[Manfrotto 410 / Bogen 3275] L-bracket, yes or no?

<p>I'm ordering a Manfrotto 410 geared head to use in combination with my Canon EOS 7D (with grip) and Canon TS-E 24mm.</p>

<p>In order to achieve the most precise adjustments and most stability, I think I need to buy an L-bracket. However, all the L-brackets I know off (at least the camera specific ones) require an Arca-Swiss mount. The Manfrotto 410 head only accepts RC4 quick release plates, so that isn't really going to work. To solve this problem, Kirk sells the following product:<br /> <a href="http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-3271_Manfrotto_3271_Quick_Release_Clamp.html">SQRC-3271 Quick Release Clamp</a></p>

<p>I emailed Kirk because I was not sure whether this clamp would replace the RC4 quick release plate, or would mount on top of it. They mailed me back saying it mounts on top of the RC4 quick release plate, so that totally makes no sense to me. I'll guess a regular clamp works equally well.</p>

<p>So, here are my questions:</p>

<ol>

<li>Is converting to Arca-Swiss style worth the hassle?</li>

<li>Is an L-bracket necessary worth the cost?</li>

<li>Which L-bracket do you recommend for the Canon 7D with grip? Kirk or RRS?</li>

<li>Is an SQLRC-3271 useful in combination with a Manfrotto 410?</li>

<li>If not, which Arca-Swiss style clamp do you recommend? Something like the RRS B2-Pro II? Is Kirk just as good?</li>

</ol>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>I removed the QR system from my 410 and machined off the remainder of the lip, leaving a flat surface onto which I mounted a focusing rail (because I usually use the 410 for macro work). So if you're willing to modify the head, you can do pretty much whatever you want.</p>

<p>I realize that didn't answer the question about the L-bracket, but may help with the QR question.</p>

<p>@Mark Sirota: I've noticed a similar post from you in the other threads I've read. While I think that is the best solution from an engineering point-of-view, I'm not planning to machine my head since I will lose the warranty. Of course, if the head is a few years old, it's a great idea.</p>

<p>What quick release clamp did you mount onto the remaining parts - ;-) - of the 410?</p>

<p>What I have now is a Velbon 2-axis focusing rail, though I don't particularly like it. Someday I'll spend the big bucks for a better rail. Atop the rail I have a Manfrotto RC2 quick release, because that's the system I use. (Someday I'll change that too, but that's really big bucks because I have so many heads and plates...)</p>

<p>-</p>

<p>I don't see why you need an L bracket. The 410 will allow you to release one axis allowing you to go from horizontal to vertical in a second. Instead of an L bracket I would order a $20 dollar bubble level so you can make sure the camera is perfectly horizontal or perfectly vertical when attached to the tripod. An L bracket will not help you in getting a level horizontal or vertical. A hot shoe level will. The Level attached to the head on the 410 is not really useable in my opinion</p>

<p>I have not had any problems with the quick release plate on the 410. It doesn't slip and it doesn't come loose. So I have no plans on doing a release plat conversion. </p>

<p>I would suggest you try out the head with the included quick release plate before you start to look at different plates. For my landscape work the quick release plate has not caused any problems and I don't se any advantage to getting a L bracket since the 410 can go from vertical to horizontal so fast.</p>

<p>@Steven F: The primary reason I want an L-bracket is because of the stability. As an automotive photographer, I shoot primarily at low angles. If the camera is hanging off-center, it don't want it to tip over. Changing from landscape to portrait mode is indeed a snap with the head, which is one thing I like about it :-).</p>

<p>I totally agree with you about the quality of the RC4 quick release plate. I believe it's well built and certainly doesn't slip. But if I'm going to use an L-bracket, I definitely need to convert it since the RC4 doesn't accept L-brackets.</p>

<p>My camera has a very accurate level built in, which is a real charm.</p>

<p>@Steven F: The primary reason I want an L-bracket is because of the stability. As an automotive photographer, I shoot primarily at low angles. If the camera is hanging off-center, it don't want it to tip over.</p>

<p>Some tripods allow you to spreed out the legs further than most other tripods. On one of my tripods the the legs can be locked into 3 positions. So when I get close to the ground I can spread out the legs much further than normal. When I set up the tripod this way it can't tip over. I don't know what a L bracket and Arca-Swiss mount plates will cost but you might be able to find a tripod more suitable for low to ground work for a similar or lower cost. Otherwise you could hang a weight from the center column to reduce the chance of tip over. </p>

<p>If you go to Arca-Swiss plate let me know how they work out compared to the standard 410 plate.</p>

<p>@Steven F: Your post makes totally sense to me. I'm going to try the head without the L-bracket for the first period of time. If I feel I need an L-bracket, I will buy it at a later point. I can think of one more advantage, which is not having to recompose when switching from landscape to portrait mode. Well, that's not too big of an issue to me.. Thanks!</p>