Tripod head to tripod base quick release system question

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AlanB313

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I'm looking for a way to quick release a tripod head from a tripod so that I can either quickly switch a head between tripods (travel vs heavier duty) or to quickly switch to a head appropriate for a camera instead of a spotting scope. I have several scenarios:
  1. I just bought a lightweight tripod that I will use for a spotting scope and camera when hiking and want to be able to switch heads from something appropriate for the scope to a light weight ballhead (maybe an acratech) for botany, etc.
  2. On a car trip, I will take a travel tripod and the heavier tripod. Being able to quickly demount a head and switch it to a different tripod seems to be an advantage.
Does anyone have one they like? I saw these on B&H;
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1513554-REG/arca_swiss_802320_quicklink_set.html (Kind of pricey)

Any others I should look at? Or are these not a stable way to go? Fiddling with the 3mm locking set crews in addition to the 3/8-16 treaded mount to secure a head to a tripod is really cumbersome and no fun in the field.

Notes:
Another alternative is I am seriously looking at is a Flexshooter Mini. I'm currently shooting with a d500, a 500mm pf, a 150-600mm tamron G2, a 300mm pf, a 16-80mm f2.8 and an ai-s 55mm f2.8 macro. I plan to switch to a z8 and add a 105mm macro and Plena someday. I think all are light enough for the flexshooter mini. I think the mini would work for my Kowa 88mm Prominar scope as well. (I've read a lot of BCG threads on the Flexshooters. Thanks for all who posted.) Or...I will get a good gimbal and a good ballhead. However, I still think a quick way to switch heads will be convenient.

I bought the travel tripod because I realized I just wasn't putting my heavier one in the pack and was missing shots. I got the PD carbon. We'll see how I like it over time. I used it with the scope yesterday in breezy conditions and it was fine. So far, I wish it had three rather than two detents in the leg angle positions. It is very compact, which is very nice. I doubt I will use their ballhead much. I got the head adapter and I'm currently using a different head (Sirui fluid head) but will add another head soon.

As I gain experience, I'm trying to buy once rather than buying something and realizing I shoulda spent a little more and bought something a little better...
Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
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cagreen said:
I use both Really Right Stuff and Kirk quick release systems. I put the clamp on the tripod and the dovetail on the heads. Works great for me. I can switch from ball head to gimbal to astro tracker with a twist of a knob or flip of a leaver.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll look at both of those.
 
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cagreen said:
I use both Really Right Stuff and Kirk quick release systems. I put the clamp on the tripod and the dovetail on the heads. Works great for me. I can switch from ball head to gimbal to astro tracker with a twist of a knob or flip of a leaver.
Click to expand...
That’s what I do too. I have RRS clamps on my tripods and monopod. I have RRS or Kirk dovetails on various heads. Works nicely.
 
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The iFootage cobra 3 monopod has a quick release head….push the collar and the whole head comes off. It’s brilliant!
IMG_3193.jpeg
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Patrick M said:
The iFootage cobra 3 monopod has a quick release head….push the collar and the whole head comes off. It’s brilliant! View attachment 103878
Click to expand...

I think I saw that same collar sold separately. It looks pretty interesting, if it doesn't add too much length. One reason I got the travel tripod is for a shorter length to fit in my backpack.
I might call B&H and ask about various options once I hear more about the experience of more forum members. Thanks for the info!
 
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I should add that I have QR arca swiss plates for my lens feet and the foot of my scope. I standardized to a Sirui plate with a little length to it. I have 4 or 5 of them . I found that standardization to one manufacturer reduced width adjustments necessary on the head's clamp.
I'd probably try to do the same with my tripod head to tripod connector.
 
