Thanks! Very informative. Starting to build up my gear and am already tired of switching the plates and was wondering about having1 quick release system.
I have a Canon 400mm 2.8 which weighs over 6 kg with the camera attachd. The RC2 does a great job here, as you can hold the camera and just clip it to the tripod or monopod. So, no need to screw with one hand and hold with the other hand. Furthermore, if you have Peak Design straps, the Peak Design RC2 plates attached to your camera can be attached with the Peak Design anchor links and you do not need to take the plates off everytime you don't need a tripod. The RC2 head can take the plate even with the links attached. I love it!
Thanks Guilland for sharing! its nice to hear that even a heavy lens like trhe Canon 400mm 2.8 can use the RC2 (I am guessing you are using the RC2 attached to the leg of the lens and not the camera right?
I've switched to Arca Swiss and won't be moving back. I found that over time the lever on the Manfrotto type becomes loose and the whole system becomes less stable. The Arca Swiss is much simpler and as long as you've got the plate clamped properly between the jaws it's not going anywhere.
Have you been using original manfrotto 323 or 3'rd party? have you been locking it all the way? (you need to push the big leaver in each time). We have over 30 units (mostly 3'rd party) and we never had this issue. Also - are you using heavy setups? RC2 is not meant for very front heavy/long setups or anything above 2-2.5kg for that matter.
I use a Kirk replacement bridge for the Manfrotto 500AH fluid head converting it to A/S and able to be rotated 90° depending on the orientation of the A/S plate on the camera body or lens. It is modification suggested to Kirk by Hudson Henry.
Much prefer Arca-Swiss. Lighter, smaller and don't go wrong. Ditched the Manfrotto years ago after problems and have never looked back. Far more options for A-S too.
Hi Kevin, are you asking if there are plates with a D-ring that has a flat head screw? if this is what you want to know - yes some 3'rd party plates do - not all. You need to look around.
I think heavy film & TV cameras are connected with this idea ie the Panasonic ENG cameras; the long plate for heads by O'Connor , etc. is supplemented by a SMALLER internal QR plate, all you do is rack a lever on the long plate and the smaller plate is detached from this one. This system also allows the rig to be removed from the tripod, without destroying the rigs balance point, it remains ( providing the larger plate remains undisturbed) but the camera can still be transported separately for weight savings.
:) it's our old DIY cage (this whole video is from 2016 and we have every plan of making a new version by the end of the year with lots of new info). See here for some nostalgic flare: ua-cam.com/video/3fwn4UBNi-M/v-deo.html
Not as far as I know - you are looking for the Manfrotto 200PL pro plate. This one: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1375463-REG/manfrotto_200pl_pro_200pl_plate_aluminium_rc2.html?BI=6040&KW=&KBID=6920
While I have used RC2 for several years, in particular with the Black Rapid RC2 plate, I recently changed to Arca Swiss to facilitate using an L bracket. As a landscape photographer, the bracket will stay on my camera constantly, and I wanted access to my ports with the bracket on.
Yes, this is one of the only reasons to use Arca (along with using gimbals with long telephoto lenses and really heavy setups in general that RC2 doesn't hold that well). Do note that Manfrotto (and one or two other 3;rd party manufacturers) do have an L bracket with RC2 so if you really like RC2 you can still work with it even with an L bracket - but it is a bit expensive.
good video, thanks for info. i have both clamp quick release, i prefer the arca swiss style for panorama and for the L bracket on my 5d mark iii. i use also the manfrotto but no mach more than arca swiss clamp (dlc60-lx from sunwayfoto).
I bought a UTEBIT 323 RC2 Quick Release Plate. I can connect my camera to the plate just fine. However, I can not find a way to connect the above to my tripod. My tripod is a Manfrotto 290 Light. It has a befree live head (if my terminology is correct). Do I need to get a refund or is there a way to make it work? Thanks!
also, just thought that the Arca Swiss type is better when a heavy rig needs to be balanced on a tripod, or a Steadicam rig, where the rig's balance is important for control of image sharpness; however for still shots, this is not a real concern as > 1/500th of a second shutter speed should take care of this problem, the speed is so fast it takes the shot between oscillations of the camera rig.
That is actually a simple (very inexpensive) focusing rail - It is not a video plate. If you want a video plate - you need to know which video system (head) you are going to work with - as you can see around 4:40 we adapted the 501 plate with an RC2 on top - it isn't perfect but it does work if you put the RC2 at the end of the plate.
We have actually changed our view somewhat (not completly) since we made this video 5 years ago and we shall make a new video about this topic (more extensive) later this year.
I love my RC2, because its very quick & secure. I use many of the systems in my studio. My topshot rig has also rc2, because of the quickness, arca swiss is also nice, but i prefer a faster workflow.
I'm in the process of switching out all my RC2s to Arca Swiss. I'm a mirrorless video shooter and I want to slim things down, as well as drop a little more weight.
No. Not "normally" and not the other way around. There are ways around this using adaptors or converters of different types and shapes two examples - there are many more: amzn.to/2LotxTf amzn.to/2LmAynL
Insightful comparison! I'm rather torn at the moment. My tripod is a 20 year old Manfrotto with a fluid video head that supports the 200PL-14 quick release plates (RC2 plates seem compatible with the 200PL mount). The tripod still functions perfectly, and I don't want to replace it. However, I just purchased a new supertelephoto lens that came with an Arca Swiss compatible foot, as well as an L-bracket for my camera that has Arca Swiss compatible rails. I found a Manfrotto-to-Arca Swiss clamp adapter from Sunwayfoto that allows me to mount my lens and L-bracket easily. The problem is that the Manfrotto plate can only orient in one direction: front-to-back. The L-bracket's Arca Swiss plate orientation is side-to-side, while the lens foot's is front-to-back; the lens and the camera mounts are perpendicular to each other. The camera's L-bracket mounts sideways. This wouldn't be a problem, except that my video head can't tilt to the side; if the camera is mounted sideways, I can't tilt it up or down at all - not good! I suppose I could put an Arca Swiss plate on my camera and orient it front-to-back so that it would match the orientation of my tripod head, but then I wouldn't be able to use my L-bracket or mount my camera in portrait orientation on my tripod. Or, possibly, I could get an Arca Swiss "panning clamp" that can be rotated independently of the tripod, but those cost as much as getting an entirely new head for my tripod - an expense that I'm trying to avoid. Arg!
I forgot to mention, another alternative would be to get a Manfrotto compatible plate and screw it onto my lens foot, but then I'd be ignoring the existing mounting apparatus of the lens foot, and I wouldn't be able to slide the lens forward or back to adjust the balance. Also, I wouldn't be able to use my L-bracket.
That is a problem many people face and I am not sure there is a global solution. As we mentioned in the video the RC2 system is better for general use - every-day type photography but for longer lenses/using L-brakets etc. Arca Swiss is still the way to go - you will just need to find a way to work with both systems I guess.
Excellent video. Very informative. I have a question. Will the L bracket MPU 105 fit on my RC2 or will I need to get an arca Swiss type? Thank you very much for your time and effort.
Thanks. No, it doesn't seem to be the right fit (it looks like an Arca L bracket, not an RC2). Manfrotto has this one: amzn.to/2QAFXqM (which is very expensive and got a few so-so reviews) and you can find a few less expensive alternatives - like this one amzn.to/2QEpXnD (not sure how good it is). We got ourselves a third party one and it needs some work to make it clamp perfectly...
