BEFORE buying an L-Bracket for your Camera... WATCH THIS
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- Grab an L-Bracket: Smallrig.com
An L Bracket is one of the most essential pieces of gear I own for every camera I have. However, L-Brackets can be pricey, and why, I have to ask?
It's a piece of metal, albeit an important piece of metal, it should not cost you what some companies charge.
Today I am going to talk about why you need an L-Bracket, what it's used for, and give you an alternative to the companies out there charging "Camera Tax" on a simple piece of metal...
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#LBracket #SCOSLO
Great video! It was clear, informative, and the information can be applied to numerous camera and L-bracket manufacturers. Thank you!!!!
Great video! I also have the SmallRig L-bracket for my Fuji X-T4. One thing I would add to the fit process is to make sure you can use your rear LCD screen as needed, that it can swing out freely in all directions. That's what sold me on SmallRig's bracket.
Great tip! Absolutely.
I love my SmallRig L-Bracket! I got it 2 and a half years ago and it has been on my camera ever since. It is a high quality product that fits my
Canon M-50 perfectly. L Brackets are definitely a time saver on location. Having one custom fit to your camera model is a must. The last thing I want to do is get my composition set up then have to remove my camera from the tripod to change a dead battery. It's not an issue with the SmallRig L- bracket. I can easily change the battery or card while the camera is mounted to the tripod. Another bonus is the extra protection it provides for my camera. It also works with my peak design straps and my Cotton Carrier Harness. (I have to attach a quick release plate to the bottom of the Cotton Carrier attachment before mounting it to my tripod but that is quick and easy to do.) Great video Blake!
I've used RRS L-brackets for many years. Recently, I picked up a D850, and I bought a Sunwayphoto L-bracket for way less than a RRS one. The Sunwayphoto bracket is excellent, just as good at my old RRS brackets.
That's a great report to hear!
thanks for making this video, very informative!
I have had good experiences with SmallRig as well. They work great and if you wait for a sale, the prices are also great. In addition, since many of the L brackets are made for video makers who usually add many attachments, there may be extra screw holes to attach other items you may have. It may take a bit to get them, since they may be sent directly from China.
Watched your video, excellent . Had purchased an L bracket , Was not happy, couldn't open the battery flap. Looked up Smallrig , showed one specifically for my camera model Twenty UK pounds cheaper than the one I had. Ordered a smallrig bracket straight away. (Amazon), (around 44.00 US dollars inc Postage.) received the day after. superb, even the Live view can be flipped. Better design, locking key stored at the bottom of the bracket. Well thought about. Totally sold. `So.. thanks for posting this video. Has made all the difference. Will remain on my camera. All happened within 48hrs of seeing your video.
I have an inexpensive L-bracket (under $25) for each camera. Never had a problem. Don't waste your money. Thanks for the straight dope, Blake.
Right on!
I purchased a $15 L bracket off eBay for my Fuji XT2 …. Fits perfect, allows access to battery etc ….. works great!
I bought an L bracket for my X-T30 from Amazon for £21 - about $25 US - and it is excellent. Well made and also includes a hand grip which is ideal on the compact Fuji for us long fingered people
Thank you for this video, Blake! I had bought an L bracket for my Canon R6, only to discover when it arrived, that I could not open the LCD screen. I was about to buy one for $150 from another company. You just saved me over $100! I just bought a SMALL RIG one!
Awesome! I think you'll love it!
Just bought a smallrig bracket for the new camera - use it all the time and it doesn't come off the camera. Also bought plates so I don't have to change them from the 70-200mm lens to the tripod. - best time saver!
Awesome!
I use (leave on) L brackets on my Nikon Z7 and D800. As Blake noted, the bracket needs to allow access to the left side connectors but one thing he did not mention is "anti-twist" features to keep the bracket from rotating on the body. Most have a "shelf" on the front that is intended to prevent rotation. That doesn't always work. In my D800, I had to install a hole in the bracket that matched a hole in the body and epoxied a nylon pin in the L-bracket that matched to hole.
