Tripod head to tripod base quick release system question

[Graham Clark]

Adopted this idea years ago after watching the video @Steve did on it.

Using RRS clamp plates and dovetails on 3 x tripods and Wimberley WH-200/RRS BH-55 ball head/Arca Swiss D4 geared head. Also using Kirk L brackets/camera plates/lens feet.

Really helps when swapping over heads and no compatibility issues between the RRS and Kirk kit whatsoever

GC

 

[TomRC]

Use to deal with this issue but moved to tripods with the 75mm bowls. Each type of head stays connected to base plates that come with the tripod for quick swaps. Much better solution IMO. Not a solution for super light travel tripod but even beefier tripods are light enough and compact enough these days to deal with without much of an issue.

 

[DRwyoming]

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.

View attachment 104005

You can also use dovetailed Arca Swiss/ RRS or other plates and clamps to accomplish the same idea. Steve did a video on this a while back:

 

[DBalaur]

You can also use dovetailed Arca Swiss/ RRS or other plates and clamps to accomplish the same idea. Steve did a video on this a while back:

Yep, I think @cagreen quickly brought up this alternative early on in this thread.

 

[Magicspell]

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.

I'll be the second to raise my hand as a user of the Leofoto QS/QR Quicklink system. I use the 60mm receiver base and connecting plate based on my inquiry to Leofoto customer support (asking which would be best size to fit my Ranger LS-365CEX tripod). Very happy with the system. I've put the receiver base on my tripod and have connecting plates on my fluid head, ball head, and gimbal for quick changing.

 

[TomRC]

I'll be the second to raise my hand as a user of the Leofoto QS/QR Quicklink system. I use the 60mm receiver base and connecting plate based on my inquiry to Leofoto customer support (asking which would be best size to fit my Ranger LS-365CEX tripod). Very happy with the system. I've put the receiver base on my tripod and have connecting plates on my fluid head, ball head, and gimbal for quick changing.

I've come close ot buying one of their Ranger series tripods. Another Leofoto fan and discount codes are not hard to find. I’ve owned RRS and have a high priced Gitzo monopod but will be buying nothing but Leofoto moving forward. I have two Leofoto LM-324CL X tripods which are my favorite tripod I’ve ever owned. Also have a Leofoto lens foot and tripod leveling base (very handy) which are as good IMO as RRS & Kirk which I've owned a bunch of over the years. Maybe not milled up to Kirk and RRS standards but high quality and no functional issues whatsoever.

Check out Hudson Henry's website / Youtube who also speaks very highly of Leofoto. You could do it yourself but he sells a fairly inexpensive tripod leg wrap kit on his website which I have on both of my Leofoto LM-324CL tripods but should work on any set of tripod legs. Adds protection and more comfortable to carry, particularly when its cold.

 

[Mark_Laidlaw]

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.

Hmmmm…mine is extremely stiff. Are you talking about the carbon fiber version? I own that one.

Yeah, that's the one. It's about as stiff as the cheesy Manfrotto 190go I keep in the pickup bed.

It's kinda a lousy design, because if you grab the monopod by that red collar at the top, it quick releases the attachment base. I nearly dropped my 800PF the first time I used it because it just came off when I was planting tie stick into the ground.

Just whipped up some JB-Weld and glued it together. Stays bongo tied to that Manfrotto tripod.

It is light, I'll give it that.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[BrianMM]

I have standardized on the Leofoto 70mm Quick-link QR's to mount/switch different heads between my tripod and monopod and the 45mm QR's to switch the tripod foot with the other single point feet on the lower end of my monopod. This arrangement works well for me and I've had no problem with accidental detachment during use but I do make sure to snug the rotating ring tight when mounting a head and also check that it's tight before every use.

 

[carbon]

Yeah, that's the one. It's about as stiff as the cheesy Manfrotto 190go I keep in the pickup bed.

