I have ben using the Flexshooter mini for 3 years and love it. My biggest lens is the Olympus 150-400 and it does fine on the Flexshooter. It replaced my much-loved Wimberly
Tripod head to tripod base quick release system question
- Thread starter AlanB313
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Thanks, a Flexshooter is on my list! I'm spacing out my acquisitions in pursuit of domestic tranquility....
DBalaur
Active member
If you do not need to buy from only B&H, you can buy direct from Leofoto USA as well.
Yes, I might do that. I hoped to buy it from B&H because returns are so easy if it didn't feel secure. Thanks.
Magicspell
New member
I've dealt with both B&H and Leofoto, USA directly. They are both very easy and safe to work with. I've had no issues with either when it comes to sales or customer service/returns...
Both are highly recommended
I use a Gitzo systematic 3 tripod and I have a Gitzo leveling base installed in the tripod. I have both ball heads and gimbals but lately have only been using a gimbal for the type of photography I have been using. I have not bothered with a quick release plate but I am beginning to reconsider. Getting the gimbal unthreaded is a bit difficult because getting the head released without disturbing the leveling base has been a struggle.
I really like the RRS lever clamps they really work an I think it is time to get quick release system set up.
I really like the RRS lever clamps they really work an I think it is time to get quick release system set up.
If you do, please report back on your results. My setups are fairly lightweight which will influence what I choose. The RRS gear is also attractive. It's a little pricier, and I'm trying to keep my gear acquisitions within an "acceptable" range so that a z8 isn't out of the cards eventually....
The 60mm Leofoto setup might be an inexpensive alternative to try the concept out.
spamalot1950
Active member
I also use the 70mm Leofoto Quick Release plates. I can readily see the appeal of the RSS clamp, however the demands I place on my gear aren't nearly as strenuous as those of some here, and a set of the Leofoto plates are a fraction of the cost of the RSS system. I have had no issues. Quickly changing between a geared head and a ballhead is simplicity itself, as is moving a head from one tripod to another. And, FYI, it is available on Amazon, too.
A report back after trying out the current solution. I got a leofoto 60mm tripod plate (qs-60). It is the right size for the head I'm using for my spotting scope. It's also thin enough that the PD tripod still fits in the tight fitting case that comes with it.
I'll get another tripod plate to put on my 2nd tripod which will allow easy changes.
Being able to quickly seperate my head from a tripod makes it much easier to pack in my day pack.
The action is a little tight, but maybe that's a good thing. I haven't used it for very long yet but so far, so good.
Thanks for everyone's comments and help with this.
I'll get another tripod plate to put on my 2nd tripod which will allow easy changes.
Being able to quickly seperate my head from a tripod makes it much easier to pack in my day pack.
The action is a little tight, but maybe that's a good thing. I haven't used it for very long yet but so far, so good.
Thanks for everyone's comments and help with this.
DBalaur
Active member
Looks like it's a winning combo. Congrats!
This will be a bit long winded but it all connects to the topic.
I recently moved to "bird paradise land" in Washington State, which in my opinion is the Skagit Valley. Because I had not moved in decades the move has been very difficult for me and my wife, both of us are pack rats by nature.
Anyway, we are at the new place and unpacking is slowly progressing but we still live in a house cluttered with boxes and can't find things we want.
The move has taken me away from the usual bird photography but we are nearing the end, hunting season ends here shortly and I plan to get out to the bird areas quite intensely in a couple weeks.
The new place however has great scenic water and mountain views with spectacular sunsets. We are apparently in the rain shadow of the coastal Olympic mountain range and a side effect istupb is with we get unusually colorful sunsets.
On the subject at hand I have taken some time to sort through my support gear used to match the tripod to the camera and in particular the long lenses.
So when I get a break I have focused on some landscape shots, many with long telephotos, shot from the deck. I plan to post some interesting images in th landscape presentation site shortly.
My main tripod is a Gitzo stytematic 3 XLS tripod. I have been using it with a Gitzo leveling base and have tried various gimbal heads. Up until recently I preferred the undercount system because I felt it was more secure than side mount.
More recently however I tried the Really Right Stuff PG-02 pano gimbal mount in the less expensive side mount version and have come to strongly prefer it.
I typically shoot with the 800mm PF which is connected through a RRS leyouver quick release plate, the PG-02 side mounted, a leveling base and the tripod itself.
Since I will often use this combination in the field and will carry it around sometimes suspended over my shoulder with the lens attached, I REALLY NEED SOMETHING SECURE (See I told you I would get to the point). In the past the leveling base seemed to be the weak point so I recently added the RRS in-bowl leveling base to see how it works.