I also use a D500 for birds, almost always with a long lens. -That- camera doesn't get an L-Bracket since the Arca-Swiss rail on the lens foot allows the lens and camera to rotate as needed.
Just bought an L-Bracket (SmallRig) for the first time, for my Z6II, definitely good advice in this video!
Leaves no questions or doubts. Couldn't be more lucid
I worked at/managed a camera store for over 25 years and I agree with your “don’t overpay” and the advantages of Arca Swiss compatibility. Another advantage of metal to metal contact is you avoid any shake of the camera from having rubber or cork between body and head. A couple other things, the L bracket gives you just that little more space to grip your camera. I have average size hands and I also like that it keeps my pinky from hanging in space. If the lens allows the space I’ll mount the camera so that the Arca Swiss locking knob faces forward so it’s not hitting me in the chin.
While the brand you mention has a few more features you can pick up a fitted L bracket in the $20 - $30 ranges. It won’t store on bracket the tools to adjust or remove the bracket but I carry those on my pocket or camera bag.
Awesome! Thanks so much for adding some helpful tips to the discussion about L Brackets.
RRS is just amazing if you are shooting everyday ;) Especially versions that allow for offsets for tether cables, when shooting in portrait mode. Be cautious of a few brands that will be brittle and if your tripod head clamp is overtightened it will start to compress / break on the cheaper L brackets.
I had a RRS L-bracket for my Canon 70D. Upgrading to the Canon R5 was so expensive that I had to save save money as much money on the required accessories. I got a Smallrig L-bracket, which was about 20% the cost of the bracket from RRS. It works just as well and has pins that fit perfectly into the corresponding holes in the bottom of the camera. Great purchase!
heck yeah! Small Rig is the best! Only one I could find that was a custom and perfect fit for the A1 when it came out. Glad you were able to find one at a great price!
How does it work for you when you flip out the screen in landscape mode and rotate the screen, say when you're shooting at a low level? I have the Canon R and the corresponding Small Rig find that the short side of the L gets in the way, even when I extend it.
@@stewartlogie It still gets in the way in the sense that it obscures the view of the screen somewhat, but it doesn't prevent you from using the screen in the position you've described. It is slightly annoying but the only L-bracket I've found that wouldn't do that is the one from ProMedia Gear, which is heavier and takes up more space in your bag. I also can't see an easy way to attach Peak Design's Slide Lite camera strap to it; something I can do with the SmallRig bracket.
Well explained, thank you
For sure!
Today I received my L-bracket from SmallRig. It's made for the Sony A73 and others, but not specifically for the Sony A7R4. I own both cameras and found the bracket works fine on both cameras. Thanks for the tip.
Thanks Blake. I was able to get an L for way under C$100. for my D850. Forget the manufacturer but couldn't willingly shoot without it. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! My pleasure!
The only one that I thinks worth paying a little extra for is the three legged thing Ellie, as it has the peak design clip built in.
That's pretty cool! I just put my Peak Design straps on this with their little loops. Works great!
It makes sense nowadays, but back then for my D3 & 5D Mk II, there were just Kirk and RRS. Even today with my Z6 + grip, I have to use an universal L-bracket.
Yes, the challenge with the Sunway and Small Rig can be the movement of the LCD screen in the small slot of the bracket. ..with some people worrying about the glass face hitting bare metal.
But either brand can be very economical for most people. And work just fine. Thanks Blake.
Yep, it shouldn't be a problem if they get the correct one for their camera through Small Rig. I've been using them for over 8 years and never had that problem with my Sony gear.
One other major benefit of the L bracket is it adds significant protection to the camera body. I dropped my new camera the day after I received my L bracket and it saved me a big repair bill. I know it doesn't protect all four sided, but it still protects 3 corners of the camera.
That's a great point as well.
Same experience. Several cameras saved by L brackets
I have a Kirk bracket on my R5 and a SunwayFoto bracket on my R6. Guess which cost a fraction of the other. Guess also which one is "better". Ah, forget that last one; they're equally good.
Guess what else: when I got my first bracket on my 5D Mark IV, I too had to swap out my Manfrotto ball heads for Arca Swiss. When I got a new tripod, I got a RRS Arca Swiss head for it. I don't regret that at all.