It's kinda a lousy design, because if you grab the monopod by that red collar at the top, it quick releases the attachment base. I nearly dropped my 800PF the first time I used it because it just came off when I was planting tie stick into the ground.

Just whipped up some JB-Weld and glued it together. Stays bongo tied to that Manfrotto tripod.

It is light, I'll give it that.
View attachment 104115

I see you have the newer Cobra 3, model C180F-P.

Cobra 3 - Pedal Version

COBRA 3 MONOPOD PEDAL EDITION Take your creativity full throttle Watch Video × BUY NOW Patented Pedal Lock One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock Edition Twist Lock Edition Versatile Modular Design Patented Pedal Lock One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle...

www.ifootagegear.com

I own the older and stouter Cobra 2, model C180-II. I believe it’s discontinued.

iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod

Super lightweight, carbon fiber, four part modular design monopod. Quick release system, adjustable feet and lock and friction control. Extends to a huge 180cm – perfect for when you need to get above the crowd. What you get: 1 x carbon fiber monopod with feet (180cm fully extended)1 x carry...

www.ifootagegear.com

I believe the changes to the v3 are contributing to your negative reaction. I forgot about that.

Firstly, the v2 uses thicker tube diameters. See about 2:14 in the below vid:

Secondly, the QR locking collar on the v3 was changed to stay down once pushed down. See 2:45 in that petapixel vid. Jordon, the host, had the same issue with it as you did.

Even though the v2 QR locking collar, with its rather strong spring, needed to be held down for both inserting and releasing the male part, it turns out that it’s a more secure system. But it’s a little slower to operate than the v3 in that regard.

I don’t really use the monopod with the little tripod attached, so no feedback from me on that subject. The v2 tripod is an extremely stout little thing.

Finally, I did read a review on the v3 on BH that mentioned there was a bad batch of them floating out there. Just letting you know.

 

[carbon]

I also just noticed the v2 carbon fiber has a load rating of 10kg, whereas the v3 CF has a 8kg rating.

Their new Strike version is rated at only 5kg. Their target market seems to use small video cams, I guess.

 

[carbon]

Just whipped up some JB-Weld and glued it together. Stays bongo tied to that Manfrotto tripod.

Just noticed this. It sounds like the issue cited in a negative review of the v3 on BH…unless you mean you glued the male and female QR parts together.

 

[Mark_Laidlaw]

I see you have the newer Cobra 3, model C180F-P.

Cobra 3 - Pedal Version

COBRA 3 MONOPOD PEDAL EDITION Take your creativity full throttle Watch Video × BUY NOW Patented Pedal Lock One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle Lock Edition Twist Lock Edition Versatile Modular Design Patented Pedal Lock One Click Quick Release System Extends to 180cm Buckle...

www.ifootagegear.com

I own the older and stouter Cobra 2, model C180-II. I believe it’s discontinued.

iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod

Super lightweight, carbon fiber, four part modular design monopod. Quick release system, adjustable feet and lock and friction control. Extends to a huge 180cm – perfect for when you need to get above the crowd. What you get: 1 x carbon fiber monopod with feet (180cm fully extended)1 x carry...

www.ifootagegear.com

I believe the changes to the v3 are contributing to your negative reaction. I forgot about that.

Firstly, the v2 uses thicker tube diameters. See about 2:14 in the below vid:

Secondly, the QR locking collar on the v3 was changed to stay down once pushed down. See 2:45 in that petapixel vid. Jordon, the host, had the same issue with it as you did.

Even though the v2 QR locking collar, with its rather strong spring, needed to be held down for both inserting and releasing the male part, it turns out that it’s a more secure system. But it’s a little slower to operate than the v3 in that regard.

I don’t really use the monopod with the little tripod attached, so no feedback from me on that subject. The v2 tripod is an extremely stout little thing.

Finally, I did read a review on the v3 on BH that mentioned there was a bad batch of them floating out there. Just letting you know.

HA!

Yeah, I just watched this and his version is visibly better than my freebee. What a bummer!

