In a few cases, yes. It depends on the make and model; however, in most cases the plates are "body specific." For each new model, there are upgrades to the controls, LCD screens, external ports, etc. and we need to design new plates to accomodate those so everything operates Just Right!

You can change format from landscape to portrait and keep all of the bearing weight directly on top of the tripod, instead of needing to go in to a drop notch as you do with a "conventional plate." This allows the tripod to absorb vibration more efficiently. It saves you the composition time as well. Whenever you go into a drop notch you then have to scoot and raise the tripod to get the rig back where you had it. With the L-plate the camera stays right where it was, saving the time needed for readjustment. Finally, it's quick! Once you're familiar with the gear you can change from landscape to portrait faster than you can say it!

Yes, all our plates fit into all our clamps so there is never an issue with matching our plates and clamps.

We have two styles of quick release ballheads: the lever release (the LR) and the screw release (the Pro). The lever release is a little quicker when you want to fully release your gear where the screw release will accomodate a wider array of other manufacturers' plates.

Lever Release:
The lever release clamp works with all Really Right Stuff plates, Wimberly's plates, and Kirk's plates that have been manufactured in the last year.

1. When you open the lever half way (90°) the plate slides out of the clamp.
2. When you open the lever all of the way (180°) it is fully released and you can lift the plates directly out of the top of the clamp.

Screw Release:
The screw release clamp will accommodate all Really Right Stuff plates, Wimberley, Kirk, Acratech, most Arca Swiss, Markins, and Foba plates.

1. Turn the knob 1/4 turn and the plate slides out of the clamp.
2. Turn the knob two full turns to fully release the plate.

More than likely there won't be a match. We make a plethora of plates to accomodate a vast amount of camera bodies. We take into account battery doors, ports, flip screens, etc. and just because a camera body may look similar to another, our plates are so specific (down to the millimeter) they simply are not universal.

Only Really Right Stuff, Wimberley, and Kirk (manufactured within the last year) will be compatible with our lever-release clamps. However all Arca-Swiss style plates work with our scew-release clamps. "To ensure compatibility with lever-release clamps, we offer $22.50 trade-in discount towards a purchase of a Really Right Stuff quick-release plate if you use a plate from Kirk, Foba, Markins, Arcatech, Novoflex, or Arca-Swiss. Plate exchange only for identical model; you must send your plate at time of exchange to qualify for this discount." (see page 31 of the Really Right Stuff catalog for more details).

You can reuse your B2 AS II. You will need to order the BH-55 No Clamp and a Flathead 1/4"-20 x 3/4 (Item Code: FH1 1/4-20x3/4). If you wish to keep the B2 AS II on the BH-55 you will want to use a drop or two of BLUE LocTite to ensure anti-twist.

A replacement foot with built-in dovetail mounting will be lighter, lower in profile and provide the best possible stability for your lens (see page 40 of the Really Right Stuff catalog). The LCF will offer a way to reduce excess vibration through its added stability and lower-profile, the goal of course being to bring you closer to the apex of your tripod to guarantee the sharpest images possible.

An individual item, like a plate or a clamp, will always display stock status. But "kits" that are composed of multiple inventory items do not. We are working with our systems software provider to find a solution. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call us or email us to determine stock status for any item.

Traditionally, shooting in portrait orientation while using a tripod has meant using the features of a ballhead or 3-axis geared head to manipulate the position of the camera. This creates two major issues: (1) the weight of the camera and lens are shifted off-center of the apex of the tripod, thereby compromising the ability of that tripod to efficiently prevent motion and transfer vibration away from the camera, and (2) the lens axis is relocated laterally and downward, meaning that you must recompose your image by raising and shifting your tripod accordingly.

At Really Right Stuff, we believe your support system should function as needed without compromising stability or performance. The L-plates provide a second quick-release dovetail, extending up the left side via a solid and continuous metal shape. While this may increase the cost of the plate, it provides the most rigid mount possible. No adapter is required after the plate is mounted on the camera body – it attaches and functions exactly as our conventional plates do, providing superior anti-twist protection and complete access to your all controls and component doors. This allows the user to clamp his or her camera into the quick-release clamp in landscape orientation OR in portrait orientation using the same plate. Recomposing between the two modes is as simple as possible – open the QR clamp, lift and turn the camera 90 degrees, reseat the dovetail, and close the clamp jaw.

This solves both off those issues with conventional systems: (1) the mass of your camera and lens remain perfectly centered over the apex of your tripod, meaning you take full advantage of that systems performance, and (2) because the two sides of the L-plate are in a right angle, the lens-axis shift is virtually eliminated, meaning that you don’t need to keep any rise capability “in reserve.”

RRS LR clamps incorporate a patented stainless steel “S”-shaped cam-locking lever.  There are 5 key points that must be discussed to truly understand the benefits of using a RRS LR clamp.

1. Easy Top-Loading: You can load your quick release plates (RRS, WIMBERLEY or 50% of KIRK plates will be compatible with RRS LR clamps) from the top.  The Lever locking mechanism in RRS LR clamps allow for three set positions: fully closed, half open for fine adjustments of your quick release plates, and fully open to allow for top loading your plates.  Top loading is quick and easy and allows you to set up your shots so much faster than the tedious side load on Screw-Knob style clamps.
2. Visual Confirmation of Lock Position: You actually SEE the Lever is locked, half open or fully
3. Low Profile: The Lever stays within the profile of the clamp—it does not protrude above or below and won’t interfere with your plates.  Low profile also refers to how the Lever closely rides the contours of the clamp keeping the Lever from catching on twigs, weeds, etc., thus keeping your gear completely locked down.
4. Less Abrasive, No Twisting: The actual surface of the Lever is smooth and less abrasive than that of a Screw-Knob.  The quick, finger force action incorporated in the LR clamps are also much easier on arthritic hands.
5. Tough and Reliable: The Stainless Steel lever provides for a lifetime of wear and rides on a self-lubricated, wear-resistant bronze bearing surface.  Another key component making LR clamps tough and reliable is the 50 lb no slip rating in the fully closed position—more than enough holding power for any practical photographic scenario.
   
   

RRS LR clamps come in four standard models including:

1. A 60mm, center threaded 3/8-16, clamp with two ¼-20 threaded holes spaced 30mm apart known as the B2 LR II.
2. Its 80mm counterpart with a center threaded 3/8-16 and two ¼-20 threaded holes 45mm apart known as the B2 LLR II.
3. A 50mm clamp with a non-threaded countersunk mounting socket known as the B2-40 LR.
4. A 60mm clamp with a non-threaded countersunk socket known as the B2 AS II.

We also carry a “fore-aft sliding” 78mm double sided clamp known as the FAS Clamp.  All RRS LR clamps come with a Spirit Level installed, with B2-40 LR and FAS Clamp being the exceptions. All four of the standard RRS LR clamps also have anti-twist channels on their bottom sides to mate with RRS Ballheads and the MH-01 Monopod Head.  The B2 LR II and B2 LLR II have one channel while the B2-40 LR and B2 AS II have cross channels perfect for mating with the MH-01 in considering orienting the clamps to accept left-right or fore-aft plates.