As a beginner travel photographer using 35 mm equipment, my
most important accessory was a good tripod. When I moved to a
larger format, I bought a lighter carbon fiber tripod and a good
ball head. I never thought of any additions to my support system
as I was comfortable with what I had. Horizontal images were always easy, and verticals
worked well too with a quick turn of the rotating camera back.
I recently purchased a digital camera for travel shots and for
when a large-format camera is not practical. I soon realized
that something was missing. To get vertical shots I needed to
flip my ball head. This destabilized my camera system as the
camera was not well balanced, and it was difficult to compose
due to the lowered camera height. What a pain!
What was needed was an L-bracket. An L-bracket can fit your
camera to make it easier to place it on the head for both vertical
and horizontal shots. There is no need to flip the ball head
to capture a vertical image.
Who makes them?
There are two major L-bracket players in the market, and both
are US based. One is Really
Right Stuff
, and the other is Kirk
Enterprises.
From my research, products from both of these companies are of
high quality and very precise. I ended up choosing Kirk simply
because of the way Mr. Kirk responded to my queries and because
the price was right. Mr. Kirk was very patient, and had the items
I needed in stock. He was very helpful, and answered all
my questions. He also accepted different methods of payment
(in my case, Paypal).
I needed L-brackets for
my two digital bodies, and a quick
release platform
. As I occasionally do macro and panorama
work, I also decided to order a long
rail plate
, too.
First Impression
It started with the communication with your business partner.
Mr. Kirk gets 10/10 here. He responded quickly to my emails,
and was ready to ship in my required time-frame. The order was
placed and shipped within 24 hours. It doesn't get better
than this. I have previously had very bad experiences with the
shipping from overseas - Items not packed well, wrong item sent,
or worst no item sent. There were no problems whatsoever in this
case.
What’s in the package?
The items were packed perfectly, with an enclosed invoice and
a small information brochure. Each item was individually packed,
and included precise instructions on how it works. Each item
gives evidence to the fine craftsmanship – ultra smooth
operation without leaking oil or grease. It is just as
one wants it.
The L-brackets fit like a second skin to the camera bodies.
I have access to all of the buttons and knobs on my cameras.
Clearly a lot of time and money has been spent on the Research & Development
of these products.
The quick release plate fits well on my ball head. The
L-bracket works fine with the quick release plate, and the same
is true of the long rail plate.
Field Test
This is the most important test of any accessory - how it works
in the field. After about 6
weeks of use I no longer notice the L brackets on the body. They
weigh next to nothing and do not bother me. Nor are they
a hindrance to viewing or composing.
The quick release plate works exactly as advertised. The
camera can be removed or replaced at a twist of a knob. The built-in
spirit level is also a great help. The internal mechanisms work
fine with no leaking oil or grease (although I have not yet figured
out how the stop screws work with the L bracket).
The long rail plate works fine and has a quick release clamp
of its own. A camera with a quick release plate or an L- bracket
fits into it easily. One can rotate the clamp 90 degrees for
additional flexibility. It takes time to get used to this item.
In the beginning I occasionally mounted the camera on the clamp
horizontally, and then realized I need to re-mount it vertically.
You need to do some previsualization. This is not a negative
point really, just part of getting used to the new accessory.
Earlier it was an exercise in frustration to get a macro shot
- place the tripod, fumble with the composition, move the tripod
a little closer, then recompose and so on. With the long rail
plate this all becomes very easy. Place the tripod where
you want, release the knob of the clamp, and slide the camera
on the rail until you get the composition you want. Done!
Conclusion
The first question that you may ask is, do I need these items?
Ultimately, that is for you to decide. These small items can
make a big difference. They can prevent you from fumbling and
getting frustrated in the field, not getting the shot you want.
In tha past, I always found it difficult to get vertical shots
using the tripod. With the addition of an L-bracket, getting
that vertical image is very easy now. Some of the best uses of
these items can be making large panoramas or macro shots.
In hindsight, it might have been wise to invest in the focusing
rail from Kirk. It has precise markings, which help you to rotate
the camera about the nodal point for perfect panoramas. It
also works much better for macro shots with greater magnification.
I wish the quick release platform came with the 1/4-3/8 bushing
but that is a small thing.
Overall rating: Highly Recommended!!
About the Author
Prashant Khapane is a self-taught photographer whose work can
be seen at www.prashanteju.de
Prashant can be contacted at prashant@prashanteju.de
