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01/20/2011 01:48:16 PM · #1 |
Are there any somewhat standardized QR plate systems? I'm looking for a system that offers a choice of compatible heads and QR plates for my tripods and monopods. Need to be able to buy extra QR plates as well.
Right now I have 4 Sunpak ballheads that are a knockoff of a Manfrotto design. With two DSLR's in the house, this gives me a couple of spare QR plates as loaners, but they keep going missing after they get used and I'd like a system that I can just get some extras as needed.
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01/20/2011 02:17:34 PM · #2 |
Bogen/Manfrotto, QR-3 or QR-4 system. QR-4 is more robust, and better locking mechanism. Extra plates readily available, about 10 bucks a plate.
R. |
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01/20/2011 02:25:50 PM · #3 |
Thanks. Looking at the Manfrotto RC-2 plates, I am now wondering if my Sunpak Knockoffs might be compatible with this system. It looks nearly identical.
I keep hearing about Arca-swiss. Is that a widespread system with compatible plates?
Message edited by author 2011-01-20 14:34:47.
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01/20/2011 02:45:45 PM · #4 |
| I've got a Photo Clam ballhead that works with the Arca-Swiss QR system (my plate is also Photo Clam). I do not know how many others have modelled themselves after it but there are quite a few. Benro is one, I know that. |
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01/20/2011 03:20:20 PM · #5 |
Arca-Swiss are very a common plate and have been adopted by many manufacturers. I have an Acratech ballhead on my tripod that uses it, a Kirk mount for my monopod that uses it, and I recently got a compact aluminum ballhead for my Gorillapod (their brand and really quite nice) that uses it too. I use custom plates specific to my cameras and lens collar but also have a couple of generic plates that will work with just about anything.
Mixing brands based on this plate should be fine except when using a lever lock rather than a screw down till tight clamp.
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01/20/2011 03:53:27 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Thanks. Looking at the Manfrotto RC-2 plates, I am now wondering if my Sunpak Knockoffs might be compatible with this system. It looks nearly identical.
I keep hearing about Arca-swiss. Is that a widespread system with compatible plates? |
There's a fair amount of hardware made that is compatible with the Arca-swiss system, mainly higher-end stuff. If the prices don't scare you off, it is a good system. The Manfrotto RC-4 system is what I use now. I used to use RC-2 and I would never go back to it. The RC-4 is far superior. |
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01/20/2011 04:02:40 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
The Manfrotto RC-4 system is what I use now. I used to use RC-2 and I would never go back to it. The RC-4 is far superior. |
I'll keep that in mind when I buy new heads. I just ordered some inexpensive RC-2 compatible plates just to see if they fit my present heads. If they do, that solves my immediate problem, and I'll look at the RC-4 system when I upgrade.
Thanks for all the good info.
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