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ButlerKid said:
System? I guess by that you mean Arca Swiss? That is what most of us use! Using arca swiss plates and clamps I can use products by RRS, Kirk, Wimberley and others.
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Actually, maybe brand for the head to tripod connection is a better description. Some are recommending Kirk or RRS. I haven't found the RRS one yet, but I assume the Kirk item others are referring to is this: https://kirkphoto.com/tripod-monopod-heads/tripod-head-quick-disconnect-system.html. I'd probably opt for the small one.
Yes, arca swiss is what I use for all my lens plates.
Thanks
 
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frdjohns said:
I use a RRS dovetail plate on the bottom of each head (BH-55, Gimbal, and video head) and an arca swiss clamp mounted on top of each tripod. I can remove or switch heads in a moment. Kirk makes a similar dovetail plate. Just size them to your head.

https://reallyrightstuff.com/dvtl55/​

Click to expand...

Thanks, which arca Swiss clamp do you prefer? I noticed that they have a lot of different ones.
This is really helpful, when I looked at their website before, I didn't know how these were used. The plates look straight forward but pricey compared to my 4 sirui plates. If I got RRS, maybe I'd see if my sirui plates work before investing in new ones.
Appreciate your help.
 
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All of the dovetail-shaped systems mentioned thus far are, I believe, all based on the original Arca Swiss design. This includes the Kirk. People may call it by the manufacturer’s name, but they are all “open source,” meaning one can usually interchange plates and clamps.

But beware of Arca-based lever clamps that do not allow you to adjust for width. While somewhat standardized, the Arca system “industry” produces a wide-ish range of plate widths. Plus, plates can wear with use, and it doesn’t take much to cause problems.

RRS makes exactly one lever clamp that you can adjust, the SC-ARC.

While I own that clamp, a simple knob screw clamp is the most simple to use in all types of weather, cheaper, and more quickly adaptable to different plate widths.

The other proprietary systems the OP listed (Leofoto, Arca’s new thing, etc) obviously lock you in for no great reason (unless I am missing something).

I own a iFootage monopod, and while it’s QR system is awesome, I’m not sure I’d use it to attach a ballhead to a tripod due because of increased height/leverage and narrowness.

I use the monopod attached to a 300mm’s foot, and for that the QR works well. I guess it depends on how much weight you’re going to put upon the tripod. Monopods aren’t quite subject to the same kind of forces as a tripod might be.

For example, a direct-connect monopod simply sways with the user and does not provide any resistance, or push back, against the user. A tripod would push back. But, with a lighter spotter and camera, perhaps this iFootage solution would work.

But I would go Arca.
 
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AlanB313 said:
Thanks, which arca Swiss clamp do you prefer? I noticed that they have a lot of different ones.
This is really helpful, when I looked at their website before, I didn't know how these were used. The plates look straight forward but pricey compared to my 4 sirui plates. If I got RRS, maybe I'd see if my sirui plates work before investing in new ones.
Appreciate your help.
Click to expand...

I have the RRS B2 clamps, but any standard Arca-Swiss will work.
 
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carbon said:
All of the dovetail-shaped systems mentioned thus far are, I believe, all based on the original Arca Swiss design. This includes the Kirk. People may call it by the manufacturer’s name, but they are all “open source,” meaning one can usually interchange plates and clamps.

But beware of Arca-based lever clamps that do not allow you to adjust for width. While somewhat standardized, the Arca system “industry” produces a wide-ish range of plate widths. Plus, plates can wear with use, and it doesn’t take much to cause problems.

RRS makes exactly one lever clamp that you can adjust, the SC-ARC.

While I own that clamp, a simple knob screw clamp is the most simple to use in all types of weather, cheaper, and more quickly adaptable to different plate widths.

The other proprietary systems the OP listed (Leofoto, Arca’s new thing, etc) obviously lock you in for no great reason (unless I am missing something).

I own a iFootage monopod, and while it’s QR system is awesome, I’m not sure I’d use it to attach a ballhead to a tripod due because of increased height/leverage and narrowness.

I use the monopod attached to a 300mm’s foot, and for that the QR works well. I guess it depends on how much weight you’re going to put upon the tripod. Monopods aren’t quite subject to the same kind of forces as a tripod might be.

