brand plates/clamps, or snagging a lever (or on a tripod leg or a Manfrotto clamp). Yet I feel a bit nervous that something might unscrew from movement when carrying the gear, etc. I've never had that happen either. I'm sort of happy some makers have added safety pins to fit the base/plate to preclude sliding all the way out.

Since I don't have any lever style clamps, I can't say for sure what adjustability issues are really there or not. I have one clamp that barely opens wide enough so inserting the plate could be easier.

Mar 21, 2023 at 11:11 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

I use a mix of lever and screw clamps. I use lever clamps where it's "on or off", like shooting a big lens on a monopod, where a quick flip of the lever puts the monopod on the ground and the lens in your hands (should not be the other way around). I use screw clamps when I might want to slide the plate fore and aft for balance, or for focus at high magnification. The screw clamp gives more precise and secure plate slides within the clamp, than the half-opened lever clamp. Otherwise, if the situation doesn't present an obvious advantage for screw vs. lever, I just use what's at hand.

Edited on Mar 22, 2023 at 06:41 PM · View previous versions

Mar 22, 2023 at 06:25 AM

maverick777
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Thanks for the replies. I went with the knob style. Leofoto couldn't give a clear answer on compatibility with the level style. It's likely sized for RSS plates. I like the convenience of lever clamps, but I also have arca swiss plates for different vendors which are slightly different in size. So I went with the knob style.

I've had good experiences with Leofoto and the reviews for this monogimbal are positive. I like the all metal construction and looks of it. And it's $60 cheaper than the Wimberly. So all that together led me to go this route. I have 30 days to return if it doesn't work well.

Mar 22, 2023 at 03:16 PM

David_smith
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Both the knob style and lever style clamps have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

The knob style clamp allows for more precise adjustments to the width of the clamp for different sized plates, but may be more difficult to open and close quickly. The lever style clamp is easier to use and allows for quick adjustments, but may not be as precise when it comes to small adjustments.

For balancing a 100-400mm lens and camera on a monogimbal, either clamp style should work well as long as it is well-made and of good quality. It may be worth considering other factors such as weight, size, and build quality when making your decision.

Mar 22, 2023 at 04:12 PM

jeffbuzz
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

I stay away from lever clamps because some cast lens feet can be damaged by them. The levers can apply too much camping force and could crush dovetails the are cast rather than machined. Levers also don't work consistently with different plates that might have slight size variations. There is no such thing as an "Arca standard". So you might need to readjust the clamp (if possible) between different plates.

Mar 22, 2023 at 05:39 PM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

excuse me the only way a lever lock can crush the dove tail is if you the user applies that force. if you are smart you don't use cast feet you add an aluminum alloy one to the other foot you have choices that are easily made with some thought.

you do not need to apply excessive force if you do things right.

Edited on Mar 24, 2023 at 10:03 AM · View previous versions

Mar 23, 2023 at 03:42 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

I avoid the lever lock other than the RRS leveling base as that is the only option and only used when removing the head. The amount of effort to lock the RRS dovetail with the lever lock is substantial even on RRS plates. Kirk, Wimberley, and a few others are made to the same size, not that they are easier to use.

The Chinese A-S compatible stuff has sizes all over the place and may be too loose or too tight, fall off or even damage the clamp. You either need an adjustable lever lock or clamp and plate from the same supplier, which can complicate things.

On my latest tripod I used an FLM screw clamp and Kirk base on the full gimbal. I carried a 500/4 around over the shoulder quite a bit and it was rock solid.

Whatever you do, don't be too cheap with your support gear. You don't need to buy Gitzo, RRS, Kirk, Wimberley, FLM, etc. but make sure that whatever your get, test it well ahead of time. Back in the 20th century there was a famous photo of Lester Bogen sitting on a tripod. Besides being the "butt" of many jokes it sold a lot of tripods.

EBH

Mar 23, 2023 at 04:38 PM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

jeffbuzz wrote:
I stay away from lever clamps because some cast lens feet can be damaged by them. The levers can apply too much camping force and could crush dovetails the are cast rather than machined. Levers also don't work consistently with different plates that might have slight size variations. There is no such thing as an "Arca standard". So you might need to readjust the clamp (if possible) between different plates.

While I've never damaged a foot using a lever lock (I used to have one on a RRS BH-50), I experienced a couple of plates that were too narrow to be properly clamped with that particular lever lock. I've seen other lever locks, like AcraTech's, that have adjustable clamping widths, but I've never tried them. It's just not that hard to properly tighten a screw-style clamp, and they've worked well for me on a number of heads and a lot of feet.