I also use the Peak Design Three-Legged Thing Ellie(TLTE) on my Canon R5. I also had it on my former Canon 6DMKII. I've never had a problem with the TLTE. I originally started out with the Manfrotto style because of their tripod heads. Then I finally got smart and went to the TLTE.
Same here! I started with Manfrotto, but their proprietary plates KILLED me, so annoying to remove them from the camera and they were clunky enough to cover battery doors and such. Arca Swiss all the way these days!
All valid points and excellent advice for anyone using an L bracket.
Personally I am not using one anymore; tried it several years ago and I didn't like it was getting in the way of the cable connectors. Yes I can open the covers and connect the cables but I find it still a little bit awkward, so a normal Arca-Swiss plate is what I am using. All comes down to personal preference.
Thanks Blake for sharing this :)
For sure! Most of them you can take the vertical plate off, so with the small rig you still get the extension but don't have to worry about the vertical connector getting in the way of cables.
@@f64Academy Well, you managed to make me wish to try one of those L plates :)
Pretty sure I'll be doing some shopping this weekend - can you please send me a link to one with the vertical extension removable? (or share it here if you don't mind doing it)
Thanks Blake
All of the small rig ones have the removable vertical plate, just look for two screws at the bottom of it in the screenshots.
@@f64Academy Thanks :)
Lucky to get a pair for 30$.
Actually, the increase in grip/comfort while handing is 2gud to miss.Nice straight forward video. Thank you.
That’s the exact same bracket I just bought. You can also remove the L part to save a bit of weight when out without a tripod to continue benefiting from the pinky-support thing. Much better handling of my a7R5.
I am getting the ProMediaGear bracket for my R5 for the simple reason that it has a side piece that can slide forward (towards front of camera) to that I can access cable ports on teh side and, more importantly, I can fully articulate the rear screen. With Fixed brackets on a camera with an articulating rear screen you can't open the read LCD screen.
Good thing to look for.. These small rig ones slide also for the same reason.
$59 dollars is still very expensive! I purchased two L brackets from China, one for my D800 and one for my D850. Both were bespoke to the cameras, and both had locating lugs on the base to ensure no rotational slip etc. They are single piece aluminium, and weigh nothing. They cost me £15 each, including shipping!! They are amazing, and never come off my cameras. You're absolutely right, there are plenty of people out there who just HAVE to buy the brand. In this case, I just don't understand why :-)
Right there with ya! I tried many of the even cheaper brands and some were better than others, but for me SmallRig came out on top as a consistent winner in both quality and price.
Link?
Many thanks for this video. I was horrified at the prices I had previously seen for L-brackets - like over £200!!!!. Went to Photospecialists in the UK and bought the Smallrig that fits my Sony A7ll for only £50. THANK YOU :)
Bam! That's awesome!
Problem with Smallrig’s A1 L-bracket is the cutout they put into the vertical side. It allows the mount to flex when you tighten down and becomes sketchy.
I think it has enough strength there, I've used them a lot on this position and never had an issue. But it does look like the weakest point.
Hey Blake, I have a question. How can I be sure whether a tripod supports L brackets? I am planning to buy Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 and I dont know if it works with L brackets. There is no specification about that.
I thought like this and so bought a cheap L bracket. Realised my mistake when my camera fell off the tripod and into a lake. Pro camera and lens so they were fine. Lesson learned though and I then bought a 3 legged thing.
It does depend on the l bracket, I've been using these small rig ones for years with no issues as they have safety mechanisms built into them. With the ball head I use. But I can see that with the really cheap generic ones.
I love L-Brackets and Arca swiss. They make up for my dislike of ball heads.
Now L-Brackets come in different colours - i've color coded my Nikon Z cameras...
That's pretty cool!
I had no idea the shiny thing on my bracket was the adjustment tool. No more butter knife in my back pocket!
Live it!
Thanks for your always very interesting videos. I have a question for you. Do you know if there is a L-Bracket for Manfrotto RC2 type (no arca-swiss) for the Nikon D750?
