Tripod head/L bracket question

blondie606

blondie606

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Lynne
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HI

getting very confuddled so thought I'd ask on here for some help please

I have a Giottos MH5011 tripod head on a Giottos tripod . I have a quick release plate that refuses to stay screwed in to the camera which makes taking photo's in portrait orientation virtually impossible . My 1st thought was to use super glue/thread lock on the screw - and it may still come to that !
My 2nd thought was to buy an L bracket - simples I thought....not so it appears . From what I can gather my MH5011 isn't compatible with an L bracket so I need a new head - I need something that's arca swiss compatible ?
So far I have found a Manfrotto 055Magnesium ball head with Q5 quick release plate that works with the Manfrotto Q5 L bracket .

Does anyone have an other combinations that won't break the bank ie sub £300 in total that I should be considering ?

I have heard of the Sunway foto bracket but again , confused as to what tripod head I'd need to make it all work

Appreciate any help/info/advice you can give

many thanks,
your's most confused :confused:
 
I was in your situation vey recently. Almost by mistake I'd bought myself a 2nd hand L Plate for my Canon 5d3, so I had to then find a new tripod head to take advantage of it. There's a very useful comparison test here, and you can see that the Feisol 40D comes out very well. HoppyUK also did a comparison test for one of the photo mags and he rated the same head very highly. Also worth looking at are the Sunwayfoto range; I went for their FB36, which is a bit smaller/lighter than the 40D, in the end at £104.99. It seems a decent bit of kit. They also do L plates. You can get L plates in either a standard fitting or one designed to fit your camera model exactly. I imagine the latter would fit better.

By all accounts arca-swiss is the way to go.
 
I definitely wouldn't use super glue!

The best bet is an arca swiss compatible L plate and an arca swiss type ball head - you'll have a job to get both for less than £300 though.

Kirk and Really Right Stuff are both good and have arca swiss options for the Nikon D7000.

 
I have a Sunwayfoto ballhead and it is superb, it works with my Sunwayfoto L plate on the D800 and the Kirk L plate on the D3s.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Sunwayfoto for price, quality and delivery :)
 
PS. If you go for RRS, the only place in Europe that sells their stuff is in Germany.

They have the BD7000-L for 138 euros (link) and they also sell a range of RRS/Kirk heads (link).
 
If you are happy with your current head and want to keep cost down you can usually unscrew the quick release mount (it will have a bolt through it into the head) and replace it with an Arca Swiss clamp, Wex sell Kirk ones which are well made (I use them on my black rapids). From there on you just need an L bracket. I can't recommend enough a custom L bracket made for your body, all my bodies have them and on each one I've fastened them up once and despite regular checks have never needed to tighten them up, no slippage, and cable release ports etc cutout and available.
 
blondie606 said:
.... I have a quick release plate that refuses to stay screwed in to the camera ....
Click to expand...

The reason it won't stay screwed in to the camera is that it's a universal plate - i.e. it's not moulded to any specific camera body. When in portrait mode the weight of the camera & lens causes the body to twist against the plate and so the screw comes undone.

The best arca swiss plates have a curved flange that's moulded for a specific body, hence the camera/lens cannot twist against the plate and the screw won't come undone. You can see the vital curved flange in this pic of the RRS BD7000-L - http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/zoom-rrsweb-2-BD7000L-iso-nikon-D7000-8BIT-1.png
 
Markins are very good as are their cheaper Photoclam clones, I own one of each and both keep the camera rock solid.

They come with swiss arca type clamps so compatible with most L plates and camera specific q/r plates too
 
markmullen said:
True, I should have checked it out. Sorry OP.
Click to expand...

You can still do it, actually more easily if not such a neat job. Just get an Arca Swiss type clamp for £20 and simply screw it to the existing QR plate. I'd glue it too. Then an AS L-bracket fits straight on.

But it does seem like an excellent opportunity to change to an Arca Swiss type ball head. Easily done well for under £300, under £200 even inc L-bracket. RRS prices are crazy.
 
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Thanks for all your replies & info.....head's swiming even more now !

@jerry12953 , thanks for the review link ...I'm incredibly dim with stuff like this !

@Ozei....cheers for the links but the price of those items is over what I can afford regretfully , though they look really top bit's of kit

@markmullen ....no worries , I had thought about trying to modify the current head.....but in my language that would equate to breaking it totally !

