neuroanatomist said:
YuengLinger said:
But on the other hand, the L plate for the 5D IV is a freaking joke. You either commit to keeping it on all the time, or you have to undo three hex screws, detach and reattach your strap every time.
Contrast to the 5DIII--one hex screw, and a very light L plate.
Didn't the 1-piece L-plate for the 5DIII also attach to the strap lug, meaning you had to detach/reattach the strap every time? Just checked – you're referring to the original (which was recalled because it scratched the body) and the Rev A design. The newer Rev B attaches to the strap lug.
The advantage to the 5DIV plate's new design is that you're getting the base plate and L-plate in a single bracket set, rather than having to buy two and swap them. My 1D X L-plate is modular, and although I use the upright portion only about 1/4 of the time, the only time I've removed the base plate was when Canon performed the oil/shutter recall service, and they require to remove accessories/cards/battery (and since they did the service while I waited at the Jamesburg, NJ facility, the base plate has only been off the camera for less than an hour). OTOH, there's no strap lug attachment, and regardless I don't use a regular neck strap, just a handstrap that's always on, or a Blackrapid strap attached with a clamp to the base plate.
However, if you prefer the one piece design with only a single hex bolt attachment, the Kirk L-plate for the 5DIV is what you want (and Kirk products have been distributed by B&H and Adorama for a long time).
I bought two 5DIII L plates, first about 90 days after the body came out, then another about 16 months later. I noticed no difference. Two weeks ago I sold one of them. Reading your post, I checked, and the remaining is "Rev A."
It is a single piece, an elegant, light, solid bracket that is pure joy. I don't see any advantage to having a modular configuration. In over four years, I never even considered using just a base plate. Once the L bracket was on, it stayed on unless I knew I was going out without a tripod. The 5DIII and 5DIV truly feel like different cameras without a tripod plate or bracket. Smaller and lighter!
Again prompted by your post, I checked online and, sure enough, they've gone modular with the 5DIII also. But I can tell you from experience this might not have had anything to do with function, but much more to do with "value added" and conforming design to match marketing and production needs. When I bought the 5DIII L-plates, they cost about $130. A few years later, for the 5DIV...$180!!!
As for "quick release functionality," that seems like market-speak for much more complicated and clunky.
Seriously, if I want to remove the bracket now on the 5DIV, I have to remove the strap anchor, take the strap out of that, remove the L component, then remove the base plate--then reattach the strap loop to the camera body.
Even if I just wanted to remove the upright portion, I STILL have to remove the strap anchor and detach and reattach the strap's loop--which is the biggest pain of the process, as the strap anchors are so tiny.
Before, as stated, the loops never left the camera body and there was only one hex screw to loosen or tighten.
As for a magnetic holder for the hex key, it is a clever idea, but the hex key pops out very easily, and, in nearly six years of using RRS (previously on my 60D) plates and heads, I've always had a key with me when using the tripod. Never once lost one. If I have my tripod, 99% of the time I have at least a small pack with another lens, filters, and the key. In my opinion, the extra metal used for the holder, plus the key itself, just add unnecessary weight and bulk.
I'm glad you mentioned the Kirk, as I will try it asap and then send the RRS back if all is tight and good quality. Thank you! I still have time to receive and try the Kirk this week, then ship back the RRS for a refund.