I do not know, 😐 sorry. You'd have to check with manfrotto
Not only fit but stability is also essential. Some budget L brackets flex in portrait orientation with heavy setups. RRS and a few others are way overpriced and unfortunately, they get away with it because the budget companies often overlook details so we are forced to buy the expensive ones
Of course, you do not need to buy an Arca-Swiss ball head, you just need the Arca-Swiss clamp on the ball head's stem. There are options for clamp style (knob vs. lever), and sizes for large and small cameras. I love the L Plates with the tools built in!
Right, you just need the arca swiss mount. Make manufactured are universally making this now. You don't need arca swiss brand.
I bought one for my x-t3 fuji, together with hand grip for aroud 15 euros. Works and fits perfectly, so I didn't regret i didn't spend more money 🤣.
I have a Canon camera with a flip out screen, that I use quite a bit, and when I bought an L bracket I never took into account that it would block the screen from moving around. I still like using the L bracket, but I can't really leave it on the camera all the time, which is a pain sometimes. Just something for you flip out screen users to consider.
All you need to do is cut a notch to accommodate the flip-out screen. Compare to a photo showing a bracket with the notch mounted on a camera. It's easy! I paid $11 for an L-bracket and cut the notch with a hacksaw, smoothed the edges with a fine file. It's just aluminum. You can touch up with paint or a sharpie. Just be careful to not cut too much off. I like saving money!
Thank you!
Welcome!
Really like Smallrig but I am trying to purchase a “L” bracket for my Canon 5DSR and they are saying that they don’t make one for this. Very surprised since this is the newest 5D version and 5-6 years old. I hear my 5DSR is the same fit as the 5D MKiii but they have not confirmed. Anyone know or have any info about this?
One thing I can tell you is only one lens axis is the same when you switch from horizontal to vertical. Using the L bracket is much faster than turning a ball head 90* & leveling it out & much more stable & sturdier than the weight hanging off the side also. The one axis that is still the same is important for anyone doing panos. For people on a budget or don't take photos all that much, nothing wrong with purchasing a cheaper costing L bracket or anything else for that matter(except filters 7 lenses & ....).
Agree on you choice of L bracket. Well made and inexpensive expensive. The RRS one does have a hole that fit a rapid release device attached to a strap that allows you to carry the camera around your body and easily lift it to your eye. Also quickly allows it to be removed to be mounted on the tripod. Unfortunately the brand you use does not have that feature. If it did would actually be perfect. I prefer to by American but if something is very well made and is way cheaper……it becomes no contest.
I'm not a fan of the quick disconnect, I've seen too many times how that fails and camera gear falls to the gorund. Of course, with everything, its all about personal preference :) These days its hard to find anything truly made in America with all the outsourcing. But I do have a Jeep Wrangler... lol ... 'Merica!
Having an open notch on the side bracket is important for cameras with flip out screens. My SmallRig L-bracket for the Canon R6 has that notch to accommodate the screen. The SmallRig bracket for the Canon R mysteriously does not, making it hard to view the screen when you are looking down on the camera.
Cut it, lol 😂
Bought a Neewer setup from Amazon and it has worked perfectly with heavy use. Much cheaper solution than this.
Like cars replacing horses, L brackets have become antiques with the release of Silence Corner’s Atoll collar. Unlike a L bracket the Atoll does not block your ports or flip screen, keeps the axis aligned even better, can be used with Peak Design Capture products, can be used with a Fusion plate with Black Rapud straps, can rotate 90,180,120…, does’t require reattaching camera like L bracket, and the list goes on. So buy a L bracket if you like cumbersome old technology, buy buy an Atoll if you want to create your art effortlessly. And no, I am not a seller of Atoll. I am a aerospace engineer that knows good design and is an amateur photographer.
That's interesting, I've never heard of it. Looking into it now. I like that it won't block the ports. Although, the l bracket is clunky, that thing has saved my cameras more times than I can count from drops, tripod fails, etc. It does add a level of "idiot armor" that I sometimes need 🤣
Thank you for the video. I have ordered a Manfroto tripod. Your advice is to buy an arca swiss adaptor and a budget L bracket?