@gramps......am looking at the sunwayfoto range....just mailed cameragear uk via ebay ....considering their DB44 head, DPL04 L bracket but I'm struggling with a QR plate which I think I need as well ?

@tijuana taxi - I'll check out those names

@HoppyUK ....you're sounding really confident that I can do this for under my budget.......what products would you be looking at for the costs you mentioned ?

Thanks again
 
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blondie606 said:
Gramps......am looking at the sunwayfoto range....just mailed cameragear uk via ebay ....considering their DB44 head, DPL04 L bracket but I'm struggling with a QR plate which I think I need as well ?
Click to expand...

The L bracket fits into the jaws of the ballhead without anything additional, the edges fitting into the head are shaped to fit.
 
If you want you can have my spare Manfrotto head which i used in Iceland which has already been modified for the quick release Arca Swiss head all you would need to buy would be the L bracket to suit the D7000
 
Robbi said:
If you want you can have my spare Manfrotto head which i used in Iceland which has already been modified for the quick release Arca Swiss head all you would need to buy would be the L bracket to suit the D7000
Click to expand...


That's a really very kind offer Rob , I've sent you a text , couldn't accept it for free though...let me know the cost (y)
 
blondie606 said:
Thanks for all your replies & info.....head's swiming even more now !

@jerry12953 , thanks for the review link ...I'm incredibly dim with stuff like this !

@Ozei....cheers for the links but the price of those items is over what I can afford regretfully , though they look really top bit's of kit

@markmullen ....no worries , I had thought about trying to modify the current head.....but in my language that would equate to breaking it totally !

@gramps......am looking at the sunwayfoto range....just mailed cameragear uk via ebay ....considering their DB44 head, DPL04 L bracket but I'm struggling with a QR plate which I think I need as well ?

@tijuana taxi - I'll check out those names

@HoppyUK ....you're sounding really confident that I can do this for under my budget.......what products would you be looking at for the costs you mentioned ?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

For under £200, Feisol CB-40D head £109 http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/4-cb-40d-ball-head.html Excellent head, amazing value. And a suitable L-bracket for £70-80. There are lots about and little to choose between them.

Sunway DB44 is a superb head, very high quality build. If you want to do precision panormamas, get the one with the top-pan clamp, this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3a72501abb though it will push you towards £300.

DP-L04 is a universal L-bracket. I wouldn't recommend a universal AS bracket for Canon without trying it first (because they need extra room to accommodate the remote release socket) but you have a Nikon D7000, right? Ask Chris Harrison at CGUK and if he says okay, then go for it. He'll look after you :)

There are lots of alternatives about of course, but they differ more in detail than standards of basic function. I've used many of the better ones, but not all! But those two heads mentioned above are at least as good as anything comparable out there and would certainly be on my shortlist. You could easily spend much more and gain nothing. At the budget end, the RedSnapper RSH-12 is a great buy at £60 (mention TP for 10% discount) http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RSH-12_Ball_head.html unless you're wanting to put a very heavy lens on it.

FWIW, when I get around to it, my next ball head will most likely be this Arca Swiss P0 http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/arca-s...s-monoball-p0-with-1-4-3-8-threaded-disk.html with this Sunway AS Discal clamp on top http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3a7bbe2bf8 Super strong and light, though an L-bracket is almost essential because of its upside-down design. A bit over your budget though.
 
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HoppyUK said:
You can still do it, actually more easily if not such a neat job. Just get an Arca Swiss type clamp for £20 and simply screw it to the existing QR plate. I'd glue it too. Then an AS L-bracket fits straight on.

But it does seem like an excellent opportunity to change to an Arca Swiss type ball head. Easily done well for under £300, under £200 even inc L-bracket. RRS prices are crazy.
Click to expand...

HoppyUK is a dab hand with a tube of bostik........:naughty:
 
blondie606 said:
Thanks for all your replies & info.....head's swiming even more now !



@gramps......am looking at the sunwayfoto range....just mailed cameragear uk via ebay ....considering their DB44 head, DPL04 L bracket but I'm struggling with a QR plate which I think I need as well ?


Thanks again
Click to expand...


Gramps beat me to it.
 
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Head is all boxed up, I've put in a quick release plate then you can use the head straightway. Do you want me to post to the house or your work ? We will talk about cost when I see you in Feb
 
blondie606 said:
@Ozei....cheers for the links but the price of those items is over what I can afford regretfully , though they look really top bit's of kit
Click to expand...