I mean, it's fine now, like I said I glued the thing together, the feet I keep on but folded up, it's a good "beater stick" to keep in the pickup if I see something off the side of the road when I'm driving around the state for work.

This is the Benro stick I use usually with the 800, not as light, but it's decently beefy, and about as stiff as my Medium Gitzo tripod. Took the feet off and I use that part as a tabletop tripod.

 

[AlanB313]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm going to pick one that has the thinnest added height to the tripod as the receiver plate. I'm hoping it will still fit with the added height in the already too tight padded case for the PD travel tripod. They should have left a little more room in the case.
I'll report back once I try it out.

 

[simplynature]

Looks like I'm late to the party, but I was on a similar quest several years back, and after trying several systems I chose the iFootage system and have been VERY happy with it. Switching out heads is very easy, very quick, and they are extremely stable. I have put them on every tripod and every head, which gets a bit expensive, but it has made my life much easier, and actually allowed me to get rid of two tripod legs so the proceeds from selling those more than paid for everything with $ left over. The link below is for the complete system, but you can also purchase the pieces separately as well.

iFootage system.

 

[GerryLoSardo]

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.

Another vote for the Leofoto quick connect/release system (receiving base and connecting plate). I initially invested a lot of money in the Kirk system, but found it to be too heavy and, well, klunky for a solution. Leofoto's system is lighter and much more elegant. And as stated above, significantly less expensive than Kirk's.

 

[Coolbob]

Well I'll be danged!

I've dabbled in wildlife photography for the past few years, but I've been a University photographer (photojournalist/portrait/event/architecture/sports/editorial/other duties as assigned) for over 30 years and I never heard of quick release systems for tripod heads until now.

I can definitely see the appeal of QR tripod heads, but I'm actually glad I purchased three separate leg/head tripods for specific uses.

Many years ago I bought an aluminum/magnesium Benro tripod with a center column that can be repositioned horizontally for copy work/low angle/etc. I paired it with a Benro geared three-way head that I use for architectural, copy work, product photography, etc. It's the heaviest tripod I own and it's rock solid without hanging any weight on the center column.

A couple of years ago I bought the exact same tripod in a carbon fiber with a large Benro ball head that stays in my vehicle so I always have a tripod with me. It's a good all-around tripod that's easy to transport and will fit in checked luggage.

Although either of my Benro tripods are more than capable of supporting my Z9 +800mm +1.4tc, I wanted a taller, beefier tripod so I could shoot birds high in the canopy with ease. I was able to snag a used Gitzo with a self leveling base and I have my Benro gimbal head mounted on it.

Your milage may vary.

 

[cmc4214]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this:

Swap Tripod Heads The Fast Way! - Backcountry Gallery

Question – What happens when you have multiple heads that you want to use with multiple support methods? Maybe you have a gimbal head and want to use it on a tripod, then later want to use a ball head on that same set of legs. Or perhaps you want to use your gimbal head on both […]

backcountrygallery.com

 

[DBalaur]

Well I'll be danged!

I've dabbled in wildlife photography for the past few years, but I've been a University photographer (photojournalist/portrait/event/architecture/sports/editorial/other duties as assigned) for over 30 years and I never heard of quick release systems for tripod heads until now.

I can definitely see the appeal of QR tripod heads, but I'm actually glad I purchased three separate leg/head tripods for specific uses.

Many years ago I bought an aluminum/magnesium Benro tripod with a center column that can be repositioned horizontally for copy work/low angle/etc. I paired it with a Benro geared three-way head that I use for architectural, copy work, product photography, etc. It's the heaviest tripod I own and it's rock solid without hanging any weight on the center column.

A couple of years ago I bought the exact same tripod in a carbon fiber with a large Benro ball head that stays in my vehicle so I always have a tripod with me. It's a good all-around tripod that's easy to transport and will fit in checked luggage.

