I used a different Manfrottor quick release than Jan pointed out, but
I found the Acratech head with Arca Swiss style quick release plates
to be much more stable for long lenses. I can somewhat understand
Jan's comments. RRS makes a stroboframe style flash bracket for $180.
Different construction methods incur dramatically different costs.
Most of the Arca-Swiss style gear does look like jewelry but it is
very functional.
I hadn't seen the "gimble head" set up. That is nice. I try to always
carry a hex head wrench with to tighten any plates that might come
loose. Using it to reconfigure a clamp orientation probably wouldn't
be much inconvienence.
It looks like RRS now has nearly a half a dozen different ways to make
a slider for a macro set up. I think it comes down to weight vs.
flexibility. The Kirk slider with the clamp that can re-oriented looks
like a light flexible solution. An RRS MPR with the multitude of
different clamps that can be put on it offers more possibilities at
slightly more weight. If I were starting out now, I would probably go
for the more flexible solution hoping that I would be buying fewer
pieces with only slightly different functionality.
-jeff
On 4/11/07, Daniel Sepke <daniel.sepke@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> I couldn't disagree more regarding the AS compatible plate/clamp system
> versatility.
>
> For example I can use the pieces from Pano Elements package to create either
> a Wimberley like gimble head or a nodal point rotation system for pano
> shots.. snip
>
> Mike, regarding the Kirk version of the MPR-CL, it does look like a useful
> alternative to the fixed position RRS types. It does look like you need to
> undo the screw to change orientation of the clamp though. The RRS parallel
> solution to this is a non clamp MPR and a screw on mini clamp. Beyond that
> they have a mini clamp pair which instantly creates a focusing rail and
> allows for orientation changes, though again with the need for a tool.
> Personally I think the RRS solution may be more flexible in the long run
> with more dual use potential.
>
> Dan S.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:olympus-owner@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
> Of Jan Steinman
> Subject: [OM] Re: Favorite A-S plates, L-brackets for OM
>
> Is your mind made up on the RRS/Kirk/Arca system? They sure are pricey, and
> IMHO, of limited versatility.
> <snip>
> But on the other hand, if you treat your OM system like jewelry, the
> RRS/Arca system sure complements it well, but at a price.
>
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