I don't think arca swiss will work with manfrotto ballheads as they have a proprietary plate.
@@f64Academy As he said, use an adaptor; I carry one in case I need to use someone else's manfrotto ...
Do you know where I can get a Smallrig L bracket for my Canon R5? Seems like they don’t have one now.
I got one for my Nikon z6ii , I love, great quality , my only concern is if the magnet under may damage or effect the IBS in any way ?
I would doubt it, it's facing the other way, not towards the camera base. You should be good.
@@f64Academy I Gotchu, thanks for your reply.
I had one for my D850 with Grip 5/5, I have one for my Z5 5/5 and I had one for my Z9 1/5 as it didn't fit it properly and I lost a whole night's star-trails shot because the wind vibration the Smalrig suffered in VERTICAL orientation!... You BUY what you PAY for... All the brackets are NOT equal...
I'm on the lookout for an L-bracket for A7RV and the main problem is that only one company has shown real-life proof, that their L-bracket allows mounting on a tripod vertically WITH HDMI cable plugged in. For many others it just looks like either "cable can be plugged in only in horizontal position" or "there is no space to open HDMI port at all while the bracket is on". So I have to go with a "130 USD + international shipping" item...
Do you buy those L-bracket with rubber footings or without? I have seen a few cheap ones but without the rubber footings, for which I supposed L brackets do NOT depend on these to secure the camera, but rather through the bumped edge, right?
I don't have rubber on mine.
I've also bought SmallRig L-brackets in the past, but found a design flaw in the one they make for the FujiFilm X-H2. Because of the way they've curved the opening for the battery door, there's an obstruction on the slide part that prevents me from centering the bracket and the camera on the crosshairs of my ballhead. That means I'm not rotating the camera on the rotation axis of the ballhead.
Just a word of warning...
How many tripods do you have?. Great video mate, can't live without my L bracket.
A few, lol, I have a large one, two travel ones and several small ones. Mainly for video and on location course development stuff. I'd really only need one of I wasn't making content.
I prefer L-brackets that are manufactured out of one piece of aluminum...eliminates the need to bolt the upright A-S plate to main plate. Yeah, it may cost a little more, but in my mind its worth it. I can also trust the grade of aluminum is what it says it is...no worries of sub-standard materials coming out of China. For those reasons, I use RRS L-plates and lever clamps exclusively. Whatever floats one's boat.
me too. Something to be said for made in America.
Just out of curiosity what method have you apply to determine material standard from China and that of RRS.
@@janfrosty3392 made in America is employing Americans. Not Chinese,
@vomit wrong person, you made me vomit. You should have addressed your message to Jan Frosty.
@vomit I said nothing about nationality. Only the country. The originator was the one that spoke of cheap Chinese material.
Love L-plates. Used them for years. And spent a fortune on them. But, can't find one for my A7CR or A7CII. The ones I've tried block the doors and flippy screen. Just another reason to hate flippy screens.
Is there a similar set up for a video tripod head?
Not entirely sure, I don't shoot much pro video, however, this is primarily a video rig company, so surely there's something on the site you'd be interested in.
One bit you didn't mention about the L bracket is the cameras centre of gravity! If using a heavy lens and use the ball head to go from landscape to portrait, the weight transfer can topple the tripod/ camera setup 😵😭🤬. Whereas using the bracket in portrait mode keeps the weight directly over the tripod/ stable! 👍 🇬🇧
good point.
I broke the bank and bought the unmentionable Really Right Stuff L-bracket for my Nikon Z6. Fits better than the cheap ones.
Does the bracket scratch up the camera?
Arca Swiss!! Is there an L bracket or adaptor for Manfrotto? Thanks.
I don't know. Google it 😉 I just know Arca Swiss and that's because it's the most universal among all brands and tripods. Manfrotto is like Apple, they want everything to be proprietary to their product... Blecht!
I just ordered an Arca Swiss plate (part no: MSQ6T) replace the Manfrotto RC-2 plate fitted to my new Befree tripod. Alternatively, Haoge make an adapter that converts from RC-2 to Arca Swiss (part no: CP-MA50II)
Both available on Amazon.
