Cheaper alternative to Acratec's Extended Universal L Bracket?

<p>Hi,<br /> I have a Nikon D800+grip and a custom RRStuf QR Arca Swiss plate that is permanently attached to the bottom of the grip. I want to be able to (sometimes) mount the camera in the vertical orientation on my ballhead, plus in another configuration that I don't want to get into here. I really like this kind of solution as opposed to having a 'conventional', 'permanent' L bracket:<br /> https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/736388-REG/Acratech_1139_Extended_Universal_L_Bracket.html<br /> Here's another link for your convenience. Scroll down for some pictures:<br /> http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/review-of-acratech-extended-universal-l-bracket_topic62685.html<br /> <br />This product seems to be exactly what I need, however, it is kind of expensive. So, I did me some poking around and found lots of cheap, Chinese-made, 'universal' L brackets on ebay. On a few of them it is possible to mount a cheap (or expensive) Arca Swiss clamp. The problem is that all of those L brackets are not large enough for my D800+grip combo but I'm sure there's something.</p>

<p>*This is the solution that I want, even though a custom RRStuff L bracket for my D800+grip is (only) $190. It is not entirely about the money. Before shelling out 250 bucks for a piece of metal, I want to see what else is there, besides the Extended L bracket from Acratech, which I think is (a little) over-priced. I guess, I don't want to overpay for this hunk of metal, even if it's American-made, without knowing whether or not there is, a lower-priced product of comparable quality and, possibly, extended functionality. So, there's that.<br /> Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks!</p>

<p>David, I would never encourage you to buy the cast aluminum L bracket on Ebay. I would recommend that you take a close look at the companies that manufacture L-brackets such as Kirk, RRS and Acratech. Acratech like those that I mentioned are small mom and pop companies that absolutely must make quality products or they will fail by word of mouth. Their plates are milled on CNC machines from aircraft grade aluminum, fit perfectly and will hold up under punishment. They will last a lifetime and beyond. If I were in college working a full time job to make ends meet and selling plasma once a week to feed my camera habit I might well have a trunk full of $8 L-brackets in the back of my Festiva. I understand your limitations but want to encourage you to spend the extra dough for quality. Also there are folks who for stability reasons make strong arguments not to use an L-bracket with MB-D12 grip. Good hunting.</p>

<p>The right solution is an RRS (or Kirk) L-bracket designed for your camera. I've purchased one for every camera since a Nikon D1x, and do not find them to be too bulky or "in the way" of normal operations. In fact, they may serve as a protective "roll cage" for the camera. I have an RRS "Universal L Bracket," no longer made, which I purchased for older cameras like a Nikon F3, which never had a dedicated L-bracket.</p>

<p>One advantage of the Arca-type QR system is that components can be stacked without loss of security or stiffness.</p>

<p>These products are machined from the block, not cast. Cast components tend to be bulky, heavy and prone to breakage. The casting process does not, in general, permit parallel surfaces, which makes it hard to stack components.</p>

<p>I would echo these comments and add... you only get what you pay for in life. <br>

I've never been let down by an L bracket from Kirk Enterprises or Really Right Stuff and I've also bought one for every camera I've owned. It's just one link in the chain, so to speak, that is never an issue. </p>

<p>Build one. Buy an inexpensive Arca-Swiss compatible clamp and plate, and mount them on a corner brace from your hardware store (I see sizes up to 10" on the big box sites). It won't have a precision machined look but it does work decently for occasional use (or proof of concept), and will let you decide on whether to buy a camera L bracket (which is what I decided) or continue to use an universal L bracket. The convenience of the custom camera L bracket is worth the expense.</p>

<p>All are valid points, everyone. The Acratech bracket is made from steel. You can't beat that. But how about this bracket?:<br /> http://madforcamera.com/en/shop-by-brand/53-mestos-cd-5dm3hl-l-plate-for-canon-5d-mark-iii-vertical-grip.html<br /> It's also mentioned here. Scroll down for pictures:<br /> http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/22-pentax-camera-field-accessories/66603-universal-l-brackets-4.html</p>

<p>It's no steel but weight is also one of my concerns, so this one being lighter than the Acratech's bracket is a major selling point. Anyway, this Korean-made bracket, looks sturdy enough and it's made from this alloy:<br /> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6061_aluminium_alloy<br /> http://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=MA6061t6<br /> Also, there are claims that this bracket is laser-cut, as opposed to being cast. I don't know how valid those claims are, though.</p>

<p>Apparently, these guys make lots of other brackets, plates and what not and their price points are only marginally lower than the premium, US-made stuff. Well, in my case, I guess the considerable difference is due to the fact that Acratech's bracket is made from steel.<br /> Anyway, it looks like I'm going to pull the trigger on this one. I just need to find a fitting, low-profile clamp for it. Maybe someone can recommend one? Obviously, I'm looking for something that offers more than one attachment point.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I'm using inexpensive Desmond clamps with a solid base that can be drilled for extra attachment points on my special mounting projects.</p>

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<p>The Acratech bracket is made from steel.</p>

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<p>The Acratech is made from aircraft grade aluminum with stainless steel hardware (screws, etc.)</p>

<p>If you say so, not gonna argue there...</p>