quick release adapter

[DaveD]

Howdy folks... first time here so correct me if do 'stuff' wrong!
I have a D70s and a very old, but in great shape, Velbon VE-3 tripod.
The mission is finding a quick release set up. A few stores were turned off by the age of the tripod, so I wrote Velbon. They said get this: QRA-635L(B)
which at B&H Photo is like 89 bucks... ouch.. on my ancient tripod!
Also, there are different adapter plates for it? It SEEMS to come w/ everything I need, but I'm not sure. Then there are 10.00 versions out there!
HELP!!!!!::scratch

[Andy]

:wave You are in the right place, Dave! Welcome to Dgrin!
Standby for some help from those that know.

Andy

[Bob Bell]

I am a fan of the arca swiss style QR's I just never converted fully to them so I still have an RC4 system from Bogen.

See the link, I like how large the plate is and works for either a body or a lens and is cheaper than other systems. BTW it has a double latch to release the plate making it more secure than arca style clamps.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5563&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Hope this helps

Bob

[wxwax]

The short answer is that $90 isn't a lot to pay for a mounting plate for a $1000 camera. But wait, there's more... :deal

Dave, I don't think you're gonna like what I'm about to say. :evil I imagine you'll reject it for now, but at least it's food for thought.

You have a nice camera body. Presumably you'll be collecting some nice glass, if you haven't already.

Trying to go cheap on a tripod and a mounting plate is a very bad idea. A lightweight tripod with a flimsy mounting plate is at best, not useful, and at worst, dangerous unstable and insecure for your pricey equipment. Should you ever get into decent glass that's kinda heavy, you may well exceed the max weight the VE 3's head can support. Drooping, sagging heads are very annoying! And they rather defeat the purpose of a tripod. Also, you have to wonder how still those aluminum legs will be in stiff breezes for long exposures.

$90 isn't a lot for a mounting plate. But to be honest, if you're serious about using your tripod, you should ditch the Velbon and start looking at tripods that can give you the kind of stability and security that your body and lenses need. Yes, it's insanely expensive. There's no getting around that. Welcome to the world of dSLR photography, where going cheap isn't a good option. :deal

I know this isn't what you're asking for for. And sorry for the lecture, mate. But I didn't originate this sermon - I'm only parroting a time tested truism. :1drink

Good luck, and show us your shots!

[DaveD]

The short answer is that $90 isn't a lot to pay for a mounting plate for a $1000 camera. But wait, there's more... :deal

Dave, I don't think you're gonna like what I'm about to say. :evil I imagine you'll reject it for now, but at least it's food for thought.

You have a nice camera body. Presumably you'll be collecting some nice glass, if you haven't already.

Trying to go cheap on a tripod and a mounting plate is a very bad idea. A lightweight tripod with a flimsy mounting plate is at best, not useful, and at worst, dangerous unstable and insecure for your pricey equipment. Should you ever get into decent glass that's kinda heavy, you may well exceed the max weight the VE 3's head can support. Drooping, sagging heads are very annoying! And they rather defeat the purpose of a tripod. Also, you have to wonder how still those aluminum legs will be in stiff breezes for long exposures.

$90 isn't a lot for a mounting plate. But to be honest, if you're serious about using your tripod, you should ditch the Velbon and start looking at tripods that can give you the kind of stability and security that your body and lenses need. Yes, it's insanely expensive. There's no getting around that. Welcome to the world of dSLR photography, where going cheap isn't a good option. :deal

I know this isn't what you're asking for for. And sorry for the lecture, mate. But I didn't originate this sermon - I'm only parroting a time tested truism. :1drink

Good luck, and show us your shots!

Well - I hear you... sadly, I hear you. I was thinking that there is no way I can hang my 80-200 2.8 Nikkor on this thing w/out fear of it crashing!
I used it for some snow shots w/ the basic 17-80 lens & even then it was a bit shaky depending on the position and angle....

so.... any suggestions???

:D

[wxwax]

Well - I hear you... sadly, I hear you. I was thinking that there is no way I can hang my 80-200 2.8 Nikkor on this thing w/out fear of it crashing!
I used it for some snow shots w/ the basic 17-80 lens & even then it was a bit shaky depending on the position and angle....

so.... any suggestions???

:D

A quick search of dgrin shows these threads that might have some of the answers you're looking for.

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=3981
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=27768
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=4590
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=22 (Personally, I wouldn't do what Andy mentions, trusting the camera to stay mounted while toting the tripod by its legs. I've had a nasty camera crash doing that. :cry )
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=26828

There are more threads. I did this Google search:
tripod site:dgrin.com