We didn't find it particularly difficult - we just locked the RC2 base at the end of the 501 plate (otherwise the lock on the base will not allow it to sit flush).
I'll stick with Arca Swiss. There are so many more options available from high-end to affordable. Plus I can get a tiny DP25 plate for my smaller cameras. Super compact.
I have bought a Manfrotto 055 xpro3 with RC2 and I was searching eBay to find a 3rd party inexpensive L-bracket for my DSLR. Is there any way to attach the camera with the L-bracket on it...in the vertical position on RC2?
Not inexpensively sadly (not that I know of) - Manfrotto has one www.manfrotto.ca/l-bracket-q2 Here is another: www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-QR-L-Plate-L-Bracket-for-Manfrotto-Bogen-200PL-14-RC2-Ballhead-Clamp-/172471986789
There are a lot of quick releases on the market - these are probably some of the most popular (for stills at least - for video there are more common larger and longer plate systems). B.T.W. in the very near future we will be publishing a review about a new type of mini quick release system that we really like - it is not really for cameras (maybe GoPros etc.) but more for accessories (lights, recorders, monitors etc.) and is very useful.
Some people have recommended the Manfrotto MA394 quick release system for my C100. What's the difference between this and the RC2? I'm confused what to get. Thanks!
You can think of the Manfrotto MA394 as the bigger brother to the RC2. We reviewed the Manfrotto 405 head which uses this plate system - ua-cam.com/video/PxQQXYE_srM/v-deo.html For a large camera like a C100 it might make sense - for using it with DSLR or mirrorless cameras - not so much. Our unit also requires a bit more force to open and close than an RC2 but maybe it is just our unit.
Like you, I use a close to a dozen RC2 connections, particularly on my video cage--yes, like you, attaching things to the top and bottoms of TASCAM recorders and such. I also mount video cameras with Manfrotto super clamps and ball heads in high locations, and I do feel better being able to lock them down with on hand while hanging on a ladder with the other.
Good to hear that others are doing the same and feeling the same about RC2 - it isn't perfect but for day-to-day it is by far our choice. There is a new product that we want to look at soon - this is an arca/RC2 hybrid plate: www.promediagear.com/PXM1-HYBRID-Manfrotto-Type-RC2-with-Arca-Swiss-Type-Plate-Built-in-Features-Quick-Release-Strap-Port_p_344.html I talked to the company and suggested that they will consider doing a version of their 501 hybrid plate: www.promediagear.com/PM501-Manfrotto-Type-Quick-Release-Plate-with-Arca-Swiss-Type-Clamp-Built-in-Compatible-with-501PL-RC3-RC5-NG-Heads-Features-Quick-Release-Strap-Port_p_343.html that will be compatible with RC2 (this one is compatible with ARCA so you can use their hybrid ARCA-RC2 but you can't use your dozens of RC2 plates...). Interesting ideas non the less.
Super interesting video. Thanks for sharing. I just bought a Zhiyun Crane and I own the Manfrotto Monopod and the BeFree Live tripod that both use 501 plates. Would you recommend RC2 to mount on the crane, and do DYI solution of adding RC2 plates on my tripod and monopod ?? I can't find a 501 plate that fits on the Crane. Thank You!
Thanks Jean Marc - yes we are actually going to do a review on the Crane II soon - our plan is exactly to put an RC2 on it and see how it goes (I saw a few other people do that and it seems to work for them). I am talking to a company that thinks about doing a 501 with a built in RC2 on top - not sure if they will be able to but they are also working on a hybrid ARCA-RC2 plate - really cool thing - we will do a video when we shall have more info on that one.
Sounds interesting indeed.. I just bought a RC2 for my Crane II and will test.. If it works, I will have to buy more RC2 to put on top of my Monopod MVMXPRO500 and on my Befree LIVE travel tripod... which is really frustrating and absurd..
Manfrotto is not consistent with the type of quick release they use for their new gear and sadly even some of their new RC2 are not as good as the older design - not sure why (probably to cut costs).
I will test this on our crane ii soon and see what I will come up with. As for RC2 not being fit for professional rig - that is BS - it is a great fit as long as your gear in not too big or too front heavy (so no it isn't a good fit for a C300 or and Alexa but you can shoot pro video with an A7RII and for that it is a perfect fit).
That is a complain I have from day 1 - I also mentioned this to Manfrotto (and a few other 3'rd party manufacturers I talked to and make knock off of the RC2 base). There are ways around this but it is annoying non the less. I put RC2 bases on almost anything - so for me it is as close to universal as it can be. As I mentioned in the video - there are very few specific cases where I would not recommend RC2 (such as when you need and L shaped bracket, when you are using have and front heavy gear and large video gear - other than that RC2 is in my view a much better option than Arca Swiss).
A WORD OF CAUTION ON THE MANFROTTO RC2 PLATES: I've had one expensive camera body and two expensive lenses ruined by what seems to be a design issue with many Manfrotto OEM and Knock-off RC2 plates. That being that the RC2 mounting plates often have a recessed hole around where the mounting lug screw goes through the plate, and the shoulder of that hole on many plates will easily hold up one side of the screw lug just enough to allow the plate latching lever to grab the plate, seemingly securely but not enough to completely latch, at which point if the camera is moved slightly the latch will release and the plate and camera will be ejected. Even though I was aware of the issue and was careful when attaching plates I was two times, first time costing me a $1200 camera body and $475 lens and the second time a $700 lens and a $300 camera repair. I've written to Manfrotto twice about this but have received no response. The actual OEM "Manfrotto 200PL-38 Rectangular Quick Release Plate with 3/8" Screw " (Now Discontinued) seems to be the most dangerous offender and of which I have several that were supplied with the Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter. www.manfrotto.com.br/rectangular-plate-with-3-8-screw.html If your RC2 plate screw will slide over the ridge of the recessed hole in the bottom of the plate as shown in the lower left corner of this image it may prevent it from latching properly and you are at risk of damage to your equipment: tripodquickrelease.com/plates/200PL-14.jpg
Hi Jack - thanks for sharing. I honestly didn't understand what the problem you are talking about is. I think I have two dozen 3'rd party RC2 plates plus a few original ones and apart from one 3'rd party plate where the D-ring broke (poor manufacturing I guess) they all seem to work perfectly O.K. for years (I think I also have one 3'rd party base where some plates feel a bit too small - but again - this is the price you pay for 3'rd party cheap stuff - I can live with that for the price - especially since I have so many of them and for the most part they work fine). Maybe you should make a quick video about this showing the problem if you have time. Since we are always talking to Manfrotto I can ask them about that.
I missed this post - sorry. I think you are generalising a bit. Manfrotto has a VERY large portfolio (and it is true that they are buying new companies like there is not tomorrow, and I am probably more sad about KATA than most people - actually knowing personally most of the team). With that said - Manfrotto has some great gear - some of their studio gear is fantastic (see our 405 gear head review and there is a lot more). They do have budget stuff that is of lower quality (again very large portfolio does that) but saying they have no pro gear is just plain wrong (especially if you are including their other brands like Gitzo etc.).
Thanks - since 2016 a lot changed. We have a plan to make a more comprehensive video looking at new quick-release options that came into the market since then.
@@IddoGenuth, I have a mix of both. But if the off-brand is breaking, then it is economically prohibitive to use only the Manfrotto mounts, which break as well.
