Fell for the 128RC2 trap! (1 Viewer)

marcsantacurz · Sep 19, 2019

Smallrig has a variety of plate-to-arca-clamp adapters from $40 - $100.

https://www.smallrig.com/plates/arca-swiss.html

I'd personally go with this one. You can put 2 1/4-20 screws into it (or other combos) so the bottom plate will not twist. The clamp uses a side release which is good for bulky things so the release does not get caught on the object.

https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-quick-release-clamp-and-plate-arca-type-compatible-2144.html

Marc

Alexis Powell · Sep 19, 2019

marcsantacurz said:
Smallrig has a variety of plate-to-arca-clamp adapters from $40 - $100.

https://www.smallrig.com/plates/arca-swiss.html

I'd personally go with this one. You can put 2 1/4-20 screws into it (or other combos) so the bottom plate will not twist. The clamp uses a side release which is good for bulky things so the release does not get caught on the object.

https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-quick-release-clamp-and-plate-arca-type-compatible-2144.html

Marc

I caution against a lever release. The disadvantage of a lever release (whether this cheap one from SmallRig or a top-end one from Really Right Stuff) is that it may not securely lock all Arca-style plates. Unfortunately, there are very small differences between some of the manufacturers. These differences are insignificant for screw knob clamps but can pose problems for the narrow tolerances of lever-release clamps.

I'll also point out that the plate that is supplied with this clamp is not suitable for the OP because it is not of the long sliding type needed to find the scope's balance point. In fact, it isn't a very good plate in general--it lacks any anti-rotation features and the rubber parts make for a sloppy fit. Good plates from e.g. Kirk, RRS, Desmond don't have a rubber interface.

--AP

marcsantacurz · Sep 20, 2019

Alexis Powell said:
I caution against a lever release. The disadvantage of a lever release (whether this cheap one from SmallRig or a top-end one from Really Right Stuff) is that it may not securely lock all Arca-style plates. Unfortunately, there are very small differences between some of the manufacturers. These differences are insignificant for screw knob clamps but can pose problems for the narrow tolerances of lever-release clamps.

I'll also point out that the plate that is supplied with this clamp is not suitable for the OP because it is not of the long sliding type needed to find the scope's balance point. In fact, it isn't a very good plate in general--it lacks any anti-rotation features and the rubber parts make for a sloppy fit. Good plates from e.g. Kirk, RRS, Desmond don't have a rubber interface.

--AP

I was assuming he'd use two 1/4-20 screws not an anti-rotation pin. I'm pretty sure the 663 has two threaded holes, not one thread and one pin. But I could be wrong about that.

Yes, longer plate is necessary. I guess I've only used the lever on a Kirk ball head. Never had a problem with it, but you are correct it might be an issue without trying the exact plate in the clamp.

Jorukfundan · Mar 28, 2021

I bought a Manfrotto MV500AH and use it with a Kowa 883. I had an Arca Swiss ball head but that doesn't work well for using with a scope. The Manfrotto head works well with this 883 scope. I also bought an Innorel tripod, the big one with 40mm legs. I am impressed and I would not hesitate to buy the next size smaller if that was a better fit. I have a lightweight Gitzo tripod but the height wasn't the best for the angle scope so I opted for the Innorel big tripod. It's a bit heavier, but also sturdier, with a ball base option as well. I like that part.

Fell for the 128RC2 trap! (1 Viewer)

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marcsantacurz

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Alexis Powell

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