Hope this helps.
How do you shoot vertically with the camranger attached?
put the camranger on the opposite side ;) its Arca Swiss as well so it moves pretty quickly.
Like you, my L-bracket stays on my A7Riii all the time. But in my opinion, you got close but missed the most important feature - when switching from landscape to portrait orientation, you are able to keep the lens on axis with the tripod - if you're shooting a series of shots for a panorama, the best result happens when you rotate the lens on axis. Without the L-bracket, you have to flip the camera to one side or the other (as you showed), which means you will not be rotating the lens about a consistent axis. Thanks Blake!
I showed that exact thing in this video :) With detailed pictures and all :)
@@f64Academy You did, but you didn't mention the benefit for shooting a pano - only that you wouldn't have to move your tripod or change your composition. I'll watch again - if I missed, my apologies. I just think that's the best reason for the L and wanted to share with everyone. Thanks!
No I didn't mention panos, because I don't usually shoot them with a ball head. I prefer a pan and tilt head for panos.
Hey Blake, what tripod and tripod mount is that?
That is just a mini tripod the blue one.
My main rig in the landscape shot is a Surui ballhead on some Induro stealth legs.
Smallrig don't make one for my camera (OM-D E-M1X) and the price for the Really Right Stuff version is really really stiff!. Managed to find an adjustable "universal" version from Manfrotto for around USD120 on special. The Manfrotto version isn't customised to allow access to batteries etc but it will suffice. One plus is that it fits the Manfrotto heads on my tripods without any need for adapters.
Awesome! I like Arca Swiss because it's universal. I used to use manfrotto, but I got very tired of their proprietary mount system.
I agree, you don’t have to pay the earth for an aluminium bracket but I couldn’t find one to fit my Fuji X-T3 with the battery grip attached. I found a used Kirk L bracket in mint condition for £50. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have paid £170 for a new one.
I've purchased l-brackets via eBay for as little as $25, and they work perfectly. Spending more for a name-brand piece of metal is just throwing your money away.
Do they fit on a gimbal like the DJI Ronin SC2?
Does the DJI Ronin SC2 use an Arca Swiss mount? If so, then I would say any L Bracket meant for Arca Swiss would work.
Does anyone know if this will fit on the manfrotto 290 tripod ?
Probably not. I think manfrotto had their own proprietary plates. These will only work on Arca Swiss mounts.
Also if you drop your camera you have a higher probability of not experiencing major damage if you have one of these L brackets on.
Very true!
Excellent… my Sony A1 wants me to buy it 😀
Good choice! You will love it :)
My piece of essential kit is a battery grip, which pretty much eliminates using an L bracket.
They make L brackets that fit over battery grips as well.
Just received my L bracket today for my R5 with battery grip! (from SunwayPhoto)
Arca Swiss Monoball P0 with Quickset Classic, UK price £329 plus the L bracket at whatever price. I shall fiddle with my tripod, even though sometimes it can take over 30 seconds!
That's insane! lol for a hunk of metal... SMH
Doesn’t have to be a ball head. Rather, an Arca CLAMP that can be attached to any head system. Also, the L-bracket has to fit the camera well and allow cable passage.
yes, anything Arca capable.
The problems I've found with custom L brackets is that it's hard to find one that fits onto a camera with a battery grip. Most manufacturers seem to think very few people or no one uses a battery grip. Also tethered shooting in portrait format is a problem (even if you adjust the L bracket), as it interferes with the cable, or more importantly if it twist the connector of the cable it can damage the camera port.
That is true, the battery grip does pose an issue.
So dudes, I use battery grips on both Sony a7r iii cameras. Do you have a recommendation for the set up
Nope, sorry, I don't use battery grips 😔
@@julianjollon7926 I've never been able to find any company that makes a decent L bracket for any make of camera with a battery grip.