@@Lexington101 We have over 50 units all around the studio. Over the past 10 years, we had maybe 4 that failed - you don't have to buy the original ones but you need to find a good off-brand one (typically not the least $$) - look for options that got a lot of positive reviews on Amazon. We are preparing an updated video on this whole topic soon - so stay tuned.
One day I locked my 5DMk3 into the RC2, pushing the lever forward. I let go and so did it, allowing my camera to tumble. Luckily I was able to catch it. There was some defect in a screw holding the mechanism. At the time I was able to find a bunch of others with the same issue. I managed to put it back together and it happened again, this time my newly installed leash prevented the fall. So then I used Loctite on the screw and problem solved, for now. I saw that screw backing out again. Done with that cheap crap forever. I kept the Manfrotto 055XPro and ball head but found a nice conversions piece to put Arca Swiss on it. Leash is gone and so is any chance of it falling with a RRS Arca Swiss. That RC2 and several overpriced plates are in my junk drawer.
Interesting experience Mike - thanks for sharing. I am not sure I completely understand what you found wrong with the RC2 - what piece malfunctioned exactly? did you use original Manfrotto plate or 3'rd party ones (some 3'rd party units are better made than others). Also - did it happen with just one head - even Manfrotto have defected units from time to time like any other company.
Lensvid So on the bottom of the receiver mechanism is an Allen screw that holds the lever in place. It screws into the part that the lever pivots on. This screw worked its way loose. The Allen head is actually worn from my several attempts to retighten it. When this screw loosens, the locking lever is able to move upwards releasing the plate. All my plates are Manfrotto. I can post a picture so you can visualize it better if needed. If they are still made this way, yours should be routinely checked or even removed and loctite applied.
Interesting. We have over 30 QR bases (and even more plates) most are 3'rd party and in non of them did we ever get the phenomenon that you are describing. Did this happen on just one unit? what king of weight did you put on this (what type of lenses? RC2 in our view is good for low to mid size cameras - nothing beyond say FF DSLR with 24-70mm lens).
Lensvid I used just the one and with a Canon 5D MK3 with battery grip and 16-34 lens. I never felt it was stable with my 70-200 2.8 at about 7 lbs. It feels very stable with Arca-Swiss. Did you look at your QR bases to find the screw I’m talking about? At the time I found this there were numerous complaints on it. This was a number of years ago so maybe they have adjusted their design. I remember at the time looking also to change to an L-Bracket. The Manfrotto offering was substandard in so many ways. I have two L-Brackets from RRS that fit my camera exactly, so no slop and I can quickly change from ball head to gimbal and pano. I can also keep the L-Bracket on and attach a single point strap when needed. I have also been looking at Arca-Swiss QR with lever locks and safety mechanisms that let you set the camera in and it’s locked so it can’t fall and the the lever that tightens it up. So if that kind of use is important, they make them. I’ve been considering changing my ball head to a Manfrotto fluid head. I don’t do video, but the stability of it is a nice idea. Kirk makes an adapter to convert it over to Arca-Swiss, so I could keep using my plates. Those are RC4 I believe, so yet a different plate. To me, the one handed insertion and capture that the RC2 does is just not good enough considering all the versatility and standardized mounting I get with Arca-Swiss. Maybe with video equipment, you do need that quick connection, but I need versatility and secure connections. But also if I ever did need that quick functionality, those QD plates exist.
70-200mm is way too much for RC2 in my opinion - it is a small plate and the way it is designed is not meant for higher weights or front heavy setups. Different people have different considerations when it comes to QR plates. Some people need the most secure plates/bases for heavy gear, others need L brackets or compatibility with different accessories. For us the reason we choose RC2 is the low cost (3'rd party ones are really inexpensive and easy to find) and the one handed operation. Most of our setups are light - A7R IV even with our 90mm Macro is still acceptable and works well for us. For our video rigs we still use RC2 but we also use a follow focus and a follow focus foot which helps to hold the lens (even very large heavy lenses such as some of the Cine lenses that we have been testing).
I have always used RC2 for my dslr and off camera lighting gear. Recently I have been trying out landscape photography in portrait style and stitching the photos together in post. Because the manfrotto does not have an L bracket ( I mean an affordable priced one ) I have been looking at Arca Swiss. For this reason I will buy some cheap Chinese copies for my gear bag. I do love the 3 legged thong orange L bracket, however again at £50 that is a lot for an L bracket , cool looking though !
M... maybe ty this (didn't try it myself): www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-QR-L-Plate-L-Bracket-for-Manfrotto-Bogen-200PL-14-RC2-Ballhead-Clamp/172471986789?hash=item282821aa65:g:rycAAOSwdsFUPyXQ
WARNING: I use the rc2 system for all the reasons mentioned and also found some very low cost knock-offs on ebay. They appeared to be good quality cast aluminum and I put these knock-off plates on many lenses and the recievers on my tripods and monopods. I then recieved one batch of plates that were very crudely cast and that didn't fit and jiggled. Some didnt even operate without taking a file to them. I threw them in the trash but kept using the "good" knock-offs. Fast forward a few years to my son's graduation from UC Berkeley. I had my Canon 70-200 IS II and 7d mkII mounted with a knock-off Manfrotto-style rc 2 quick release on a monopod. It's a great system, quick and easy with one hand, but while mounting this lens/camera combo, it felt loose and jiggled as if the lever had not fully rotated and wedged the plate in tight. Believing the lens/camera to be safely trapped in the receiver, but just not fully tight, I held the monopod with one hand and pushed the lever with the other. I did not have the strap around my neck. THE LEVER SNAPPED OFF INSTANTLY AND THE LENS/CAMERA FELL INSTANTLY FORWARD FROM THE MONOPOD. I was seated in the old Greek theater which is all concrete. Thank goodness my reflexes are still pretty good in my late 50's because I lunged and caught the lens just before it hit the floor. I feel extremely fortunate and see it as a real wake-up call because I sometimes drop things and can't catch them in time. This episode made me realize I have become WAY too casual with the handling of gear that cost a ton of money. I still love the rc2 system, BUT will now only use genuine Manfrotto plates and recievers! I am also adding a safety strap to all my rigs, in case I lose my grip etc. yes they're clunky but it's worth the trouble to me. Cheap knock-off's seem like a great deal, but not if you loose your gear. That's my $2K worth.
I tend to agree that there are better 3'rd party units and worse ones - I also have a few 3'rd party e-bay ones that are just crap. I suggest ordering 3-4 single units from different suppliers on e-bay and finding out which is is decent (usually not the lowest price ones). The problem is that the original Manfrotto is much more expensive (if you need just 1-2 or even 3 units - it might be O.K. - we now use over 30 units - so spending this much money on those is just impractical).
Yep. The brand name can be more expensive for a reason.The problem is that many cheap knock-offs are cast zinc and not aluminum. Then again there is a cheaper cast aluminum (think soda cans, lawn mower blocks, etc.), other than certified casting aluminum. Both of these, the zinc and the soda can aluminum have little strength.
I agree about RC2 functionality, but have had a 3rd party RC2 knock-off break off and just by luck, was able to catch my 7dmkii with 70-200 f2.8 IS II just before it hit the ground. $3000 worth of gear on a $7 mount? Never again. I'll pay for genuine Manfrotto!
