Quick Release Plates

[Dave R.]

These may sound like a odd question to ask, but what is the main difference (operationally) of an acra-swiss plate vs. other plates? What is the most obvious feature of a Acra-Swiss plate to set it apart from other plates?

[richardpcrowe]

There are several differences:

1: Arca Swiss plates are pretty much interchangeable between brands. In other words, an Arca Compatible plate manufactured by Kirk will fit a quick release manufactured by Really Right Stuff

2. You can use an L-plate (RRS - Kirk, etc) which allows you to position a non-tripod ring equipped lens directly over the tripod head when the camera is in the vertical position. This eliminates the need to cantilever the camera over to the side of the head when in the vertical position and results in a much steadier mount and the ability to use a lighter tripod and ball head. Each L-plate is manufactured for a specific camera which is an advantage since the plate hugs the contours of the body and can easily be hand-held when the camera is removed from the tripod/monopod. However it can be a disadvantage since each L-plate is specific for a camera and you need to buy additional plates when you change or add cameras.

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

Giottos distributes a generic L-plate but, this is not (IMO) as neat and clean as the L-plates made by Kirk or RRS.

3. Many Arca Compatible plates/clamps have a safety feature which prevents the camera/lens from falling off the tripod/monopod if the clamp is loosened in error.

4. Arca Compatible plates come in several lengths which allows you to balance your camera/lens correctly. This is most important when using long lenses. There are plates specific for lenses with tripod rings and these are even more secure than generic Arca Compatible plates.

Really Right Stuff ... Overview & Advantages of our Quick-Release System

BTW: You can adapt a Manfrotto (or several other types) quick release to an Arca Compatible system with one of these Kirk clamps.

Kirk Enterprises : Specialty Quick Release Clamps

There are many manufacturers of Arca Compatible plates including Giottos. However, my Giottos MH-1300 head has a quick release which incorporates a safety stop that prevents a plate from another manufacturer from sliding into the plate. In this case, you need either to physically modify the plate or Giottos quick release clamp OR open the clamp all the way and insert the plate from the top. This is no big problem but, it is a bit slower than just loosening the clamp and sliding the plate on or off.

Kirk and RRS both supply monopod swivel heads which incorporate an Arca Compatible quick release system. Kirk and RRS have swivel heads based on the Manfrotto 3232 swivel head with an Arca Compatible clamps added. RRS also has a "heavy duty" monopod swivel head. using an L-plate makes shooting vertical shots form a monopod easier since the camera is not hanging over to the side.

Kirk Enterprises : Specialty Quick Release Clamps

Really Right Stuff ... The High Capacity Monopod Solution

In addition to all of the above, IMO the Arca Compatible system is easier and more fun to use than any other quick release system on the market.

[Dave R.]

WOW Richard. That answer is far more than expected. I appreciate the time you took to be so detailed and clear. Thank you. Have some Karma.