Quick Release: What should I know?

[BuS_RiDeR]

Are they the same?

If I'm not mistakes; most tripods (manfroro, Slik and other major manufacturers), and most cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic... and so on) use the same (standard) screw and thread type to attach the tripod to the monitor.

I was thinking of picking up THIS quick release... But I want to make sure its not a waste of time.

Any input or suggestions on a better solution?

I have a Slik Able 300DX tripod and a Canon 50D dSLR.

 

[Josh66]

Well, first off - that quick release plate doesn't look like the one shown on the tripod you said you have.

The first one looks square, the one on the tripod looks like two sides are rounded.

It would be nice if the product description went into a little more detail than "The 3-way pan head has a metal quick release plate that positively locks into the head." You know, like a part number or something...

I would try to find the tripod head you have on B&H and see which quick release plate they say goes with it... Nevermind - I just did it for you, lol.


Slik Quick Release Plate 618-330 B&H Photo Video (It's even cheaper than the one you linked. Well, maybe not after shipping to Canada...)

Kinda sad that B&H is a more reliable source of information than the people who make the damn thing...

edit
The description on the one you linked to says "Fits Velbon T265/465 and 565 tripods", so I would definitely say that it's not for the Slik Able 300DX...

I searched Henry's for the part number you need, and either they don't have it or they don't use the manufacturer's part numbers. The one I linked to from B&H is the one you need though.

 

[SCraig]

The shoe in that link is a waste of time unless you have the other half of it. That's just the part that fits on the camera.

A quick-release is the only thing that is keeping your camera from bouncing on the ground. Do you really want to cut corners there?

 

[Overread]

There isn't a standard quick release plate design.

The mount for the tripod to the tripod head itself is standardised and nearly all tripod heads will mount to tripod base units. However the quick release designs are more complicated. There are several designs, but they are limited to specific companies (eg manfrotto has their own designs and even variations within their range).

That said nearly all tripod heads come with their own quick release plate for use (exceptions will clearly state the quick release head type and which market options are compatible.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

Thanks for the replies folks. I appreciate it.

There isn't a standard quick release plate design.

I am aware of that. but the size of the screw is standard.

What I meant is that most of the SLR/dSLR's I've seen use the same size tripod mounting screw.

 

[Overread]

Ahhh yes now I get you, and indeed the screw mount on the DSLR is pretty much universal.

 

[Big Mike]

There are two standard sizes that you will find on most cameras & mounts. 1/4" or 3/8". 1/4" is, by far, the more dominant these days. 3/8" can be found on some older/larger cameras, but its still commonly found on the bottom of a tripod head, and top of tripod legs/column.

Just to touch on the QR plates (even if that wasn't your question), there is a bit of a standard. Several different companies use a style called 'Arca-Swiss'. So essentially, you could buy a tripod head from say Really Right Stuff, with an Acra Swiss QR clamp, and they buy QR plates from Kirk or ArcaTech and they should work just fine together. (although, it's still best to get your plates from the same company as your head/clamp).

Manfrotto, on the other hand, uses their own style of QR plates...and they have a few different sizes.

 

[analog.universe]

There are two standard sizes that you will find on most cameras & mounts. 1/4" or 3/8". 1/4" is, by far, the more dominant these days. 3/8" can be found on some older/larger cameras, but its still commonly found on the bottom of a tripod head, and top of tripod legs/column.

Just to touch on the QR plates (even if that wasn't your question), there is a bit of a standard. Several different companies use a style called 'Arca-Swiss'. So essentially, you could buy a tripod head from say Really Right Stuff, with an Acra Swiss QR clamp, and they buy QR plates from Kirk or ArcaTech and they should work just fine together. (although, it's still best to get your plates from the same company as your head/clamp).

Manfrotto, on the other hand, uses their own style of QR plates...and they have a few different sizes.

If you're using an arca-swiss system, I've read that it doesn't matter who you get your plates and head from, as long as you get all your plates from the same company, and I tend to agree with this. In theory, any compatible product that is well manufactured will work fine, and matching the brand shouldn't make a difference (unless some brand is cutting corners). If you have several plates though, the advantage of them all matching is that you will get equal clamp tension on all of them. If you mix plates, you may need to readjust your head to properly compensate for slight differences in manufacturing.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, in theory, all companies using the Arca Swiss system should match well with each other...but I've heard from a few sources that you do have to be careful about is, as there may be small differences from one to another.