For example, a direct-connect monopod simply sways with the user and does not provide any resistance, or push back, against the user. A tripod would push back. But, with a lighter spotter and camera, perhaps this iFootage solution would work.

But I would go Arca.
Click to expand...
Helpful info! It makes sense that a simple knob screw might be the best solution rather than a lever action clamp. As you said, it is simple, and accommodates width variances in arca swiss plates (why I settled on one manufacturer). The increased height of the ifootage also is contradictory to why I bought a short, lightweight travel tripod. My bigger one is long and bigger around when folded, so I don't end up taking it on longer hikes.
Eventually I may get a monopod but expect I'd be using that with a dedicated head like a wimberly mh-100.
Thanks.
 
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Looks like I'm the first Leofoto user here. Arca's was the first one, launching over 6 years ago. Leofoto's is a copycat, but with a unique advantage: they offer 4 different disk diameters (45-50-60-70mm), while Arca only offers a 70mm version. Leofoto's also has 3 small securing screws in the receiver to decrease play instead of 1 like in Arca's. If you are using large tripods then there is no meaningful difference between the two brands, but if your tripod has a narrower base Leofoto might better accommodate you. Leofoto has a cost advantage, of course, but that is beside the point.

Manfrotto also offers only one size - 60mm, but their QR system is unique by allowing you to pop the head in with one hand instead of carefully aligning your dovetail like the other two. It is akin to the difference between a regular lever clamp of a tripod head and the one-hand QR in the Peak Design tripod. However, they are also the bulkiest and will add some height to your setup, so keep that in mind if you have to shove your tripod in an already tight bag.

As for actual use in the field: you are adding an extra component to your setup, so there is some loss in stability if you don't do your due diligence. Ensure that the disk is locked and the securing screws are utilized, or you risk loosening the set when you are panning.
 
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DBalaur said:
Arca's was the first one, launching over 6 years ago.
Click to expand...
Not arguing, but for general knowledge: Arca’s non-patented dovetail fastening system was invented long before that. Technically the company is called Arca-Swiss Phototechnik AG, I guess.

This fella says 1950s…I’m not vouching for that info, but?
www.rodklukas.com

Blog Archives

The ARCA-SWISS Quick Release is compatible with two types of camera plates and with ARCA-SWISS view camera monorail and/or connecting bracket. Our new style quick release utilizes a dual...
www.rodklukas.com

I do know they were around at least since sometimes in the 1990s. I know because I bought an Arca B1 ballhead around that time.

More info under the header “Camera Mount”:
en.m.wikipedia.org

Tripod head - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
 
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carbon said:
Not arguing, but for general knowledge: Arca’s non-patented dovetail fastening system was invented long before that. Technically the company is called Arca-Swiss Phototechnik AG, I guess.

This fella says 1950s…I’m not vouching for that info, but?
www.rodklukas.com

Blog Archives

The ARCA-SWISS Quick Release is compatible with two types of camera plates and with ARCA-SWISS view camera monorail and/or connecting bracket. Our new style quick release utilizes a dual...
www.rodklukas.com

I do know they were around at least since sometimes in the 1990s. I know because I bought an Arca B1 ballhead around that time.

More info under the header “Camera Mount”:
en.m.wikipedia.org

Tripod head - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
Click to expand...

I am not referring to the Arca-Swiss quick-release tripod plate system. I am referring to the quick-link system (a bit confusing, I admit) that we are focusing on in this thread.

1735453728024.png
 
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Mark_Laidlaw said:
I own this monopod, it was given to me by a colleague. It's kinda junk.
My old aluminum Benro is way stiffer.
Click to expand...
it was recommended on a thread here in BCG and it certainly is not junk. Perhaps yours was given to you as it was a poor or broken copy. Whatever, Its carbon fibre, Really solid and very very good.
 
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