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Hi everyone,

I'm preparing to buy new tripod setup and would like some opinions on the clamp on the RSS ball heads. I'm thinking of getting the Gitzo G1325 tripod and an RSS BH-55 head. (It's more than I need for my 80-400vr and kit, but should last a lifetime.) But the BH-55 ball head comes with a couple of clamp options.

The LR version has a lever clamp that looks very convenient, but they say it is not compatible with all manufacturers (only RSS and Wimberley). I'm wondering if I should get the regular screw knob clamp that works with all the Arca-Swiss style plates, or the quicker easier incompatible clamp?

I currently don't have any Arca-Swiss plates so could easily get RSS ones, but should I be limited to a manufacture? Has anyone run into problems with a lever clamp before?

Thanks

Daniel

What other manufacturers (Lens plate + camera plates) are not compatible with the RRS lever clamp?
If they are Aeca Swis then they should work.
Guaranteed!

Hi Birddog,
I'm going by RSS's own quote:

NOTE: Choose a Lever Release clamp ONLY if you have quick release plates from Really Right Stuff or Wimberley. Lever Release clamp are not user-adjustable, and different manufacturers may follow different standards when producing Arca-Swiss compatible plates. Specifically, our Lever Release clamps do not work with plates from Markins, AcraTech, Arca-Swiss, and some Kirk plates–the dovetails are too shallow. Choose a screw-knob clamp if you have plates OTHER than those from RRS or Wimberley.

Daniel

I didn't have any problems with Markins plates on RRS, Markins only made lens & camera plates.
So far tried all other and worked well.
But lever clamp can't not adjust as their website mentioned.

birddog114 wrote:I didn't have any problems with Markins plates on RRS, Markins only made lens & camera plates.
So far tried all other and worked well.
But lever clamp can't not adjust as their website mentioned.

Thanks birddog. It's good to know it is not as bad as RSS make it sound.
I like the sound of the lever clamp as it would be faster. Do you have any preference for a lever or screw knob?

Daniel

DanielA wrote:

birddog114 wrote:I didn't have any problems with Markins plates on RRS, Markins only made lens & camera plates.
So far tried all other and worked well.
But lever clamp can't not adjust as their website mentioned.

Thanks birddog. It's good to know it is not as bad as RSS make it sound.
I like the sound of the lever clamp as it would be faster. Do you have any preference for a lever or screw knob?

Daniel

I only use screw knob, lever clamp is not my style, coz I alway want to adjust by loosing the screw knob. Lever clamp, you have to full open and it's garbage to me. Sorry anyone, who has the lever clamp version.

DanielA - I believe most people get the 'BH-55 Pro' @ US$415.00 + Shipping. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Edit: good time to buy from overseas when the Rate of Exchange is around 0.75

Thank you both. It sounds like a ringing endorsment of the BH-55 Pro

fozzie wrote:Edit: good time to buy from overseas when the Rate of Exchange is around 0.75

Yes, I've just bought a C-POL and other bits. The CC will be running hot. I just wish they had the replacement 80-400 collar in stock.

Daniel

DanielA - money was meant to be spent
You will not be sorry with you intended purchases, a life time investment which will give you many hours of enjoyment
If you want, you can borrow one of my spare plates for the 80-400VR until the replacement collar it is available and shipped to you.

fozzie wrote:DanielA - money was meant to be spent

True. But we would all like it to go further.

fozzie wrote:If you want, you can borrow one of my spare plates for the 80-400VR until the replacement collar it is available and shipped to you.

Thanks, but I'm not in a hurry. I'm just getting the stuff I need for later in the year...

Daniel

DanielA,
It's your good move. The replacement collar and foot for your 80-400VR is a great investment and worth doing it.
I have seen anything disadvantage of having it.
The stock foot is horrible, even with the additional of the 97B-L, the 97 B-L is just a temp solution and won't stabilize much when you have it on the RRS BH-55 Pro.

Daniel, I went for the screw type on Birddy's advice and am very happy with it. From memory Leek went with the lever type. Try doing a search on both RRS and lever.

birddog114 wrote:The stock foot is horrible, even with the additional of the 97B-L, the 97 B-L is just a temp solution and won't stabilize much when you have it on the RRS BH-55 Pro.

That's what I have heard. It's a shame Nikon puts out feet like that.

Glen wrote:Daniel, I went for the screw type on Birddy's advice and am very happy with it. From memory Leek went with the lever type. Try doing a search on both RRS and lever.