That's the reason I ended up paying the premium for the RRS L-bracket on my Nikon bodies. I run battery grips all the time and finding a camera-specific L-bracket that will accommodate the grip is a tough proposition. Also, RRS adds some nice touches. The D850/MB-D18 L-bracket not only attaches via the bottom plate tripod socket but is also secured via an attachment point at the port-side strap lug making this a very secure attachment. Of course that means the side can't slide in and out like some other brackets but I really haven't found it a problem to access my ports and connectors. The bracket also has QD sockets on the bottom and side for my strap. If you're running a strap with a QD connector, this is the cleanest setup.
For the first time, I have to disagree with you. I had an L-bracket from a UK firm that damaged my D750 and had some need for improvements. I contacted them but they would not admit to any problem and were incensed that I suggested anything. I had tried to save money but in the end, it cost me. I now go with RRS for everything. Quality costs. These small companies that use very tight tolerances must charge a higher price. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Never bought from Small Rig twice, unless it was for a different camera :) I like their stuff, it always works for me and I've never had a need for anything else. You are totally free to disagree with me, I dont mind.
@@f64Academy Small Rig might be good but all I am saying is that after being burned by low-priced products, I won't trust that level anymore. I always look forward to your videos as I most always learn something to improve my photography.
I've had a camera damaged from a Sunwayfoto L-bracket and I have a Smallrig L-bracket where the L-plate has a slight wobble - cannot tighten the screws. I did purchase a used camera that came with a RRS L-bracket and there was a very noticeable difference between Smallrig and RRS. The RRS was on the A9 and the Smallrig was on the A7Riii, there was a definite ergo comfort with the RRS. When possible, I stay with RRS and Kirk and enjoy using the built-in QD-mount which is on all the plates like the replacement tripod foot I use on my telephoto zoom lenses.
Can't seem to find one for my Canon 7d mk11.
Sunwayfoto makes them
Gee, I never had the rotate issue with my square format cameras. 🤓
What are these little red dots I see on most of the cameras. It looks like a piece of elastic is paired with it
Those are peak design straps, or at least the adapter for the strap. It allows for easy quick release.
I wonder how many people actually use L brackets. Through the years since I picked up photography I've sold a lot of different photography items in my quest to upgrade but I haven't been able to sell a single L bracket. The only one I've ever been able to get rid of is one I left on the camera when I sold it.
I don't think they have a place for resell as they are relatively inexpensive, so most people probably dont think to buy them used.
@@f64Academy I bought used Kirk and RRS L-brackets from either KEH or MPB (I can't remember which one, however).
I agree about how overpriced some of the L-brackets are. Exactly, it’s only a piece of metal. The same goes, in my opinion, for tripods. Although tripods serve a much more important function some are ridiculously overpriced. Thank you for your recommendations and video.
True, but a good tripod is very important. I don't skimp on legs, Induro makes great legs for the price, but that stability is incredibly important.
Blake, I visited the smallrig website. They don't have the L Bracket for any of my cameras, the Nikon D500, Nikon D750 nor the Nikon D5. This is very disappointing as I really had my hopes up for this invention. I contacted them to ask if the Nikon D850 would fit my cameras. The answer was no, plus they will no longer sell the L bracket for the Nikon D850, so I'm bummed. I'd love to know if you have any other recommendations.
I'd just look for another company that has similar features.
@@f64Academy thanks for responding. I have done some research, but I think no one will beat the price + design of smallrig.
What the exact smallrig item number for the A1?
www.smallrig.com/smallrig-arca-type-l-bracket-for-sony-a1-a7s-iii-a7r-iv-a-9-ii-3207.html
@@f64Academy thank you !
Really Right Ripoff just kills the wallet.
Agreed 😁 I mean, it is nicely made, but it's way over priced.
Even smallrig is overprized!
I also keep an L-bracket on all my camera bodies. I have always used Kirk products. They are slightly less than RRS. They always fit perfectly. They are always finished perfectly. They always work perfectly.
In an attempt to save money I have tried a Sunway L-bracket. Fit was poor. Finish was so-so. Felt flimsy. Sent it back immediately.
