L brackets and sling straps.

Kell

Kell

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Kell
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I've finally made the switch to a better tripod and it comes with the ubiquitous Arca Swiss compatible head.

I've got a couple of plates which allow me to attach camera or tripod foot on a lens to it, but the problem I have is that I carry my camera with a sling type strap.

At the minute, the plates I have mean I can't attach both the sling strap and plate if using to attach the camera to the tripod, So I have to unscrew the strap and then attach the plate, then use the tripod.

Given that this system is supposed to make it a quick process, this isn't really helping.

So, I guess my question is: Is anyone using any of these brackets with their sling strap?

Some of the brackets look like they have screw holes to attach other equipment on the upright, but I'm unsure if it's advisable to mount a sling to carry a camera this way.

Anyone done this? Had problems? Found a solution?

Any advice or tips gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.
 
For example - this Neewer L bracket has multiple holes on the upright.

But it also has a couple on the base.

Are these for mounting a sling type strap.

71VHOejEf-L._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
I have a Black Rapid strap to which I attached a Wimberley C-12 clamp.

This then attached as needed to the lens foot or body AS plate :)

HTH?
 
Had a similar problem, really like the Black Rapid straps but hated having to unscrew the eyelet to mount on a tripod etc

I've changed out the BR carabiner style fitting for a Magpul Quick Detach (QD) fitting. I mainly use Kirk L brackets and lens mounts, these have the compatible female QD socket. I know RRS do QD compatible brackets, not sure about other suppliers. The QD system is a standard NATO spec.

Found it works really well. Used on a BR single strap (shown below) and also on a BR dual strap with 500mm f/4 on one side and 300mm f/2.8 on the other.

50859437652_9d03fee5e3_b.jpg


GC
 
@Kell

A sling strap such as the Black Rapid will natively screw to a tripod type threaded hole. My concern was the IMO real risk of the BR screw unwinding itself when least expected. Though I do recall the advice was "always check it is tight before handling"

My comfort zone solution was as I described above......the C-12 is an AS (sorry if not obvious) it has the threaded hole to attach the BR to and importantly the C-12 has grub screws to "lock" the BR into place i.e. no risk of it unscrewing.

Yes, it takes a moment or two to detach the C-12 from the lens or body plate for then mounting on the tripod but I'm fine with that :)
 
rob-nikon said:
You use it in place of the bolt that holds the L bracket onto the camera. The U part it what the carabiner connects onto.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. Both of my current mounting plates have a D-ring to tighten them, but just by looking at them I can tell they're not designed to carry the weight of a camera and lens.
 
Ok.

So both of my current slings have fixings that screw directly into the bottom of the camera.

I was hoping to be able to pick up a plate or bracket that would screw in to the camera, but still allow me to screw the sling into the plate - and allow me to use a clamp without removing the sling.

@gcgraphs - does that Kirk one work in essentially that way?

So your QD mounts into a purpose designed socket?

In which case, it looks like the sling on the left could be utilised in this way if I got hold of a D-loop QD?

However, the sling on the right couldn’t, because you can’t detach the screw.

F5798F9D-4FB8-475E-B5C3-A4BF92E68355.jpeg
 
If you get 2 of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andoer-Qui...ocphy=1006567&hvtargid=pla-666706434439&psc=1

(you would probably need to get hold of these without the threaded part in the hole)

2 of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-m...&qid=1611245168&s=diy&sr=1-8&ts_id=1938539031

and 2 of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Countersunk-Machine-Including-Stainless-Delivery/dp/B00AAMIFDW

Then you can attach the clip from your strap to the ring nut, the camera Arcaswiss plate (male part) can then attach to the Arcawiss clamp (female part) that is now hanging from your strap. This is how I have my strap set up.
 
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Kell said:
Ok.

So both of my current slings have fixings that screw directly into the bottom of the camera.

I was hoping to be able to pick up a plate or bracket that would screw in to the camera, but still allow me to screw the sling into the plate - and allow me to use a clamp without removing the sling.

@gcgraphs - does that Kirk one work in essentially that way?

So your QD mounts into a purpose designed socket?

In which case, it looks like the sling on the left could be utilised in this way if I got hold of a D-loop QD?

However, the sling on the right couldn’t, because you can’t detach the screw.
Click to expand...

The QD snaps into the silver socket on the lens foot, L bracket etc

50859919421_1287e3460b_c.jpg


The Magpul adapter slides up the strap, same functionality as the original Black Rapid part.

