QR plates for Flycam & Tripod

[Parafly]

Guys, I'm a little lost no the QR plates that are out there. I shoot both photos and videos.

Right now I have a T2i. The only two mountain surfaces I currently have are a Dolica Proline 60" carbon fiber tripod and a Flycam DSLR Nano. At some point, I'd like to get a dolly and also a fluid head tripod for video.

As a result, I'd like to build a QR system so I can just detach and attach the camera to the various mounts. I really like the QR plate that comes with the Dolica, but I don't think they sell just the base for it.

The adapter that comes with the FLycam really sucks. I mean it holds the camera well and all, but there is no lock and the base plate doesn't detach without a coin or a screwdriver. Stupid.

Was looking at the Manfrotto 323 system, but I read that it's no good for Flycam because the lock bar extends beyond the plane of the base plate, so it won't attach to the flat surface of the flycam.

What else should I be looking at? The Manfrotto 577? it's a big pricey but if it's the best option then I'm OK with it. I heard someone say Arca Swiss. I'd like something that is pretty flexible but will hold the camer in place well when I'm flying it. Don't want to lose the camera or anything!

Thanks!!!​

 

[unadog]

I have always used RRS plates and clamps for my cameras. That really started on the stills side, where I have bought an L plate for every camera since the old D30 (3MP.) I really could not live without an L plate for stills.

I also had regular RRS plates on all of my 4x5 cameras - 5 of them. Lenses, etc. So I just continued it with my slider and fluid head. (PLate on bottom of slider to mount to tripod, then a clamp on the head for the camera.)

The RRS are compatible - mostly - with the Kirk and Arca Swiss plates. I had one Arca Swiss plate that was loose in a RRS clamp (base), so I put a little duct tape to get it to fit more tightly.

Manfrotto has so many different kinds of plates, I can't really comment on them all. I assume some are better than the ones I used to use in the 1980's. They have some pretty large plates that might be nice for bigger camcorders, etc. For DSLR's, I either mount the camera, or in some cases mount the lens, like the Canon 70-200 2.8 L, with a RRS plate attached. That has been sufficient.

You can buy used L plates for just about any camera and save some money. I have not seen a used one for the T2i or T3i though.

RRS also has a cable lock riser taht adds some extra space for the cable under the plate, and adds a lock for the cable. Like a HDMI out cable to a monitor, or an audio cable from a Zoom, etc. About $65. I plan on ordering that to test, just noticed it on their web site last week while browsing.

Good luck! Let use know what you decide.

Michael