70-200mm might be too front heavy for an RC2. In our experience the RC2 is ideal for small to mid size setups. Large or front heavy setups are best used with different plates (longer Arca Swiss or 501). As for 3'rd party - not sure what you got - we had some thumb screws which lost their d-rings but nothing that was really broken. But if you have only a few units get the original Manfrotto - we have well over 20 so buying original Manfrotto units is out of the question.
We actually did mention this (listen again), and yes there are only a handful of RC2 L brackets (we recently tried a non-Manfrotto one which wasn't very good). If this is very important to a user and they don't like the Manfrotto L Bracket Q2 (which some people don't care for and is quite expensive) than Arca Swiss is the only choice.
@@LensVid Thank you! Sorry I missed that mention in the video. I guess Im just wondering why there aren't many RC2 L-brackets. Many people do prefer the RC2 features and it would be great to have any option to the large and expensive Manfrotto one. I dont want to pay to convert all my adapters to Area-Swiss and was hoping someone may have found an option I didnt know about.
Good question. My guess is that RC2 was perceived as a propriety Manfrotto QR (although for many years now you can buy better (or worse) 3'rd party units). This is while Arca Swiss is the "open" and more common standard and hence more manufacturers make accessories that are compatible with it. I personally asked a couple of manufacturers if they can make an RC2 L-bracket but nothing happened so far.
@@LensVid I just found, through a random UA-cam video, a company called Hoage that makes a RC2 to Arca-Swiss adapter for less than $30!!! Any thoughts? www.amazon.com/Haoge-Convertor-Manfrotto-Arca-Swiss-Compatible/dp/B01E613CEY
So, I found out that many cheap Manfrotto RC2 plates are not manufactured accurately, and are undersized. Actually even some Manfrotto originals. This makes them loose, and do not allow the leaver lock to be used to tighten and secure plate completely. It also makes it possible to accidentally release the plate, even if the security lock is on. (I did not manage to do that, but it could probably happen with heavier equipment). I was swearing how shitty RC2 is, and then I seen in this video, that you can secure it by pushing the lock leaver, but it didn't work on my plate i multiple different heads. I found some original Manfrotto plates, and voila they are secure and not moving at all. Wow. So, do not buy RC2 knockoffs of ebay. I found them also to have too much rubber for grip, so they are less stable, and tightening on the screw is actually hard. They are also using heavier metal, than normal Manfrotto plates. I still think I will switch to Arca Swiss, as its design make it fully secure even if the base or plate are out of tolerance, and the loads is distributed better, not just in one point.
Strange. We didn't have that experience at all. We have about 20+ plates and 10-15 bases and although the e-bay stuff is not the same quality control level as the Manfrotto original - I have to say that for us there was never any failures and all the plates fits well and function well. Maybe you got a bad batch? what head are you using (or are you using a simple base?).
Never been a massive fan of the manfrotto connectors. Their heads are amazing, but just hates the RC2. Watched this video to see if I was doing anything wrong. But all the "pros" for RC2 are cons to me. Plus I like that every other company seems to be AS compatible and only Manfrotto do RC2. And maybe some Omni compatible accessories that I prob would not use. I know it was not the intension, but you re-enforced my decision. And for that, I thank you.
I am not here to convince anybody to use RC2 or Arca or anything else. I explained why we prefer RC2 which is for our uses the best system for most of what we do (not everything - especially long telephoto work doesn't fit the bill and in the very rare occasions when we need very heavy video setups), however especially when most companies are moving to somewhat lighter mirrorless bodies/lenses it makes more sense to use RC2 (the biggest drawback of this system is that it can't really handle very heavy payloads but for 0.5-2kg~ it works very well). I am not sure what compatibility you are referring to (unless you do a lot of vertical shoots with your tripod - and there are solutions for that as well - although not as many as with Arca), it is just a quick release - base+plate and that is it. You can put the base on almost any type head (we did that for many non-Manfrotto heads and it work fine). Anyway if you love Arca that is fine - this is not religious conversion - everybody should use what works for him/her.
Concerning cheap knock-offs. Many knock-off products may be made of zinc or cheap aluminum (think soda cans and lawnmower engines). These products have little strength. Machined from a solid block of aluminum has little meaning in this context. A brand name product will be made from aluminum or steel alloys that can be properly heat treated for strength, corrosion resistance, etc. These alloys will be made to military standards and manufactured to the current ISO9000 Quality standard. All the world's industrialized countries adhere to these standards. That means that a bolt or part manufactured anywhere will fit and work as the original design. Even in China. The Chinese can and do make high quality products, you just don't find many of them on e-bay. Brand name products are more expensive because 1) the use of industrial and military standard material, 2) quality control, 3) economies of scale. It costs more to make a few parts than to make millions. Photo gear is in the category of "few parts", and is a very niche market.
To each his own. Regardless, we have mostly completed a new, updated, and much more in-depth quick-release guide that we hope to publish in the not-too-distant future with a lot of new options so it is worth checking it out when it is published.
It is true that the original Manfrotto RC2 base/plate (323) is expensive but there are decent 3'rd party options that are cheaper than most Arca base/plate combos so this should not be a problem.
Great video! Thanks for showing the close ups and sharing your experience. This is priceless!
We have plans for an updated expended version on QR plates - I hope we can shoot it this year.
Great walk through of what’s the best quick release adapter for tripods. I appreciate the time and effort you all put into your review. Thank you!
Wow! Great video, actually gives pros and cons of each system. Like it. Thank you
Thanks! Very informative. Starting to build up my gear and am already tired of switching the plates and was wondering about having1 quick release system.
Nice review, well explained! Six months ago I bought a Quick Release Plate from Manfrotto 323 and I'm still happy with it! :)
I have a Canon 400mm 2.8 which weighs over 6 kg with the camera attachd. The RC2 does a great job here, as you can hold the camera and just clip it to the tripod or monopod. So, no need to screw with one hand and hold with the other hand. Furthermore, if you have Peak Design straps, the Peak Design RC2 plates attached to your camera can be attached with the Peak Design anchor links and you do not need to take the plates off everytime you don't need a tripod. The RC2 head can take the plate even with the links attached. I love it!
Thanks Guilland for sharing! its nice to hear that even a heavy lens like trhe Canon 400mm 2.8 can use the RC2 (I am guessing you are using the RC2 attached to the leg of the lens and not the camera right?
@@IddoGenuth Hello Iddo! Yes, the plate is attached to the lens' foot. It gives you better balance and protects the lens mount from any damage.
I've switched to Arca Swiss and won't be moving back. I found that over time the lever on the Manfrotto type becomes loose and the whole system becomes less stable. The Arca Swiss is much simpler and as long as you've got the plate clamped properly between the jaws it's not going anywhere.
Have you been using original manfrotto 323 or 3'rd party? have you been locking it all the way? (you need to push the big leaver in each time). We have over 30 units (mostly 3'rd party) and we never had this issue. Also - are you using heavy setups? RC2 is not meant for very front heavy/long setups or anything above 2-2.5kg for that matter.
All the way. AS rules.
I use a Kirk replacement bridge for the Manfrotto 500AH fluid head converting it to A/S and able to be rotated 90° depending on the orientation of the A/S plate on the camera body or lens. It is modification suggested to Kirk by Hudson Henry.
Much prefer Arca-Swiss. Lighter, smaller and don't go wrong. Ditched the Manfrotto years ago after problems and have never looked back. Far more options for A-S too.
