L-Bracket

[MarkBarbieri]

I decided that it's finally time to break down and get an L-Bracket. I'm looking at the RRS and the Kirk. Anyone have any reason why I should prefer one over the other? Are there any good alternatives that I've missed?

 

[SharonLowe]

I would go on price and what makes sense for your set-up. Not any good alternatives. I keep meaning to put the RRS kit - new head and L bracket - on my gift idea list but keep finding other things instead. Maybe I'll slip the idea in before Xmas.

 

[boBQuincy]

It doesn't look like you would go wrong with either one. From a mechanical engineering standpoint (actually I'm electrical) the RRS looks like a better design, possibly stiffer at the bend between the horizontal and vertical areas.

After Christmas shopping is over I might need one too!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I think I'll go with the RRS bracket. It still seems wrong to spend almost $200 on about a $1 worth of metal.

BTW, I sold my Canon stock this week, so I no longer have a direct financial stake in any photography equipment makers.

 

[boBQuincy]

I think I'll go with the RRS bracket. It still seems wrong to spend almost $200 on about a $1 worth of metal.

It does seem wrong, but from my limited machining experience it would take me about 20 hours to turn that $1 worth of metal into a usable bracket.
It would also take several $1 pieces of metal... I have a very high scrap rate.

 

[mabas9395]

To all of those wondering exactly what this conversation is all about, try this:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/rrs-l.shtml

 

[Groucho]

That is a huge price tag for a very simple piece of equipment. Even factoring in the R&D and low demand.

I suspect putting $200 into photography classes would pay more dividends to one's photography than an L-bracket. Something like that ought to cost $20, tops. Good grief, a few years ago, I bought a custom-designed mounting bracket for my home theater projector, including several pieces of custom-cut metal (much larger than an L-bracket), special screws, etc, designed and sold by an enthusiast for one specific projector, for about half the cost of the L-bracket.

 

[SharonLowe]

Groucho - If you do a lot of portraits and use your flash on the camera, an L bracket is a must so you don't get shadows when your turn your camera for a portrait orientation image. I make do with a synch cord and holding the flash in one hand while shooting with the other when I am working outside, but I don't do that every day. If I did weddings or was shooting portraits without my studio lights every day, I would happily spend that $200. And, workflow wise, it is too much work to shoot everything in landscape and crop afterwards.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

That is a huge price tag for a very simple piece of equipment. Even factoring in the R&D and low demand.

I suspect putting $200 into photography classes would pay more dividends to one's photography than an L-bracket. Something like that ought to cost $20, tops. Good grief, a few years ago, I bought a custom-designed mounting bracket for my home theater projector, including several pieces of custom-cut metal (much larger than an L-bracket), special screws, etc, designed and sold by an enthusiast for one specific projector, for about half the cost of the L-bracket.

I agree that the price is absurd. Unfortunately, I don't have the materials, tools, or skills to fabricate my own bracket. I have not found any alternative brackets to the RRS or Kirk brackets (which was one of the things I asked about here). In the profit margin of the sellers is irrelevant; it's simply a question of whether the added capability is worth the price.

As for whether the money would be better spent on classes (or other photographic purchases), that's a determination that will vary from person to person. For me, I'm pretty certain that I'd benefit more from the extra equipment than any additional classes offered to me. I do, however, believe strongly in investing in books, classes, and workshops and do that as well. The knowledge you gain will server you longer than any piece of equipment you buy.

Coincidentally, it was at a workshop last year that I was taught how useful L-Brackets are. I just haven't been able to bring myself to spend that much money on a small slug of metal (however nicely machined) until now. Thankfully, high oil prices have made Santa a little more generous to me this year.

This is also something to consider if you are looking at two tripod heads, one of which supports Arca-type brackets and one of which does not. If it is the former, an entire world of special brackets for cameras and lenses is open to you. They may be overpriced, but they are quite useful. There is a reason why you see them used almost universally on pro gear.

RRS has a page that discusses L-Bracket.

 

[boBQuincy]

Bah, humbug! Just order a small milling machine from Micro-Mark, a few end mills, and some aluminum from OnlineMetals and have at it! About $600 and a few days later you will have a custom L bracket *and* the capability of making plenty more.

I have all that equipment and still considered $55 for the camera bracket to be a bargain. At the $200 point I may try to make my own but it's still not much of a cost savings when my time is figured in.

Another option: if you are good with CAD there are plenty of online machine shops that will turn your drawings into metal, at competitive prices.

My thoughts on buy vs make: if you can buy it, buy it. If you can't buy it, that's the time to think about making it yourself.

 

[Groucho]

Sharon, I'm not questioning that it can be useful but that it is pretty darm overpriced for a little chunk of metal. I suspect you could get one custom CNC-machined for less money. Also, I think what Mark is talking about won't help with the flash being sideways; it's for quickly mounting the camera in portrait orientation and doesn't do anything with the flash - that's another bracket, more $$$.