Thanks Glen. I should have tried the search before. Thanks

Daniel

Daniel

I also have the BH55-Pro and prefer the screw lock mechanism rather than the lever one. You mention the 80-400 collar is out of stock, but I'm guessing this is from their website. I have just ordered two D2x L-Brackets which showed as out of stock on their site. When I emailed them they said they were having problems with the site and that I could order them anyway via phone, fax or email. I did so and they shipped on Thursday. So I'd say don't assume unavailability of the 80-400 collar.

stubbsy wrote:I have just ordered two D2x L-Brackets which showed as out of stock on their site.

OK. Thanks. I'll send them a mail.
My only concern is if I order everything at once (BH55Pro, D70 L-braket, 80-400 foot) I'm going to hit the AU$1000 when customs take an interest. So I wouldn't mind having two packages.

Daniel

DanielA wrote:

stubbsy wrote:I have just ordered two D2x L-Brackets which showed as out of stock on their site.

OK. Thanks. I'll send them a mail.
My only concern is if I order everything at once (BH55Pro, D70 L-braket, 80-400 foot) I'm going to hit the AU$1000 when customs take an interest. So I wouldn't mind having two packages.

Daniel

Smart move

DanielA wrote:

stubbsy wrote:I have just ordered two D2x L-Brackets which showed as out of stock on their site.

OK. Thanks. I'll send them a mail.
My only concern is if I order everything at once (BH55Pro, D70 L-braket, 80-400 foot) I'm going to hit the AU$1000 when customs take an interest. So I wouldn't mind having two packages.

Daniel

Daniel
can you tell me where u are ordering this from as i will need this plate as well once i get my 70-200vr in the next cpl of weeks
i will need to invest in a new tripod & ball head as well & was wondering about the plate for the vr
warren

Warren, RRS only sell direct: http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/

Losp was looking to share freight at the moment if you wish to order

aussichef wrote: can you tell me where u are ordering this from as i will need this plate as well once i get my 70-200vr in the next cpl of weeks
i will need to invest in a new tripod & ball head as well & was wondering about the plate for the vr

Warren, Glen is right. I got them from RRS directly. Their stuff is expensive, but is very good.

Daniel

DanielA wrote: Their stuff is expensive, but is very good.

Daniel

Daniel, I agree. Sometimes I think there name stands for Really Really Expensive not Really Right Stuff

DanielA wrote:

aussichef wrote: can you tell me where u are ordering this from as i will need this plate as well once i get my 70-200vr in the next cpl of weeks
i will need to invest in a new tripod & ball head as well & was wondering about the plate for the vr

Warren, Glen is right. I got them from RRS directly. Their stuff is expensive, but is very good.

Daniel

what is the code number of the plate u got daniel ???
i dont want to get or order the wrong thing lol
warren

I will need to get the plate for the ballhead wont i as i will have the Lplate on the vr lens already ???
warren

aussichef wrote: what is the code number of the plate u got daniel ???
i dont want to get or order the wrong thing lol

Warren, I've got the 80-400VR so I got the collar kit (LC-A11 pkg I think). I can't seem to access the website at the moment.

For the 70-200VR you can get the LCF-10 foot or the L10 lens plate. The foot (US$100) replaces your foot that comes with your lens. The lens plate (US$55) bolts onto the lens' foot. When you see their website they show the difference between the plate and foot.

Daniel

Warren,
You'll need either the L10 foot which can bolt straight onto your original lens foot or buy the LCF-10 foot which replaces the original foot. (I have this option and it's great )
As for lens plates you have several options depending on how you want to clamp the 70-200VR.
For a quick release option use the B2 AS II or the B2-Pro LAS depending on which style you like and your ballhead threaded screw.
For the secure screw knob clamp use the B2 Pro II, you again have several options depending on your ballhead screw configuration.

I just recieved a BH-55 & L Brkt & bits, I went with the lever release as it is quicker to change over with, first position opens the jaws to allow the plate to slide, with stops in it cannot fall off, and fully open allows you to lift off & replace quick & easy. Lever or knob? with the quality of RRS its just a matter of preference

Over $1K, no problems with customs, ordered Thur night, was here following Wed AM.

Don't make my mistake, for two days I thought the neoprene cover for the BH-55 was a complimentry stubby holder!!! Guess I been up here to long

Andyt wrote:Don't make my mistake, for two days I thought the neoprene cover for the BH-55 was a complimentry stubby holder!!! Guess I been up here to long

Beautiful Andy

Andyt wrote:for two days I thought the neoprene cover for the BH-55 was a complimentry stubby holder!!!

You mean it's not?

I've got the BH55 Pro with regular screw knob. The neoprene cover is a snug fit.

Daniel