Yeah
Great and informative clip - but I would like to know can the bottom piece be installed on anything that has a normal screw?
Hi Kevin, are you asking if there are plates with a D-ring that has a flat head screw? if this is what you want to know - yes some 3'rd party plates do - not all. You need to look around.
@@LensVid Yes that's right - thanks so much for confirming.
I think heavy film & TV cameras are connected with this idea ie the Panasonic ENG cameras; the long plate for heads by O'Connor , etc. is supplemented by a SMALLER internal QR plate, all you do is rack a lever on the long plate and the smaller plate is detached from this one. This system also allows the rig to be removed from the tripod, without destroying the rigs balance point, it remains ( providing the larger plate remains undisturbed) but the camera can still be transported separately for weight savings.
What's the cage on 5:44
:) it's our old DIY cage (this whole video is from 2016 and we have every plan of making a new version by the end of the year with lots of new info).
See here for some nostalgic flare:
ua-cam.com/video/3fwn4UBNi-M/v-deo.html
Can you use a R2 Manfrotto plate on a Arca Swiss rail?
Not as far as I know - you are looking for the Manfrotto 200PL pro plate.
This one:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1375463-REG/manfrotto_200pl_pro_200pl_plate_aluminium_rc2.html?BI=6040&KW=&KBID=6920
While I have used RC2 for several years, in particular with the Black Rapid RC2 plate, I recently changed to Arca Swiss to facilitate using an L bracket. As a landscape photographer, the bracket will stay on my camera constantly, and I wanted access to my ports with the bracket on.
Yes, this is one of the only reasons to use Arca (along with using gimbals with long telephoto lenses and really heavy setups in general that RC2 doesn't hold that well). Do note that Manfrotto (and one or two other 3;rd party manufacturers) do have an L bracket with RC2 so if you really like RC2 you can still work with it even with an L bracket - but it is a bit expensive.
good video, thanks for info.
i have both clamp quick release, i prefer the arca swiss style for panorama and for the L bracket on my 5d mark iii. i use also the manfrotto but no mach more than arca swiss clamp (dlc60-lx from sunwayfoto).
Bravo !… you made explanation and options very clear , thanks !
I bought a UTEBIT 323 RC2 Quick Release Plate. I can connect my camera to the plate just fine. However, I can not find a way to connect the above to my tripod. My tripod is a Manfrotto 290 Light. It has a befree live head (if my terminology is correct). Do I need to get a refund or is there a way to make it work? Thanks!
Hi Dean. Yes, your head uses a 501PL plate not a 323...
also, just thought that the Arca Swiss type is better when a heavy rig needs to be balanced on a tripod, or a Steadicam rig, where the rig's balance is important for control of image sharpness; however for still shots, this is not a real concern as > 1/500th of a second shutter speed should take care of this problem, the speed is so fast it takes the shot between oscillations of the camera rig.
RC2 is not the right system for large and heavy rigs. there are better systems for that (usually the larger Manfrotto's such as the 501 etc.).
Do they make that quick release style cage for the Canon M50 EOS?What brand is as that?
What cage are you talking about?
What's the plate you are showing there at 0:48?! Because I need to quickly switch from stills to video, thank you very much!
That is actually a simple (very inexpensive) focusing rail - It is not a video plate. If you want a video plate - you need to know which video system (head) you are going to work with - as you can see around 4:40 we adapted the 501 plate with an RC2 on top - it isn't perfect but it does work if you put the RC2 at the end of the plate.
When comparing the RC2 with the Novoflex (Arca-Swiss) I clearly prefer the Novoflex-System (symply more universal)! ;)
We have actually changed our view somewhat (not completly) since we made this video 5 years ago and we shall make a new video about this topic (more extensive) later this year.
I love my RC2, because its very quick & secure. I use many of the systems in my studio. My topshot rig has also rc2, because of the quickness, arca swiss is also nice, but i prefer a faster workflow.
I'm in the process of switching out all my RC2s to Arca Swiss. I'm a mirrorless video shooter and I want to slim things down, as well as drop a little more weight.
Seems counter-intuitive in my experience as well as in the video above.
Can you also use an Manfrotto RC2 on an arcaswiss ballhead?
No. Not "normally" and not the other way around. There are ways around this using adaptors or converters of different types and shapes two examples - there are many more:
amzn.to/2LotxTf
amzn.to/2LmAynL
Insightful comparison! I'm rather torn at the moment. My tripod is a 20 year old Manfrotto with a fluid video head that supports the 200PL-14 quick release plates (RC2 plates seem compatible with the 200PL mount). The tripod still functions perfectly, and I don't want to replace it. However, I just purchased a new supertelephoto lens that came with an Arca Swiss compatible foot, as well as an L-bracket for my camera that has Arca Swiss compatible rails. I found a Manfrotto-to-Arca Swiss clamp adapter from Sunwayfoto that allows me to mount my lens and L-bracket easily. The problem is that the Manfrotto plate can only orient in one direction: front-to-back. The L-bracket's Arca Swiss plate orientation is side-to-side, while the lens foot's is front-to-back; the lens and the camera mounts are perpendicular to each other. The camera's L-bracket mounts sideways. This wouldn't be a problem, except that my video head can't tilt to the side; if the camera is mounted sideways, I can't tilt it up or down at all - not good! I suppose I could put an Arca Swiss plate on my camera and orient it front-to-back so that it would match the orientation of my tripod head, but then I wouldn't be able to use my L-bracket or mount my camera in portrait orientation on my tripod. Or, possibly, I could get an Arca Swiss "panning clamp" that can be rotated independently of the tripod, but those cost as much as getting an entirely new head for my tripod - an expense that I'm trying to avoid. Arg!
I forgot to mention, another alternative would be to get a Manfrotto compatible plate and screw it onto my lens foot, but then I'd be ignoring the existing mounting apparatus of the lens foot, and I wouldn't be able to slide the lens forward or back to adjust the balance. Also, I wouldn't be able to use my L-bracket.
That is a problem many people face and I am not sure there is a global solution. As we mentioned in the video the RC2 system is better for general use - every-day type photography but for longer lenses/using L-brakets etc. Arca Swiss is still the way to go - you will just need to find a way to work with both systems I guess.
Hudson Henry switched to a fluid head several years ago and has at least three videos of his channel showing how he adapts to Arca Swiss.
Very good. The RC2 plate looks bigger,mi wonder if it’s too big for my Canon M50
opinion on kessler?
Can you be a little more specific?
they got the kwik release and you can just push it down and it snaps in place you however have to push the lever to lock it
Do you have the Ronin SC? and are both these compatible with it?
No. Although we might get it later on - so I can't really answer 100% at this point...
Excellent video. Very informative. I have a question. Will the L bracket MPU 105 fit on my RC2 or will I need to get an arca Swiss type?
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
Thanks. No, it doesn't seem to be the right fit (it looks like an Arca L bracket, not an RC2). Manfrotto has this one:
amzn.to/2QAFXqM (which is very expensive and got a few so-so reviews) and you can find a few less expensive alternatives - like this one amzn.to/2QEpXnD (not sure how good it is). We got ourselves a third party one and it needs some work to make it clamp perfectly...
@@LensVid you should not promote this antisocial company...
@@networkedperson ?
@@IddoGenuth ua-cam.com/users/DemocracyNowsearch?query=amazon
Is it easy to put RC2 on 501PL plate?
