L-bracket for Nikon D500 battery grip

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I have used a number of L brackets and I keep coming back to Kirk or RRS. I have had some very good gear from Sunwayfoto, but I had one of their brackets that jammed in my tripod head and I had to use a screwdriver to lever it out! I have often considered "Do I really need an L bracket?" If I use a tripod with my D500, it is only with a longer lens which then will have a tripod foot. Easy to rotate the lens to portrait if needed. Have you considered just a camera base plate? Much cheaper, less bulky and lighter.
Good luck! Lots of fun to choose.
Iain
 
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I know it's not custom, camera-specific, Kirk/RRS, but...

When I gripped my D300 years ago, I put the Pro Media Gear Universal L-Bracket on. I liked that I could slide the L part off if I didn't need it. I liked it so much that when I got my gripped D500, I purchased another one.

www.bhphotovideo.com

ProMediaGear Universal L-Bracket (4")

Buy ProMediaGear Universal L-Bracket (4") featuring Two-Piece Design, Arca-Swiss Type Compatible, For Larger Camera Bodies, Extendable Vertical Plate, Easy Access to Cable Ports, Four Safety Stops, Anodized Aluminum Alloy Construction, Built-In Magnetic Allen Wrench Storage, Detachable Strap...
www.bhphotovideo.com www.bhphotovideo.com

Pros:
  • You can remove the L portion for a slightly more compact rig.
  • In a pinch, the L portion can fit into a Wimberley Sidekick in lieu of a traditional ballhead.
  • The newer one I have has a QR socket, similar to a Magpul (thought it's not, see the con part below), meaning you don't have to use the tripod socket for QR.
  • The L portion can slide out (I believe up to 1.5", IIRC) if you're shooting tethered, allowing you to access the ports. Seems easier than the Kirk/RRS method, but that's just me.
  • The Allen wrench to remove the L portion is in the L portion, held in by a pretty strong magnet, so you always have it with you.
  • The new one has multiple 1/4"-20 sockets, and PMG makes cold shoes, cord keepers, etc.
  • At $90 on B&H, it's substantially less than Kirk/RRS (nothing against either of them, of course).
Cons:
  • The QR socket is proprietary, so you need to buy their adapter. Too bad, the Kirk collar for the 200-500mm has a Magpul socket, would be nice to be able to use the same strap. On the plus side, they claim it's rated to 300#.
  • The L portion is on the battery side (as are most), meaning it has to be removed to change batteries. The worst part is the new one I bought has captive rods, so you have to remove the screws entirely (the first one, you just had to loosen them).
  • Being that it's not camera-specific like the Kirk/RRS versions, it is a little bulkier.
I'm not affiliated with either B&H or PMG, and not the level of some of you on here! Just trying to offer some options.
 
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I have one L bracket for all my bodies. I use an Arca compatible plate on the bottom of each body/ gripped body (usually RRS or Kirk). My generic L bracket is equipped with an Arca style clamp. When I need to use an L bracket it just clamps to the bottom of whatever body I want to use. I've been using this set up since my D2x days, all I need to buy is a new plate for each new body. If I need to change batteries or cards, the L bracket detaches quickly. I even have a way to attach a SB800 flash as a remote second i-TTL with the main on the hot shoe. I get two i-TTL flashes "on camera".
 
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Wade Abadie said:
I just ordered a used MB-D17 battery grip for my D500. Can any of you recommend a good arca-swiss compatible L-bracket that is budget friendly?

So far, this is the best one I can find for under $100. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MQZ3S6/?tag=backcogaller-20
Click to expand...
I can't speak for this bracket specifically, but my local camera store carries promaster as their house brand and the quality of their stuff is very nice. I have a promaster camera bag and like it a lot.
 
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Early on I used Sunwayphoto because of $. Did not like the fit and durability. Specifically the attaching bolt would not stay tight. I now use RRS exclusively. It‘s like with tripods and heads, you can spend time and $ going through a series of cheaper brands but eventually, if you are serious and want to protect your cameras and lenses, you will realize the functionality and security of brands such as Kirk, RRS and Gitzo.
 
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I look at getting accessories this way. If I can spend a few thousand, or a lot of thousands on cameras and lenses then I figure I can afford to get quality accessories. I use RRS L-Brackets and have never had a problem with them. I know they are well built and strong, and that I can trust them to support my camera and lenses if I carry them over my shoulder on a tripod.
 
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I use Kirk L Brackets on both my D500 & D850. Made of 6061-T6 aluminum, these brackets are super lightweight, but also very strong. You'll have no qualms about putting it through the paces even in the toughest of shooting conditions. There's also a built-in hex wrench storage area so you can make quick adjustments, and there's handy sensor centering lines on the back so you can easily align your camera with the tripod head. Plus Kirk also provides a five-year warranty on their L-brackets, so you have all kinds of peace of mind that your investment will be protected for years to come.
 
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