50859204353_cb9b6df76f_c.jpg


Find it way more durable than the BR parts, the Magpul's original/primary use is for attaching slings to rifles :)

GC
 
Kell said:
So both of my current slings have fixings that screw directly into the bottom of the camera.
Click to expand...
Take that fixing and screw it directly into the bottom of this type of arca swiss clamp (using thread locker).
You can then attach your strap to the plate on the camera using the clamp... you can add a safety lanyard to one of the strap mounts on the clamp if you want, but I've been using them like this for years w/o a safety and w/o an issue (you *do* want the stop screws in the ends of your plate on the camera though). If you got an arca swiss L-bracket you could leave it installed when using the other leg; but it's usually best to remove the strap when using a tripod.

Alternatively, you could screw the fixing point into any of the 1/4-20 holes on either leg of that Neewer L-bracket you showed above; but you would probably have to unscrew it in order to use that leg.
 
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Box Brownie said:
I have a Black Rapid strap to which I attached a Wimberley C-12 clamp.

This then attached as needed to the lens foot or body AS plate :)

HTH?
Click to expand...


So it seems like (if I'm understanding you correctly) that you and @FlyPhot have a similar method.

You attach various plates to lenses and cameras. But then have an additional clamp(s) for those plates attached to the strap(s).

When using the camera and tripod, you unclamp it from the strap (clamp stays attached to strap) and then clamp it straight into the tripod head.

I've got a spare head so I can see how it would work, my concern would be that it takes less than a 1/4 of turn of the screw on the clamp and it looks like everything could slide out and crash to the floor.
 
Kell said:
So it seems like (if I'm understanding you correctly) that you and @FlyPhot have a similar method.

You attach various plates to lenses and cameras. But then have an additional clamp(s) for those plates attached to the strap(s).

When using the camera and tripod, you unclamp it from the strap (clamp stays attached to strap) and then clamp it straight into the tripod head.

I've got a spare head so I can see how it would work, my concern would be that it takes less than a 1/4 of turn of the screw on the clamp and it looks like everything could slide out and crash to the floor.
Click to expand...

Yes (I think I understand what you are saying). I've never had a body or lens drop off, I just chek that it's still tightly done up regularly, it's as secure on the strap as it is on the tripod - I often walk around with the camera still attached to the tripod and put it over my shoulder.
 
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sk66 said:
Take that fixing and screw it directly into the bottom of this type of arca swiss clamp (using thread locker).
You can then attach your strap to the plate on the camera using the clamp... you can add a safety lanyard to one of the strap mounts on the clamp if you want, but I've been using them like this for years w/o a safety and w/o an issue (you *do* want the stop screws in the ends of your plate on the camera though). If you got an arca swiss L-bracket you could leave it installed when using the other leg; but it's usually best to remove the strap when using a tripod.

Alternatively, you could screw the fixing point into any of the 1/4-20 holes on either leg of that Neewer L-bracket you showed above; but you would probably have to unscrew it in order to use that leg.
Click to expand...

That Neewer one looks OK at first glance, but I think the base plate is too long. You'd have to unscrew it and shift it along (or take it off completely) to access the battery.

I don't want to do it on a budget, as such, but at the same time, I don't want to spend a tonne of money on working this out.

FlyPhot said:
Yes (I think I understand what you are saying). I've never had a body or lens drop off, I just chek that it's still tightly done up regularly, it's as secure on the strap as it is on the tripod - I often walk around with the camera still attached to the tripod and put it over my shoulder.
Click to expand...

I tried it with the Vanguard plate that came with the tripod - this doesn't have stop screws at either end, so it's probably less than an eighth of a turn in actuality and the plate just slides out.

The cheap plate that came with my other head (Andoer) one, does have the stop screw so in this case that would be the better option. And it's cheaper.

Still doesn't 'feel' safe to me - though I appreciate that's three of you using this method now (with @sk66's comment too) without any problems.

I don't really want to buy an L bracket as I don't think I'll get the use - though I can see it would be handy for some people.

I think the Kirk plates might offer the solution and I'll just have to put up with the fact that I'd have to unscrew the strap - or then invest in the QD system and try and make that work.
 
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On the 3LT site, they do show someone using their L bracket by screwing their sling into the hole at the top of the vertical part, but that just feels like there'd be too much leverage to me.

It's also quite a long way removed.

The L-bracket bottom plate screws into the camera.

The vertical plate screws into the bottom plate.

The sling screws into the vertical plate....

DSC_8099.jpg
 
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Kell said:
On the 3LT site, they do show someone using their L bracket by screwing their sling into the hole at the top of the vertical part, but that just feels like there'd be too much leverage to me.

It's also quite a long way removed.

The L-bracket bottom plate screws into the camera.

The vertical plate screws into the bottom plate.

The sling screws into the vertical plate....
Click to expand...
It should be fine... the shear strength of 6061 is over 30,000psi/207mpa
 
Ok.

thanks for all the help.


So here’s how it netted out for now.