We didn't find it particularly difficult - we just locked the RC2 base at the end of the 501 plate (otherwise the lock on the base will not allow it to sit flush).
I'll stick with Arca Swiss. There are so many more options available from high-end to affordable. Plus I can get a tiny DP25 plate for my smaller cameras. Super compact.
I have bought a Manfrotto 055 xpro3 with RC2 and I was searching eBay to find a 3rd party inexpensive L-bracket for my DSLR. Is there any way to attach the camera with the L-bracket on it...in the vertical position on RC2?
Not inexpensively sadly (not that I know of) - Manfrotto has one
www.manfrotto.ca/l-bracket-q2
Here is another:
www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-QR-L-Plate-L-Bracket-for-Manfrotto-Bogen-200PL-14-RC2-Ballhead-Clamp-/172471986789
Lensvid Thank you very much but they are both out of my range. I think I should look for an arca Swiss type head now...😤
Yap - that is a disadvantage of the RC2 sadly.
Helped me a lot. thanx. Is there today another option possible?
There are a lot of quick releases on the market - these are probably some of the most popular (for stills at least - for video there are more common larger and longer plate systems).
B.T.W. in the very near future we will be publishing a review about a new type of mini quick release system that we really like - it is not really for cameras (maybe GoPros etc.) but more for accessories (lights, recorders, monitors etc.) and is very useful.
Anyone know what plate the zhiyun crane 2 use?
See if this reddit helps you:
www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/7ot4qp/zhiyun_crane_2_quick_release_plate_compatibility/
Lensvid thank you. I did see it but the two responses given on the thread are conflicting and not definitive.
M... not sure.
Some people have recommended the Manfrotto MA394 quick release system for my C100. What's the difference between this and the RC2? I'm confused what to get. Thanks!
You can think of the Manfrotto MA394 as the bigger brother to the RC2. We reviewed the Manfrotto 405 head which uses this plate system - ua-cam.com/video/PxQQXYE_srM/v-deo.html
For a large camera like a C100 it might make sense - for using it with DSLR or mirrorless cameras - not so much. Our unit also requires a bit more force to open and close than an RC2 but maybe it is just our unit.
Like you, I use a close to a dozen RC2 connections, particularly on my video cage--yes, like you, attaching things to the top and bottoms of TASCAM recorders and such. I also mount video cameras with Manfrotto super clamps and ball heads in high locations, and I do feel better being able to lock them down with on hand while hanging on a ladder with the other.
Good to hear that others are doing the same and feeling the same about RC2 - it isn't perfect but for day-to-day it is by far our choice. There is a new product that we want to look at soon - this is an arca/RC2 hybrid plate:
www.promediagear.com/PXM1-HYBRID-Manfrotto-Type-RC2-with-Arca-Swiss-Type-Plate-Built-in-Features-Quick-Release-Strap-Port_p_344.html
I talked to the company and suggested that they will consider doing a version of their 501 hybrid plate:
www.promediagear.com/PM501-Manfrotto-Type-Quick-Release-Plate-with-Arca-Swiss-Type-Clamp-Built-in-Compatible-with-501PL-RC3-RC5-NG-Heads-Features-Quick-Release-Strap-Port_p_343.html
that will be compatible with RC2 (this one is compatible with ARCA so you can use their hybrid ARCA-RC2 but you can't use your dozens of RC2 plates...). Interesting ideas non the less.
Super interesting video. Thanks for sharing. I just bought a Zhiyun Crane and I own the Manfrotto Monopod and the BeFree Live tripod that both use 501 plates. Would you recommend RC2 to mount on the crane, and do DYI solution of adding RC2 plates on my tripod and monopod ?? I can't find a 501 plate that fits on the Crane. Thank You!
Thanks Jean Marc - yes we are actually going to do a review on the Crane II soon - our plan is exactly to put an RC2 on it and see how it goes (I saw a few other people do that and it seems to work for them).
I am talking to a company that thinks about doing a 501 with a built in RC2 on top - not sure if they will be able to but they are also working on a hybrid ARCA-RC2 plate - really cool thing - we will do a video when we shall have more info on that one.
Sounds interesting indeed.. I just bought a RC2 for my Crane II and will test.. If it works, I will have to buy more RC2 to put on top of my Monopod MVMXPRO500 and on my Befree LIVE travel tripod... which is really frustrating and absurd..
Manfrotto is not consistent with the type of quick release they use for their new gear and sadly even some of their new RC2 are not as good as the older design - not sure why (probably to cut costs).
I will test this on our crane ii soon and see what I will come up with. As for RC2 not being fit for professional rig - that is BS - it is a great fit as long as your gear in not too big or too front heavy (so no it isn't a good fit for a C300 or and Alexa but you can shoot pro video with an A7RII and for that it is a perfect fit).
That is a complain I have from day 1 - I also mentioned this to Manfrotto (and a few other 3'rd party manufacturers I talked to and make knock off of the RC2 base). There are ways around this but it is annoying non the less.
I put RC2 bases on almost anything - so for me it is as close to universal as it can be. As I mentioned in the video - there are very few specific cases where I would not recommend RC2 (such as when you need and L shaped bracket, when you are using have and front heavy gear and large video gear - other than that RC2 is in my view a much better option than Arca Swiss).
Completely agree. Thank you for the great video
Excellent video, thank you.
A WORD OF CAUTION ON THE MANFROTTO RC2 PLATES: I've had one expensive camera body and two expensive lenses ruined by what seems to be a design issue with many Manfrotto OEM and Knock-off RC2 plates. That being that the RC2 mounting plates often have a recessed hole around where the mounting lug screw goes through the plate, and the shoulder of that hole on many plates will easily hold up one side of the screw lug just enough to allow the plate latching lever to grab the plate, seemingly securely but not enough to completely latch, at which point if the camera is moved slightly the latch will release and the plate and camera will be ejected.
Even though I was aware of the issue and was careful when attaching plates I was two times, first time costing me a $1200 camera body and $475 lens and the second time a $700 lens and a $300 camera repair. I've written to Manfrotto twice about this but have received no response.
The actual OEM "Manfrotto 200PL-38 Rectangular Quick Release Plate with 3/8" Screw " (Now Discontinued) seems to be the most dangerous offender and of which I have several that were supplied with the Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter.
www.manfrotto.com.br/rectangular-plate-with-3-8-screw.html
If your RC2 plate screw will slide over the ridge of the recessed hole in the bottom of the plate as shown in the lower left corner of this image it may prevent it from latching properly and you are at risk of damage to your equipment:
tripodquickrelease.com/plates/200PL-14.jpg
Hi Jack - thanks for sharing. I honestly didn't understand what the problem you are talking about is. I think I have two dozen 3'rd party RC2 plates plus a few original ones and apart from one 3'rd party plate where the D-ring broke (poor manufacturing I guess) they all seem to work perfectly O.K. for years (I think I also have one 3'rd party base where some plates feel a bit too small - but again - this is the price you pay for 3'rd party cheap stuff - I can live with that for the price - especially since I have so many of them and for the most part they work fine).
Maybe you should make a quick video about this showing the problem if you have time. Since we are always talking to Manfrotto I can ask them about that.