So here are my observations:
1. I have found the Really Right Stuff quick release Arca Swiss lever system to be very trustworthy and reliable. When it is fully clamped it stays firmly in place, and you can loosen it partially to allow for position adjustment without fear.
2. I learned a technique with the side mount system and I now feel more secure with the side mount than the undercount system. The key is, support the lens with your hand from underneath while you are mounting or adjusting balance. Since the weight is always supported there is less risk of falling. If you are putting it in an undercount gimbal at some point you have to transfer support from your hand to the gimbal. It now seems more risky to me than side mount because with side mount I don't release my support under the lens with my hand until the clamp is fully closed and I know the lens has been fully secured.
3. The RRS quick release lever is very effective used in the side mount. You hook the lower side of the Arca Swiss plate into the quick release then you partially tighten the clamp while you make balance adjustments. Once adjusted, close the clamp completely.
4. I now prefer the RRS leveling base. I chose the version that sits within the 75mm tripod bowl. I prefer this version because it feels more secure, it has a lower profile and the quick release release head is secured by four bolts into the frame of the leveling base, which I find easier to work with than a leveling base that secures to the tripod via a tripod mounting stud. The unit does not rotate on its own and seems to hold the heavy lens more firmly in place.
With all the money we put into camera gear including lenses I believe it pays to spend some money on the best gear to support this equipment.
RRS in my experience is usually the best quality available and well worth it for the security.
I recently moved to "bird paradise land" in Washington State, which in my opinion is the Skagit Valley. Because I had not moved in decades the move has been very difficult for me and my wife, both of us are pack rats by nature.
Anyway, we are at the new place and unpacking is slowly progressing but we still live in a house cluttered with boxes and can't find things we want.
The move has taken me away from the usual bird photography but we are nearing the end, hunting season ends here shortly and I plan to get out to the bird areas quite intensely in a couple weeks.
The new place however has great scenic water and mountain views with spectacular sunsets. We are apparently in the rain shadow of the coastal Olympic mountain range and a side effect istupb is with we get unusually colorful sunsets.
On the subject at hand I have taken some time to sort through my support gear used to match the tripod to the camera and in particular the long lenses.
So when I get a break I have focused on some landscape shots, many with long telephotos, shot from the deck. I plan to post some interesting images in th landscape presentation site shortly.
My main tripod is a Gitzo stytematic 3 XLS tripod. I have been using it with a Gitzo leveling base and have tried various gimbal heads. Up until recently I preferred the undercount system because I felt it was more secure than side mount.
More recently however I tried the Really Right Stuff PG-02 pano gimbal mount in the less expensive side mount version and have come to strongly prefer it.
I typically shoot with the 800mm PF which is connected through a RRS leyouver quick release plate, the PG-02 side mounted, a leveling base and the tripod itself.
Since I will often use this combination in the field and will carry it around sometimes suspended over my shoulder with the lens attached, I REALLY NEED SOMETHING SECURE (See I told you I would get to the point). In the past the leveling base seemed to be the weak point so I recently added the RRS in-bowl leveling base to see how it works.
So here are my observations:
1. I have found the Really Right Stuff quick release Arca Swiss lever system to be very trustworthy and reliable. When it is fully clamped it stays firmly in place, and you can loosen it partially to allow for position adjustment without fear.
2. I learned a technique with the side mount system and I now feel more secure with the side mount than the undercount system. The key is, support the lens with your hand from underneath while you are mounting or adjusting balance. Since the weight is always supported there is less risk of falling. If you are putting it in an undercount gimbal at some point you have to transfer support from your hand to the gimbal. It now seems more risky to me than side mount because with side mount I don't release my support under the lens with my hand until the clamp is fully closed and I know the lens has been fully secured.
3. The RRS quick release lever is very effective used in the side mount. You hook the lower side of the Arca Swiss plate into the quick release then you partially tighten the clamp while you make balance adjustments. Once adjusted, close the clamp completely.
4. I now prefer the RRS leveling base. I chose the version that sits within the 75mm tripod bowl. I prefer this version because it feels more secure, it has a lower profile and the quick release release head is secured by four bolts into the frame of the leveling base, which I find easier to work with than a leveling base that secures to the tripod via a tripod mounting stud. The unit does not rotate on its own and seems to hold the heavy lens more firmly in place.
With all the money we put into camera gear including lenses I believe it pays to spend some money on the best gear to support this equipment.
RRS in my experience is usually the best quality available and well worth it for the security.