Bought the 3LT l- bracket and mounted my current strap on the top. Seems to work well and there's just about enough room to use it for vertical shots without removing the sling.


35DD2D0C-47C2-4D7E-B96C-92BF217B5347.jpeg


Also followed the advice above and bought a metal loop to use with an existing plate. Still unsure about this approach - would prefer a clamp with a lever - but can see the benefits if you’re carrying a bigger lens as you can choose which to clamp.

EBB2DF30-E785-4FF1-86D8-8EDB2BBFA470.jpeg
 
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Kell said:
Ok.

thanks for all the help.


So here’s how it netted out for now.

Bought the 3LT l- bracket and mounted my current strap on the top. Seems to work well and there's just about enough room to use it for vertical shots without removing the sling.


View attachment 307235


Also followed the advice above and bought a metal loop to use with an existing plate. Still unsure about this approach - would prefer a clamp with a lever - but can see the benefits if you’re carrying a bigger lens as you can choose which to clamp.

View attachment 307240
Click to expand...
I'm planning to do the same with an arca clamp, but have one of these, which will be less bulky than the loop that you've used....

Quick Install Camera Tripod Mount Screw to Attach Neck: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Quick Install Camera Tripod Mount Screw to Attach Neck or Wrist Straps - 4 Pack - Fast and Secure Connection - Durable Metal - Fits Standard Camera Tripod Connections - Easy Twist Grip - Rubber Buffer at Amazon UK.
www.amazon.co.uk
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
I'm planning to do the same with an arca clamp, but have one of these, which will be less bulky than the loop that you've used....

Quick Install Camera Tripod Mount Screw to Attach Neck: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Quick Install Camera Tripod Mount Screw to Attach Neck or Wrist Straps - 4 Pack - Fast and Secure Connection - Durable Metal - Fits Standard Camera Tripod Connections - Easy Twist Grip - Rubber Buffer at Amazon UK.
www.amazon.co.uk
Click to expand...

@Bobsyeruncle

That is the type of BR screw that I have, though mine is the BR rubber/plastic coated one to avoid 'clanging' and noise in use :) As you say it is shorter than the one shown fitted by @Kell
 
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Bobsyeruncle said:
Do you use an arca clamp for yours?
Click to expand...

Hi Bob

Yes, I have a Wimberley C-12 clamp. When I assembled it I realised that the C-12 has 3 small grub screws and I screwed those down once the loop bolt was firmly tightened to the C-12, they bite into the rubber washer and make it impossible/highly resistant to unscrewing in use.
 
I use something like this which I guess is similar to the above but my strap does not have a clip it only has a screw

Harwerrel Aluminium 50mm Quick Release Plate QR Clamp Fits Arca-Swiss Standard for Tripod Ballhead: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy Harwerrel Aluminium 50mm Quick Release Plate QR Clamp Fits Arca-Swiss Standard for Tripod Ballhead at Amazon UK.
www.amazon.co.uk

Screw the sling strap into the qr clamp, and then attach to the QR plate which is attached to the camera, easy to get the strap off and the camera on the tripod. It has never come undone but as back-up I have a black shoe lace attached to the eye that the normal camera strap attaches to with a clip on the end that I clip directly on to the strap webbing, I often leave this attached even when the camera is on the tripod but it is easy to unclip if I want to move around.
 
There are definitely some issues with the set up I have. Being different across different bodies isn't great. That said, it's extremely unlikely I'd be using both bodies at once - away from the house. So I could take the L-Clamp and screw it to the other body. Except the safety loop also goes through the top of the L-Bracket and the original camera strap mount, so it's not a quick job.

To get the Andoer plate to work in the Vanguard tripod means removing the security bolts that prevent that plate from sliding out of the Andoer clamp on the sling. Which means that literally an eighth of a turn is enough to let the plate slide out completely. While both slings have the security loop (linked the original camera strap mounts), I wouldn't want to rely on it. Hence possibly going for a lever style clamp which looks like it would be harder to 'accidentally' loosen. (something like this: Andoer Quick Release Plate Clamp for Arca Swiss Tripod: AmazonSmile: Camera & Photo)

Also, my carabiner type clip had to be forced over that loop as it's quite thick - it's like playing with one of those Chinese puzzles you get in Christmas crackers - so that's not a quick job to remove.

Ideally, I'd get another 3LT L-Bracket, another JOBY sling and another Vanguard plate for the foot on the lens. But JOBY don't appear to make those slings anymore. And the L-bracket doesn't look like it would be a good fit on my 80D - even though it says it would be on the website. The bottom plate is a little too long to be able to open the battery door without unscrewing and moving it.

Essentially, like most things camera related, if you throw enough money at it, the problem will go away.
 
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