I missed this post - sorry. I think you are generalising a bit. Manfrotto has a VERY large portfolio (and it is true that they are buying new companies like there is not tomorrow, and I am probably more sad about KATA than most people - actually knowing personally most of the team). With that said - Manfrotto has some great gear - some of their studio gear is fantastic (see our 405 gear head review and there is a lot more). They do have budget stuff that is of lower quality (again very large portfolio does that) but saying they have no pro gear is just plain wrong (especially if you are including their other brands like Gitzo etc.).
Completely agree as well.
I prefer the rc2 as I have adapted them to work with my black rapid straps so I can go from strap to tripod and back again seamlessly.
Thanks, very clear and informative.
Thanks - since 2016 a lot changed. We have a plan to make a more comprehensive video looking at new quick-release options that came into the market since then.
Excellent presentation. Every UA-cam host should tear a page from your book.
I have an RC2 break about every 6 months, I never had an Arc Swiss fail.
Original Manfrotto 323? there are many 3'rd party units that are sub-par...
@@IddoGenuth, I have a mix of both. But if the off-brand is breaking, then it is economically prohibitive to use only the Manfrotto mounts, which break as well.
@@Lexington101 We have over 50 units all around the studio. Over the past 10 years, we had maybe 4 that failed - you don't have to buy the original ones but you need to find a good off-brand one (typically not the least $$) - look for options that got a lot of positive reviews on Amazon.
We are preparing an updated video on this whole topic soon - so stay tuned.
One day I locked my 5DMk3 into the RC2, pushing the lever forward. I let go and so did it, allowing my camera to tumble. Luckily I was able to catch it. There was some defect in a screw holding the mechanism. At the time I was able to find a bunch of others with the same issue. I managed to put it back together and it happened again, this time my newly installed leash prevented the fall. So then I used Loctite on the screw and problem solved, for now. I saw that screw backing out again. Done with that cheap crap forever. I kept the Manfrotto 055XPro and ball head but found a nice conversions piece to put Arca Swiss on it. Leash is gone and so is any chance of it falling with a RRS Arca Swiss. That RC2 and several overpriced plates are in my junk drawer.
Interesting experience Mike - thanks for sharing. I am not sure I completely understand what you found wrong with the RC2 - what piece malfunctioned exactly? did you use original Manfrotto plate or 3'rd party ones (some 3'rd party units are better made than others). Also - did it happen with just one head - even Manfrotto have defected units from time to time like any other company.
Lensvid So on the bottom of the receiver mechanism is an Allen screw that holds the lever in place. It screws into the part that the lever pivots on. This screw worked its way loose. The Allen head is actually worn from my several attempts to retighten it. When this screw loosens, the locking lever is able to move upwards releasing the plate. All my plates are Manfrotto. I can post a picture so you can visualize it better if needed. If they are still made this way, yours should be routinely checked or even removed and loctite applied.
Interesting. We have over 30 QR bases (and even more plates) most are 3'rd party and in non of them did we ever get the phenomenon that you are describing.
Did this happen on just one unit? what king of weight did you put on this (what type of lenses? RC2 in our view is good for low to mid size cameras - nothing beyond say FF DSLR with 24-70mm lens).
Lensvid I used just the one and with a Canon 5D MK3 with battery grip and 16-34 lens. I never felt it was stable with my 70-200 2.8 at about 7 lbs. It feels very stable with Arca-Swiss. Did you look at your QR bases to find the screw I’m talking about? At the time I found this there were numerous complaints on it. This was a number of years ago so maybe they have adjusted their design. I remember at the time looking also to change to an L-Bracket. The Manfrotto offering was substandard in so many ways. I have two L-Brackets from RRS that fit my camera exactly, so no slop and I can quickly change from ball head to gimbal and pano. I can also keep the L-Bracket on and attach a single point strap when needed. I have also been looking at Arca-Swiss QR with lever locks and safety mechanisms that let you set the camera in and it’s locked so it can’t fall and the the lever that tightens it up. So if that kind of use is important, they make them. I’ve been considering changing my ball head to a Manfrotto fluid head. I don’t do video, but the stability of it is a nice idea. Kirk makes an adapter to convert it over to Arca-Swiss, so I could keep using my plates. Those are RC4 I believe, so yet a different plate. To me, the one handed insertion and capture that the RC2 does is just not good enough considering all the versatility and standardized mounting I get with Arca-Swiss. Maybe with video equipment, you do need that quick connection, but I need versatility and secure connections. But also if I ever did need that quick functionality, those QD plates exist.
70-200mm is way too much for RC2 in my opinion - it is a small plate and the way it is designed is not meant for higher weights or front heavy setups.
Different people have different considerations when it comes to QR plates. Some people need the most secure plates/bases for heavy gear, others need L brackets or compatibility with different accessories.
For us the reason we choose RC2 is the low cost (3'rd party ones are really inexpensive and easy to find) and the one handed operation. Most of our setups are light - A7R IV even with our 90mm Macro is still acceptable and works well for us.
For our video rigs we still use RC2 but we also use a follow focus and a follow focus foot which helps to hold the lens (even very large heavy lenses such as some of the Cine lenses that we have been testing).
I have always used RC2 for my dslr and off camera lighting gear.
Recently I have been trying out landscape photography in portrait style and stitching the photos together in post.
Because the manfrotto does not have an L bracket ( I mean an affordable priced one ) I have been looking at Arca Swiss. For this reason I will buy some cheap Chinese copies for my gear bag. I do love the 3 legged thong orange L bracket, however again at £50 that is a lot for an L bracket , cool looking though !
M... maybe ty this (didn't try it myself):
www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-QR-L-Plate-L-Bracket-for-Manfrotto-Bogen-200PL-14-RC2-Ballhead-Clamp/172471986789?hash=item282821aa65:g:rycAAOSwdsFUPyXQ
Lensvid
Yep, that looks like it will the job.
Good call there Lensvid
WARNING: I use the rc2 system for all the reasons mentioned and also found some very low cost knock-offs on ebay.
They appeared to be good quality cast aluminum and I put these knock-off plates on many lenses and the recievers on my tripods and monopods. I then recieved one batch of plates that were very crudely cast and that didn't fit and jiggled. Some didnt even operate without taking a file to them. I threw them in the trash but kept using the "good" knock-offs.
Fast forward a few years to my son's graduation from UC Berkeley. I had my Canon 70-200 IS II and 7d mkII mounted with a knock-off Manfrotto-style rc 2 quick release on a monopod. It's a great system, quick and easy with one hand, but while mounting this lens/camera combo, it felt loose and jiggled as if the lever had not fully rotated and wedged the plate in tight. Believing the lens/camera to be safely trapped in the receiver, but just not fully tight, I held the monopod with one hand and pushed the lever with the other. I did not have the strap around my neck.
THE LEVER SNAPPED OFF INSTANTLY AND THE LENS/CAMERA FELL INSTANTLY FORWARD FROM THE MONOPOD.
I was seated in the old Greek theater which is all concrete. Thank goodness my reflexes are still pretty good in my late 50's because I lunged and caught the lens just before it hit the floor. I feel extremely fortunate and see it as a real wake-up call because I sometimes drop things and can't catch them in time.
This episode made me realize I have become WAY too casual with the handling of gear that cost a ton of money.
I still love the rc2 system, BUT will now only use genuine Manfrotto plates and recievers!
I am also adding a safety strap to all my rigs, in case I lose my grip etc. yes they're clunky but it's worth the trouble to me.
Cheap knock-off's seem like a great deal, but not if you loose your gear. That's my $2K worth.