What's puzzled me off and on is why RRS doesn't build an adjustable clamp. At least, I don't know of one from them.

Mar 23, 2023 at 05:44 PM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

maverick777 wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I went with the knob style. Leofoto couldn't give a clear answer on compatibility with the level style. It's likely sized for RSS plates. I like the convenience of lever clamps, but I also have arca swiss plates for different vendors which are slightly different in size. So I went with the knob style.

I've had good experiences with Leofoto and the reviews for this monogimbal are positive. I like the all metal construction and looks of it. And it's $60 cheaper than the Wimberly. So all that together led me to go this route. I have...Show more →

Mine works fine. But it's only $10 less than the Wimberley at Amazon.

Mar 24, 2023 at 01:32 AM

Sage11
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

I prefer the clamps that tighten using the knob for maximum flexibility and compatibility with the various arcade swiss style clamps.(BTW, try the Leofoto USA discount code HAPPY25 for a potential additional 25% off. This code worked recently.)
maverick777 wrote:
Leofoto offers a version of the Wimberly MH-100 monogimbal in both a knob style and lever style clamp. The lever style clamp can be half opened to allow for easy balancing, but does not have a way to adjust the clamp force for small adjustments to the width for varying sizes of arca swiss plates. If given the option whether it's Leofoto, Wimberly, or other brands, would you choose on style clamp of the other? I will be balancing a 100-400mm lens and camera on this monogimbal if that makes a difference.

Mar 24, 2023 at 02:29 AM

maverick777
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Sage11 wrote:
I prefer the clamps that tighten using the knob for maximum flexibility and compatibility with the various arcade swiss style clamps.(BTW, try the Leofoto USA discount code HAPPY25 for a potential additional 25% off. This code worked recently.)

Thanks. I did use the Happy25 coupon code when I made my purchase. I got the MPG-01 and MPQ-404C monopod for a great price. The monopod came in the mail in 2 days and quality is fantastic. The MPG-01 is delayed 2 weeks even though it shows as in stock. They offered the MPG-01S with the level lock, but I decided to wait on the knob version.

Mar 24, 2023 at 10:05 AM

sjms
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Abbott Schindl wrote:
While I've never damaged a foot using a lever lock (I used to have one on a RRS BH-50), I experienced a couple of plates that were too narrow to be properly clamped with that particular lever lock. I've seen other lever locks, like AcraTech's, that have adjustable clamping widths, but I've never tried them. It's just not that hard to properly tighten a screw-style clamp, and they've worked well for me on a number of heads and a lot of feet.

What's puzzled me off and on is why RRS doeslamen't build an adjustable clamp. At least, I don't...Show more →

they have and its right in the catalog

https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ARC-LR

i purchased one and it resides on 1 of my 2 BH-40 heads

you are right it's easy to add the adjustment in, a little harder to maintain "control" of it. it's all about the user then and their ability to adjust it "correctly" and not cause their own issues which then of course it becomes the blame game. the new one works quite well once adjusted (especially with their newer plates). its the continuous adjustments that become problematic for various makers plates.

Edited on Mar 24, 2023 at 10:25 AM · View previous versions

Mar 24, 2023 at 10:09 AM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

sjms wrote:
they have and its right in the catalog

https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ARC-LR

i purchased one and it resides on one of my 2 BH-40 heads

Interesting. I just looked at your link and it says "Pre-order". I assume that means "not available now, but should be some day". Is yours a prototype or something?

Mar 24, 2023 at 10:21 AM

sjms
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

well, it was available a few months ago and i purchased it off their site. give them a call and see what's going on. i never assume things till i get an answer directly from the maker.

other than conversations i have no other connections with RRS. i maintain a professional distance. from makers who's product i use.

DSC-RX100M5 8.8-25.7 mm f/1.8-2.8 lens 19mm f/6.3 1/25s 6400 ISO 0.0 EV

Mar 24, 2023 at 10:27 AM

EB-1
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Monogimbal - lever or knob style clamp?

Abbott Schindl wrote:
Interesting. I just looked at your link and it says "Pre-order". I assume that means "not available now, but should be some day". Is yours a prototype or something?

The Adormama has it. https://www.adorama.com/rrsarclr.html
The ARC-LR is a smaller siZe than the clamps I use on the BH-55 and has no Buble level, not that I want a lever type. I think it is made for the smaller heads.

EBH

Mar 25, 2023 at 12:45 AM

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