Yes, they're top bits of kit, but not cheap.

Just make sure to get an L plate that's moulded specifically for your camera - like this one is - otherwise the weight will still cause twisting when in portrait mode and you'll be back where you started.
 
HoppyUK said:
For under £200, Feisol CB-40D head £109 http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/4-cb-40d-ball-head.html Excellent head, amazing value. And a suitable L-bracket for £70-80. There are lots about and little to choose between them.

Sunway DB44 is a superb head, very high quality build. If you want to do precision panormamas, get the one with the top-pan clamp, this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3a72501abb though it will push you towards £300.

DP-L04 is a universal L-bracket. I wouldn't recommend a universal AS bracket for Canon without trying it first (because they need extra room to accommodate the remote release socket) but you have a Nikon D7000, right? Ask Chris Harrison at CGUK and if he says okay, then go for it. He'll look after you :)

There are lots of alternatives about of course, but they differ more in detail than standards of basic function. I've used many of the better ones, but not all! But those two heads mentioned above are at least as good as anything comparable out there and would certainly be on my shortlist. You could easily spend much more and gain nothing. At the budget end, the RedSnapper RSH-12 is a great buy at £60 (mention TP for 10% discount) http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RSH-12_Ball_head.html unless you're wanting to put a very heavy lens on it.

FWIW, when I get around to it, my next ball head will most likely be this Arca Swiss P0 http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/arca-s...s-monoball-p0-with-1-4-3-8-threaded-disk.html with this Sunway AS Discal clamp on top http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3a7bbe2bf8 Super strong and light, though an L-bracket is almost essential because of its upside-down design. A bit over your budget though.
Click to expand...


Many thanks for that Richard , I'm waiting on a reply from CGUK about the L plate , think I've found one that says fits the D7000 (y) though the Feisoluk one does sound rather interesting . The heaviest lens would be the 150-500 though I can always revert to the Giottos head for that as suspect I'll not use it in portrait too much .

Cheers again , really appreciate your time & help (y)
 
Robbi said:
Head is all boxed up, I've put in a quick release plate then you can use the head straightway. Do you want me to post to the house or your work ? We will talk about cost when I see you in Feb
Click to expand...

Cheers again Rob , but I can't take something without knowing what it's going to cost , I've text you earlier :)

Ozei said:
Yes, they're top bits of kit, but not cheap.


Just make sure to get an L plate that's moulded specifically for your camera - like this one is - otherwise the weight will still cause twisting when in portrait mode and you'll be back where you started.
Click to expand...

Appreciate your help Ozie & will def buy a proper L bracket...don't want to have the same problem again (y)
 
blondie606 said:
Many thanks for that Richard , I'm waiting on a reply from CGUK about the L plate , think I've found one that says fits the D7000 (y) though the Feisoluk one does sound rather interesting . The heaviest lens would be the 150-500 though I can always revert to the Giottos head for that as suspect I'll not use it in portrait too much .

Cheers again , really appreciate your time & help (y)
Click to expand...

You're welcome Lynne, but mention of that 150-500 changes things a bit. Long lenses like that really require specialist kinds of support for best results. The heads I mentioned above (apart from the RedSnapper) will take it but ball heads are not ideal. A gimbal head is what you want for that, something like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...rds=gimbal+head&sprefix=gimba,electronics,156 Or stick it on a monopod.
 
I'd recommend the Red Snapper - either the RS-61 or RS-12.

I bought the RS-61 as a lightweight head to go on to my Gitzo 1542T and I was a bit sceptical at first, having spent so much on legs, but it's an outstanding head for the money and very light weight.

The 12 is more expensive and hold a bigger weight. The most I have held on the 61 is my 70-200 2.8 but that was probably stretching both the head and the legs.

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RedSnapper_Tripod_Heads.html
 
HoppyUK said:
You're welcome Lynne, but mention of that 150-500 changes things a bit. Long lenses like that really require specialist kinds of support for best results. The heads I mentioned above (apart from the RedSnapper) will take it but ball heads are not ideal. A gimbal head is what you want for that, something like these http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5?url=search-alias=electronics&field-keywords=gimbal head&sprefix=gimba,electronics,156 Or stick it on a monopod.
Click to expand...