I tend to agree that there are better 3'rd party units and worse ones - I also have a few 3'rd party e-bay ones that are just crap. I suggest ordering 3-4 single units from different suppliers on e-bay and finding out which is is decent (usually not the lowest price ones). The problem is that the original Manfrotto is much more expensive (if you need just 1-2 or even 3 units - it might be O.K. - we now use over 30 units - so spending this much money on those is just impractical).
Yep. The brand name can be more expensive for a reason.The problem is that many cheap knock-offs are cast zinc and not aluminum. Then again there is a cheaper cast aluminum (think soda cans, lawn mower blocks, etc.), other than certified casting aluminum. Both of these, the zinc and the soda can aluminum have little strength.
I agree about RC2 functionality, but have had a 3rd party RC2 knock-off break off and just by luck, was able to catch my 7dmkii with 70-200 f2.8 IS II just before it hit the ground. $3000 worth of gear on a $7 mount? Never again. I'll pay for genuine Manfrotto!
70-200mm might be too front heavy for an RC2. In our experience the RC2 is ideal for small to mid size setups. Large or front heavy setups are best used with different plates (longer Arca Swiss or 501).
As for 3'rd party - not sure what you got - we had some thumb screws which lost their d-rings but nothing that was really broken. But if you have only a few units get the original Manfrotto - we have well over 20 so buying original Manfrotto units is out of the question.
Hi, it's really hard to follow, when the sound is that bad. Just get rid of the popping hiss noise!
One ruing you failed to consider us the lack of l-brackets for Manfrotto. There is one but it’s very bulky. Arca has many inexpensive to choose from.
We actually did mention this (listen again), and yes there are only a handful of RC2 L brackets (we recently tried a non-Manfrotto one which wasn't very good). If this is very important to a user and they don't like the Manfrotto L Bracket Q2 (which some people don't care for and is quite expensive) than Arca Swiss is the only choice.
@@LensVid Thank you! Sorry I missed that mention in the video. I guess Im just wondering why there aren't many RC2 L-brackets. Many people do prefer the RC2 features and it would be great to have any option to the large and expensive Manfrotto one. I dont want to pay to convert all my adapters to Area-Swiss and was hoping someone may have found an option I didnt know about.
Good question. My guess is that RC2 was perceived as a propriety Manfrotto QR (although for many years now you can buy better (or worse) 3'rd party units). This is while Arca Swiss is the "open" and more common standard and hence more manufacturers make accessories that are compatible with it.
I personally asked a couple of manufacturers if they can make an RC2 L-bracket but nothing happened so far.
@@LensVid I just found, through a random UA-cam video, a company called Hoage that makes a RC2 to Arca-Swiss adapter for less than $30!!! Any thoughts? www.amazon.com/Haoge-Convertor-Manfrotto-Arca-Swiss-Compatible/dp/B01E613CEY
No convinced. I'll stick with the Arca Swiss type.
That is perfectly fine. As we noted in the video - there will be situations and use cases where Arca Swiss will be better.
2019-3-9 首次阅览
拍得很好，继续加油
So, I found out that many cheap Manfrotto RC2 plates are not manufactured accurately, and are undersized. Actually even some Manfrotto originals. This makes them loose, and do not allow the leaver lock to be used to tighten and secure plate completely. It also makes it possible to accidentally release the plate, even if the security lock is on. (I did not manage to do that, but it could probably happen with heavier equipment). I was swearing how shitty RC2 is, and then I seen in this video, that you can secure it by pushing the lock leaver, but it didn't work on my plate i multiple different heads. I found some original Manfrotto plates, and voila they are secure and not moving at all. Wow. So, do not buy RC2 knockoffs of ebay. I found them also to have too much rubber for grip, so they are less stable, and tightening on the screw is actually hard. They are also using heavier metal, than normal Manfrotto plates. I still think I will switch to Arca Swiss, as its design make it fully secure even if the base or plate are out of tolerance, and the loads is distributed better, not just in one point.
Strange. We didn't have that experience at all. We have about 20+ plates and 10-15 bases and although the e-bay stuff is not the same quality control level as the Manfrotto original - I have to say that for us there was never any failures and all the plates fits well and function well. Maybe you got a bad batch? what head are you using (or are you using a simple base?).
Never been a massive fan of the manfrotto connectors. Their heads are amazing, but just hates the RC2. Watched this video to see if I was doing anything wrong. But all the "pros" for RC2 are cons to me.
Plus I like that every other company seems to be AS compatible and only Manfrotto do RC2. And maybe some Omni compatible accessories that I prob would not use. I know it was not the intension, but you re-enforced my decision. And for that, I thank you.
I am not here to convince anybody to use RC2 or Arca or anything else. I explained why we prefer RC2 which is for our uses the best system for most of what we do (not everything - especially long telephoto work doesn't fit the bill and in the very rare occasions when we need very heavy video setups), however especially when most companies are moving to somewhat lighter mirrorless bodies/lenses it makes more sense to use RC2 (the biggest drawback of this system is that it can't really handle very heavy payloads but for 0.5-2kg~ it works very well).
I am not sure what compatibility you are referring to (unless you do a lot of vertical shoots with your tripod - and there are solutions for that as well - although not as many as with Arca), it is just a quick release - base+plate and that is it. You can put the base on almost any type head (we did that for many non-Manfrotto heads and it work fine).
Anyway if you love Arca that is fine - this is not religious conversion - everybody should use what works for him/her.
👍🏾🙏🏾
You ALL have small hands.....err....why?
Lol, I believe Nikon is pronounced as Nee-kon; says Japan
But its immortallized in Paul Simon's Kodachrome song as "Nigh-kon".
Concerning cheap knock-offs. Many knock-off products may be made of zinc or cheap aluminum (think soda cans and lawnmower engines). These products have little strength. Machined from a solid block of aluminum has little meaning in this context.
A brand name product will be made from aluminum or steel alloys that can be properly heat treated for strength, corrosion resistance, etc. These alloys will be made to military standards and manufactured to the current ISO9000 Quality standard. All the world's industrialized countries adhere to these standards. That means that a bolt or part manufactured anywhere will fit and work as the original design. Even in China. The Chinese can and do make high quality products, you just don't find many of them on e-bay.
Brand name products are more expensive because 1) the use of industrial and military standard material, 2) quality control, 3) economies of scale. It costs more to make a few parts than to make millions.
Photo gear is in the category of "few parts", and is a very niche market.
RC2 was the best !
Can't disagree more. We live in different universes. With all due respect.
To each his own. Regardless, we have mostly completed a new, updated, and much more in-depth quick-release guide that we hope to publish in the not-too-distant future with a lot of new options so it is worth checking it out when it is published.
look like you bought cheap RC2 plates. That's why it doesn't fit well.
Who are you commenting on? our 3'rd party plates work very well.
Agg Iddo, Manfrotto is 2 expensive; not value for money
It is true that the original Manfrotto RC2 base/plate (323) is expensive but there are decent 3'rd party options that are cheaper than most Arca base/plate combos so this should not be a problem.
Never made it to the final verdict. You have the most unsuitable voice to do a voice-over. Ask someone else to do it.
He did a very good job, he helped me decide on what to buy. Be thankful
No battle at all - RC2 is a crappy system! My RC2 clamps and plates ended in my trash can...
And why is that?
rc2 sucks lol period
Sully Cortez ...won't you explain why?
Yeah, not exactly informative.