Although either of my Benro tripods are more than capable of supporting my Z9 +800mm +1.4tc, I wanted a taller, beefier tripod so I could shoot birds high in the canopy with ease. I was able to snag a used Gitzo with a self leveling base and I have my Benro gimbal head mounted on it.

Your milage may vary.

It is fair that you have never heard of it - the first model from Arca was released in 2018. I only became aware when Manfrotto did a pretty decent campaign promoting their version for the new studio/videography system in 2022.

I honestly would love to have more than one tripod too, just cannot justify it unless I can make a living with my camera.

 

[DBalaur]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned this:

Swap Tripod Heads The Fast Way! - Backcountry Gallery

Question – What happens when you have multiple heads that you want to use with multiple support methods? Maybe you have a gimbal head and want to use it on a tripod, then later want to use a ball head on that same set of legs. Or perhaps you want to use your gimbal head on both […]

backcountrygallery.com

It is literally the most popular method in this thread so far by a mile. There are like, 5 of us, who adopted the quick-link system and a few who use iFootage.

 

[cmc4214]

It is literally the most popular method in this thread so far by a mile. There are like, 5 of us, who adopted the quick-link system and a few who use iFootage.

My surprise was that no one mentioned Steves video. (I was aware that the method was mentioned several times)

 

[fcotterill]

It is literally the most popular method in this thread so far by a mile. There are like, 5 of us, who adopted the quick-link system and a few who use iFootage.

More information on the QS system, although I already standardized a few years ago using A-S lever clamps, including the adjustable Leofoto LR clamps

Leofoto LR-70 Lever Release Clamp with QP-70N QR Plate

The Leofoto LR-70 is constructed from solid aircraft grade aluminum and hard anodized for the maximum strength and durability. This clamp features a lever release for quick and easy attach/detach and adjustments. Leofoto LR-70: Diameter: 70mm/ 2.75inLength: 82mm/ 3.22inMounting hole...

leofotousa.com

Leofoto QS-70M: x1 QS-70 Receiver Base and 2 x Q70 Connecting Plates, Ballhead Quick-Link System 3/8"

The Leofoto QS-70M Quick-Link Set is a quick release system that allows tripod heads to be exchanged from a tripod and then locked securely with a simple twist in seconds. The Quick-Link System makes it possible to travel with a single tripod but multiple heads for different applications...

leofotousa.com

 

[BillG]

I own a Robus tripod that I bought from B&H that I'm really happy with. The bonus I found is that the center piece on the base can be removed, so I purchased an additional center piece. I mounted my gimbal head on one and a ball head on the other. Now I can switch between the two in just a few minutes and the centerpieces aren't that expensive.

 

[cmc4214]

I own a Robus tripod that I bought from B&H that I'm really happy with. The bonus I found is that the center piece on the base can be removed, so I purchased an additional center piece. I mounted my gimbal head on one and a ball head on the other. Now I can switch between the two in just a few minutes and the centerpieces aren't that expensive.

Me, too, I use the bowl insert for my gimbal head which enables quick leveling.

 

[sathca]

I've had the small rig quick release for years and it's never failed. Half the price of the big-name versions. It can be purchased as a set or the individual parts. It's a clamp, not a screw, so to adjust the width you need a hex head ( allen wrench ). I carry a set of folding hex heads in my bag because they work on my tripods and monopods. I have 2 gimbals, a video head ( very wide arca style base ), and a ball head. They all have the small rig attachment. The heaviest lens I have, possibly the heaviest in the universe, is the Nikon 600 f4 G. Coupled with a Z9 or D850 I've never had an issue in the 4 yrs I've had it all. https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-quick-release-clamp-and-plate-arca-type-compatible-2144.html

 

[AlanB313]

B&H is out of stock of the Leofoto plates and clamps in the diameter I need. I'll check back with them or choose a similar thin system that is the same diameter as the base of my tripod head. Super thankful to all who answered. I'm hopeful that this thread might be useful to others getting started like me.