I recently got a 3-Legged Thing Zelda L-bracket for my Z7. Around $100. I got it for $50 on sale. Fit is perfect. Finish is excellent. Functions well. But, it does not feel as sturdy as a Kirk or an RRS. That may not ever be an issue. Time will tell. Also, with the horizontal plate you can only slide it into the A-S mount in one direction. Deal breaker? Not at all. Especially for $50.
So I totally disagree with this video regarding cost. RRS and Kirk are expensive. But they are generally perfect. Maybe 'over priced' a bit but not highway robbery at all. Simply a matter of paying for high quality flawless gear.
On the other hand, some cheap gear is simply not very good.
I am glad SmallRig and 3 Legged Thing are making seemingly good stuff for less. Competition is always good for consumers. But I would never write Kirk and RRS off as frivolous expenses. They are the best.
Ha I won this. Mine came free. Admittedly it was with the V Air grip for my Phase One XF which so far has cost in excess of £60,000. but a win is a win. I will take it. Also top tip found out today you can use the XF with a power bank, after I had bought another four batteries - and it charges the batteries and you can swap the batteries whilst the bank is still plugged in. Thats not a win. Shall we call it a draw then?
I use to use cheap eBay brackets, until I tried a Kirk….end of story.
Once you use ( or attach ) something like Kirk or RRS to your camera & use it , you know right away why ! Also the grade of aircraft quality aluminum they use, any etching like the lens center on the tripod mark or number scale is accurate, not like I have experienced on cheaper brands. Quite frankly, I wouldn't hang a $6500 camera like the A1 on something to cheap, even if it is insured.
Which aircraft grade aluminum did they use? 5000, 6000, 7000 or 8000 series?
No L-bracket for the Nikon D3400
High way robery indeed 😂😂
You know what I could buy for $200 and get a whole lot more use out of?
1. Socks and Underwear for a two years (conservative estimate)
2. An Insta-Pot (can even make yogurt)
3. A wicked good night out with my wife
4. Some awesome Lego sets for my kids.
Highway robbery indeed, lol! Its a piece of metal for crying out loud! Now I sound like my father.
@@f64Academy surely.. That's how fathers think. Every penny that is used has got to have good accountability. 😂😂
@@Extraedit Ain't that the truth!
@@f64Academy that's true lord Chris
I've always thought the Small Rig stuff looks good, they seem to have nothing for full-frame DSLRs, I guess they take the word "small" literally.
A pinky rest?!?! OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOoooooooooooOoooooooOOoooooooooh!
It's so nice 😁
Here I am watching this video, because I thought paying 65$ for a smallrig bracket is too much.
Nah! Trust me, I've bought plenty of the no name ones from Amazon and they're junk.
@@f64Academy yeah, my first tripod was with a weird non-standard plate and it blocked my battery door which was really annoying. It's just that all the plates with custom fits for the A7iii are so bulky. I've seen some L plates for canon camers which are really thin/sleek compared to these. But at least the smallrig model has fittings for extra accessories, so this is what I ended up ordering. Anyway your video was nice and informative, thank you!
Would be nice to mention that most L brackets don’t work well with articulating screen.
This one does 😁
@@f64Academy You mean the Smallrig L bracket in the video has no issue with articulating screens? It allows full articulation, screen facing towards the subject without detaching anything? ... would have loved to see that in this video. :( Maybe I haven't searched enough but the only videos on L bracket I found not having ANY issue with articulating screens are those that are from "Camera Tax charging companies" .
A simple bit of metal your being naive.
Some companies use high end aerospace materials for low weight and durability. You also need to consider the protective treatment for wear protection.
lol, I am far from naive, I'm being a realistic. Aerospace metal or not, its.a.piece.of.metal............... Seriously, there is no need for it to cost $200. I have been rocking Smallrig L brackets for 6+ years with no problems.
Nice approach. But I would say that weight is also critical. I use 3 Legged Thing on my cameras, and they are super light. When comparing the 3 Legged Thing to the SmallRig one compatible with my camera(s), it's 94 grams x 149 grams. It may seem an insignificant difference, but when you add up heavy lenses, tripod, accessories, etc, every gram counts. As you said, it's just a piece of metal, and I don't want an anvil attached to my camera. :)