Tripod Heads - Quick Release

[shutterho]

To purchase a tripod head with a quick release plate or not? That is my question.

Any preference to having one or not?

Thanks.

[Harry]

I couldn't live without a QR plate on my cameras, however, they do become a PIA when not using the camera on the tripod.

[cyclohexane]

I use Arca-Swiss type quick release clamps and plates from manufacturers such as Really Right Stuff and Kirk. While they are nice and all (fitted to individual cameras and lenses), they are also quite expensive.

The little universal ones that come with Bogen/Manfrotto, Gitzo, etc. suck. I wouldn't bother using those. Save your money if you can only get those. They're a pain in the butt to keep on the camera without it shifting, and not particularly convenient in operation; they cost extra, but I don't feel that you gain much by having those crummy quick releases.

[shutterho]

Ouch, yes, the Arca-Swiss types are pretty expensive and out of my range for now.

I'm going on a trip in a couple of weeks and I'm looking for a decent tripod that can fold up to 18" or less and the one I saw was a Manfrotto 715B Digi Black Tripod w/ Ball head. However, that's a quick release. I'm just not sure how secure they are.

[cyclohexane]

I'm just not sure how secure they are.

They're really not that secure.

Well, they're okay as in the camera will probably remain attached to the tripod head, but they tend to have enough play to compromise the stability of the entire rig. The Manfrotto type plates basically provide another joint for the camera to wiggle around on.

[R. House]

I use a Bogen/Manfrotto tripod with a quick release. The largest lens I use is a Nikon 70-300 zoom. I don't have any problems with shifting, looseness, wriggling or security. I often carry the tripod on my shoulder with camera attached. I've been using this combo for ten years and recommend it highly. If you are using large, heavy lenses I would then say use the plates.

[Icedogz Photography]

In my opinion a QR is essential. It is a pain and time consuming having to unscrew your camera from your tripod every time your setting up. That said make sure you get a decent and sturdy one. Like the Manfrotto Pro Heads and tripods. The Manfrotto Digi range is fine for point and shoot cameras but to flimsy for SLR'S and heavy lenses.

[ohenry]

I'm also a fan of Arca-Swiss releases and plates from Really Right Stuff. While expensive, they're machined and quality built. They hold securely and I have no reservations about the camera slipping out of the mount, even when I'm walking through the woods with the tripod slung over shoulder and the camera and long lens attached.

[richardpcrowe]

Really Right Stuff markets custom L-plates for various cameras which fit into an Arca Swiss Compatible Q.R. Bracket.

There are many advantages of L-Plates over standard methods of affixing cameras to tripod heads. Most of these advantages are found in this link from RRS:

Really Right Stuff ... Quick-Release Camera Body L-Plates

I didn't notice if they mentioned that their custom L plates allow you to switch batteries while the plate is mounted to the camera. Additionally, since the RRS L-plates conform closely to the contours of the camera, it is easy to shoot hand-held while the plate is still mounted. This makes the set-up more versatile.

There are generic L-plates by some other manufacturers which are not specifically designed for individual cameras. These plates often require being unscrewed from the camera body before the battery compartment can be accessed.

[ohenry]

Master Chief, the custom L plates from RRS allow access to all functions on your camera, including battery change, cable hookups, memory card access, etc. I've had L plates for a Rebel, a 10D, a 1Ds and a 40D.

[00silvergt]

I always used QR plates. I don't know how to work efficiently without one.

[hotrod4x5]

They aren't an absolute necessity IMO. They are a convenience. If you can't afford the plates for your body and lenses, and the clamp for your ball head, then don't get it.

I had no trouble with my first couple tripods that had no quick releases. I just tightened the mounting screw, takes about 15 seconds, vs 5 seconds with my current arca swiss style clamp from Acratech that came attached to their ball head I purchased.

[w7apd]

I managed for 25 years using a tripod with no QR. Then I decided to upgrade the 'pod and now I wouldn't be without my quick releases. I use the same QR on my tripod and monopod, and I keep QR plates attached to all of my cameras, and one for each of the lenses that have a tripod foot so I never have to unscrew a tripod plate. I even added a quick release to my copy stand so I can just clip the camera in and shoot.

I use Bogen/Manfrotto plates; they have an effective locking mechanism so I have no worries about the camera falling off the tripod. Whatever you choose, make sure it ain't plastic.

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by w7apd

I managed for 25 years using a tripod with no QR. Then I decided to upgrade the 'pod and now I wouldn't be without my quick releases. I use the same QR on my tripod and monopod, and I keep QR plates attached to all of my cameras, and one for each of the lenses that have a tripod foot so I never have to unscrew a tripod plate. I even added a quick release to my copy stand so I can just clip the camera in and shoot.

I use Bogen/Manfrotto plates; they have an effective locking mechanism so I have no worries about the camera falling off the tripod. Whatever you choose, make sure it ain't plastic.

Ditto, this goes for the head as well, if any or most part of the head is plastic, you now know why it cost $19.99 at Wallyworld. Last thing you want, trust me is to have a cheap tripod and head crack with your camera attached to it!

[richardpcrowe]

Originally Posted by 00silvergt

Ditto, this goes for the head as well, if any or most part of the head is plastic, you now know why it cost $19.99 at Wallyworld. Last thing you want, trust me is to have a cheap tripod and head crack with your camera attached to it!

I agree about not wanting a head to crack. I also would not want the mounting screw to break.

I have read several accounts, on various forums, of the Benro (Chinese manufactured Benro, not the English made Benbo) tripod screws breaking while camera and lens were attached. That caught my attention big time!

[00silvergt]

Originally Posted by richardpcrowe

I agree about not wanting a head to crack. I also would not want the mounting screw to break.

I have read several accounts, on various forums, of the Benro (Chinese manufactured Benro, not the English made Benbo) tripod screws breaking while camera and lens were attached. That caught my attention big time!

Aluminum or plastics screws, definitely a run, don't walk advice. BTw, OT:

How often do you guys lube your balls?

Ball heads, that is, get your head out of the gutter! LOL

[hotrod4x5]

Originally Posted by 00silvergt

Aluminum or plastics screws, definitely a run, don't walk advice. BTw, OT:

How often do you guys lube your balls?

Ball heads, that is, get your head out of the gutter! LOL

I've never lubed my balls. Didn't know we were supposed to!