Kirk L-bracket 5Dmk3 (DIY pano head)

[@!ex]

I just ordered a kirk L-bracket for my 5Dmk3 and on their website it says that it is a preorder. I'm going to call on monday and see when the ETA is, bt thought I would check here in the meantime to see if anyone has already talked to them...

http://www.kirkphoto.com/L-Braket_for_Canon_5D_Mark_III.html

FYI, I'm using the L-bracket, their long focus rail, another quick release, and a novaflex pano plate to make a very lightweight, relatively cheap pano/nodal point head, for pano as well as vertorama. Pic below (idea from Klaus Herrmann) note, L bracket not for D90, for 5Dmk3 hence the point of this thread. Also, I haven't ordered the novaflex plate yet, does anyone have an idea for a similar option for cheaper? It def needs to lock, and if it had clicking rotation points that would be a big bonus. The novaflex is around $191, so it would need to be either similar or better for cheaper.

 

[1DSLR]

I am looking at panning clamps rather than a panning base so that I get both features in one unit. Three I am considering are:
[list type=decimal]
[*]Benro panorama clamps PC-0 [1/4” screw, 270g, 60mm base fits reverse fold tripod better, 25mm high (37.5mm with base plate attached)] or their larger PC-1 [3/8” screw, 350g, 70mm base more problem if using reverse fold tripod, 25mm high (37.5mm with base plate attached)]. Both have bubble levels; the smaller PC-0’s bubble will be covered by camera, the PC-1’s might not, about $120. Screw-knob type clamp with safety channels for plate screw heads safety stops. Review1 notes engraving error, fixed in later production. Review2 has both RRS and PC-1, states that the PC-1 is very nearly as nice.
[*]Sunwayfoto DB-44DDH Ball Head MfrLink $300 includes the panorama clamp (link, clamp uses ¼” or ⅜” M6 screw, 64mm dia, 32mm high, 193g) or $137 at B&H if buy just the panning clamp which then also includes bottom Arca plate. Like the Benro clamps, it has separate friction and locking knobs. Review1 Review2.
[/list]

 

[1DSLR]

Another possibility if you want to change the head and get a panning clamp that is part of the head is the Arca-Swiss Monoball P1 Ballhead with quick release (not cheap!). Their smaller and more affordable P0 model may not have a strong enough lock on the panning for your (our) purposes per one reviewer on B&H's site, although some other reviewers imply it is strong enough. It also does not include the clamp.

Arca-Swiss does sell the P0 model with a clamp but then you have to use their Slidefix QS Quick Release system. I do not think there is anything wrong with their system, but then you may end up mixing the QS system with Arca-type L-plates and that makes things more complicated.

 

[RobertG.]

Hi, your construction looks a bit bigger and more complicated than it needs to be. You can make it smaller and lighter with the same functionality if you use the Novoflex PANORAMA=Q and the Benro MPB20. I use this combination together with the Benro PT-150, which is not necessary if you use the Kirk L-bracket.

Best regards,
Robert