Options for quickly swapping out/changing tripod heads

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

DownToThis

DownToThis

Well-known member
Supporting Member
Marketplace
Member's gallery
I've seen Steve's great video on this using the RRS system (https://backcountrygallery.com/swap-tripod-heads-the-fast-way/) but I wanted to see what other options are out there. I've been looking at the arca swiss quick link set which seems to be the most expensive (https://arca-swiss-usa.com/products/quicklink-system) but I like the way the system works (better video here
). Leofoto seems to have a very similar design/knock off version. I've also seen manfrotto has an option (https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/move-quick-release-system-mvaqr/) and on the comments for Steve's video Hejnar posted a link to their system (https://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/200.htm) but it does not seem as intuitive.
Just wondering what people's experiences were with these and if anyone has tried the various options?
 
Member's gallery
EDITED, I also use Arca Swiss QR clamps mostly, or a video 501 System style clamp when attaching a fluid head, or heavy dual Gimpro gimbal supporting a pair of heavy rigs.

It's quick to switch the respective levelling base for A-S clamp or the wider, heavy duty 501 clamp.

Here's an article with video comparing the main options in QR systems

lensvid.com

Quick Release plates – RC2 vs. Arca Swiss

Recently we got a few comments on a number of our YouTube reviews asking why we keep stating that we prefer the less common Manfrotto style RC2 quick release system
lensvid.com lensvid.com
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
DownToThis said:
I've seen Steve's great video on this using the RRS system (https://backcountrygallery.com/swap-tripod-heads-the-fast-way/) but I wanted to see what other options are out there. I've been looking at the arca swiss quick link set which seems to be the most expensive (https://arca-swiss-usa.com/products/quicklink-system) but I like the way the system works (better video here
). Leofoto seems to have a very similar design/knock off version. I've also seen manfrotto has an option (https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/move-quick-release-system-mvaqr/) and on the comments for Steve's video Hejnar posted a link to their system (https://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/200.htm) but it does not seem as intuitive.
Just wondering what people's experiences were with these and if anyone has tried the various options?
Click to expand...
I don't know what would be counterintuitive about the Hejnar or Kirk products.
 
Member's gallery
Steve W said:
Kirk, very happy with mine.

Tripod head quick disconnect system - Tripod/Monopod Heads | Kirk Photo

Kirk Photo is a manufacturer of camera parts and equipment including camera monopod, gimbal & ball heads, mounting equipment, brackets, rails and more!
kirkphoto.com kirkphoto.com
Click to expand...
Thanks I hadn't seen the Kirk system

ssheipel said:
I use RRS quick release clamps on my tripods/heads. I think Steve has a video on it, in fact.
Click to expand...
Is this the video that I posted a link to or is there an updated one (I think that's from 2018)?

Butlerkid said:
Arca Swiss lever clamps are the best - for me.
Click to expand...
I've been particularly interested in this but I haven't seen much about them. They seem like the system most dedicated to the concept of quickly/easily changing out the heads. Did you try other ones before settling on the Arca Swiss quick links?
 
Member's gallery
DownToThis said:
Thanks I hadn't seen the Kirk system


Is this the video that I posted a link to or is there an updated one (I think that's from 2018)?


I've been particularly interested in this but I haven't seen much about them. They seem like the system most dedicated to the concept of quickly/easily changing out the heads. Did you try other ones before settling on the Arca Swiss quick links?
Click to expand...
Given when I watched it I'd say it's the '18 video of which I speak.
 
Member's gallery
DownToThis said:
Thanks I hadn't seen the Kirk system


Is this the video that I posted a link to or is there an updated one (I think that's from 2018)?


I've been particularly interested in this but I haven't seen much about them. They seem like the system most dedicated to the concept of quickly/easily changing out the heads. Did you try other ones before settling on the Arca Swiss quick links?
Click to expand...
I have always used Arca Swiss. I found the Manfrotto awkward. Arca Swiss are a dominate type of clamp in the industry. Initially I got clamps that tighten by turning a knob. However, the lever releases are just as stable, highly unlikely to open unexpectedly and very quick and simple to use.

For me - Arca Swiss is the only choice. Others will choose others systems based on what is comfortable to them.
 
Member's gallery
I use wave washers to secure the heads to the tripod bases and so it takes seconds to remove a head and put on a different one. Wave washers are available with different load value to flatten them.

More important for me is having a tripod that allows me to go in seconds from a flat base to a 75mm ball support as with my Robus RC-5570, or where I can change in seconds from a flat base to a quick level base or add a very still center column as with my Feisol CT-3472 tripod. I leave my Arca-Swiss D4 GP permanently attached to my quick leveling Gitzo 2531LVL tripod. In the past with lighter lenses I made use of the Wimberley Sidekick gimbal attachment on a ball-head. Seconds to go from ball head to gimbal head.

Wave Washer.JPG
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
 
Member's gallery
If anyone is interested in using Steve's idea for quickly swapping out heads, I have one Really Right Stuff (RRS) B2-LR II 60mm Lever-Release style Quick-Release Clamp and two Hejnar 3.0 inch diameter dovetail plates with removeable locating pin. The dovetail plate mounted to a base allows for a quickly change of tripod heads when working with different heads on multiple tripods and monopods.

Will be posting on the BCG Marketplace by tomorrow morning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top