Thanks Richard , been thinking about that today & can't recall ever using the biggi on the tripod , it's always been on the mono so I'm not worried. Emailed Chris today & got a positive reply so I'll be ordering over the weekend....:)

Impspeed said:
I'd recommend the Red Snapper - either the RS-61 or RS-12.

I bought the RS-61 as a lightweight head to go on to my Gitzo 1542T and I was a bit sceptical at first, having spent so much on legs, but it's an outstanding head for the money and very light weight.

The 12 is more expensive and hold a bigger weight. The most I have held on the 61 is my 70-200 2.8 but that was probably stretching both the head and the legs.

http://www.redsnapperuk.com/camera-accessories/RedSnapper_Tripod_Heads.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info David but think the decison is made...(y)
 
HoppyUK said:
For under £200, Feisol CB-40D head £109 http://www.globaltechcommerce.co.uk/feisoluk/4-cb-40d-ball-head.html Excellent head, amazing value. And a suitable L-bracket for £70-80. There are lots about and little to choose between them.

Sunway DB44 is a superb head, very high quality build. If you want to do precision panormamas, get the one with the top-pan clamp, this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT..._Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item3a72501abb though it will push you towards £300.
Click to expand...

I'm in the market for a new ballhead. Given a choice between the CB-40D and the DB44, which would you go for?
I also need an L-bracket for my 5D3. I see Feisol do the QPL-148045 for £59, but I don't know if this would be the best choice now that you've said some brackets block access to the remote socket? I see Sunwayfoto do the PCL-5D3 which I'm guessing would be a perfect fit.
 
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domino1999 said:
I'm in the market for a new ballhead. Given a choice between the CB-40D and the DB44, which would you go for?
I also need an L-bracket for my 5D3. I see Feisol do the QPL-148045 for £59, but I don't know if this would be the best choice now that you've said some brackets block access to the remote socket? I see Sunwayfoto do the PCL-5D3 which I'm guessing would be a perfect fit.
Click to expand...

Of those two, I think most people would prefer the Sunway. It's very nicely engineered and sweet to use, though more money than the Feisol. As I mentioned above, my personal favourite is the Arca Swiss P0 (only if you have an L-bracket) though it's maybe a more quirky choice and more money again.

With L-brackets for Canon, there's a slight difficulty getting both access to the remote release socket and clearance for the plug. You'll notice that there's a cut-away in the side of the brackets for Canons and some are made a bit wider to provide clearance when mounted upright on a tripod. FWIW, I use a Markins bracket on a 5D2 and that is supposed to be fitted a few mms away from the end to give tripod clearance, if you follow. But I don't use a release cable and prefer the little Canon RC-1 infrared remote controller (it works fine at close distance) so I've filed a bit off the Markins bracket so that it can butt up flush to the side of the camera. It's just a slightly less bulky solution that suits me (I never take the L-bracket off) though YMMV.
 
HoppyUK said:
Of those two, I think most people would prefer the Sunway. It's very nicely engineered and sweet to use, though more money than the Feisol. As I mentioned above, my personal favourite is the Arca Swiss P0 (only if you have an L-bracket) though it's maybe a more quirky choice and more money again.

With L-brackets for Canon, there's a slight difficulty getting both access to the remote release socket and clearance for the plug. You'll notice that there's a cut-away in the side of the brackets for Canons and some are made a bit wider to provide clearance when mounted upright on a tripod. FWIW, I use a Markins bracket on a 5D2 and that is supposed to be fitted a few mms away from the end to give tripod clearance, if you follow. But I don't use a release cable and prefer the little Canon RC-1 infrared remote controller (it works fine at close distance) so I've filed a bit off the Markins bracket so that it can butt up flush to the side of the camera. It's just a slightly less bulky solution that suits me (I never take the L-bracket off) though YMMV.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The Arca Swiss P0 looks interesting, but more money of course. I've already got an RC-1, so I suppose that's a workaround should the L-bracket not allow enough access for a wired remote to plug in. Anyway, it's food for thought. Any opinion on the 3LT Airhed 1?
 
domino1999 said:
Thanks. The Arca Swiss P0 looks interesting, but more money of course. I've already got an RC-1, so I suppose that's a workaround should the L-bracket not allow enough access for a wired remote to plug in. Anyway, it's food for thought. Any opinion on the 3LT Airhed 1?
Click to expand...

I'm not up to speed with the latest 3LT kit, though what I've seen is good quality. As I recall, for the magazine review mentioned above, 3LT were mid-way through refreshing their range so were not included.
 
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