Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (
More info?)
Randy Berbaum wrote:
>Terry <no@email.invalid> wrote:
>
>: There *is* a standard -- it's the machine screw.
>
>: I don't know of any monopod or tripod that has a *non-removeable*
>: quick release plate. Usually they don't come with quick-release plates
>: at all, you have to add that. What brand/model are you talking about?
>
>My newest monopod is a Slik E-Z pod jr. that I purchased from B&H. The
>Quick Release is built right into the top of the pod. I suspect that I
>could figure a way to break the whole head off the pole, but then I would
>have a hollow tube to mount a new head to. I don't have my tripod infront
>of me so I can't give a make and model, but the same thing is true on it.
>the QR is built right into the pan/tilt head. I have found that unless you
>go to a professional grade support (with proffesional grade price) most
>inexpensive supports tend to have the QR built right into the head
>assembly. I tend to go with the less expensive (but still very useable)
>supports as the vast majority of my shooting is hand held and thus
>spending grocery (or rent) money to get a larger, heavier support, that I
>would use even less as I don't want to lug the thing around all day, isn't
>practicle.
>
>I have both a monopod and a tripod so I only have to carry the least I
>have to. If I am going out with the intention of taking lots of low light
>or panorama photos I'll lug the tripod. If I just want a little steading
>support for probable long tele shots I carry the monopod. And many days I
>am looking for more spur-of-the-moment shots, where quick reaction time is
>more important than fussing with a support system. There have been times
>around home that I would like to shoot a tripod shot, then want to unclip
>the camera to shoot people in the shade (which would benfit from the
>monopod). But the time it takes to remove one QR plate and install another
>one is the time it takes the camera shy subjects to realize I am about to
>turn around and make themselves scarce. The same QR fitting on both
>supports would allow a quicker response time to changing conditions.
>
>I guess I'll just have to go with stacked QR systems to get what I want
>(at a price I am willing to pay).
>
Interesting, I haven't seen monopods or tripods with these built in
like that. I agree with you that these are foolish, exactly because
they make it difficult to change cameras or supports. You want the
same system to be used throughout your kit.
However, you do not have to "go to professional grade support (with
professional grade prices)" to get this.
You can purchase monopods and tripods for similar money without
built-in quick release fittings. Your e-z pod jr is about $40. The
Slik lighty pod with ball head is $50, and the Slik Monopod 350 is
$30, and neither has a QR plate. There are many other examples, just
start searching B&H.
Of course, now that you already own the equipment, it probably is
easiest to just use a stacked QR system. Note that if you get the QR
accessory to match one of your system, then you'll only have to stack
on one of the tripod or monopod, not both.
Terry
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