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Arca Quick Release Plate for D3500 / Tripod


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6 replies to this topic

#1
JT's D3500

JT's D3500

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Good Morning,

 

Getting back into photography with my first DSLR, the D3500. I have what I think is a decent full-size tripod from back in my SLR days . . . an aluminum Velbon VE-3C, pan-head, flip-latch lock legs. I'm looking at future accessories and have read references to moving toward the Arca-Swiss Quick Release System. Sooooo, it looks like I can get a plate for the bottom of my camera and a clamp-mount system that my existing pan-head will screw into.

 

What size plate do I want for my D3500? I see them in 'Universal' models, anywhere from 40mm to 120mm. Flat plates, 'lipped' plates and 'L' shaped plates.

 

The two mini tripods that I had are both inadequate for the size and weight of the D3500, so I'm looking at something like the Manfrotto PIXI EVO for a packable tripod.

 

Thanks for any ideas on the bottom plate.

 

John



#2
ScottinPollock

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I like an "L" bracket so I don't have to flip the head over 90° to shoot portrait. I can use it with a nodal rail so I can avoid parallax when shooting panos.

 

There are scads of Chinese made arca-swiss plates, clamps, and brackets on eBay that cost next to nothing and are of surprisingly good quality.



#3
Merco_61

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I agree with Scott, but if you go with a Chinese plate, make sure that the clamp is screw- rather than clamp-actuated as they vary more in exact dimensions than the expensive name-brand ones.



#4
ScottinPollock

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they vary more in exact dimensions than the expensive name-brand ones


Ha ha... I used to think so, but recently buying a SmallRig bracket that didn't fit my Benro clamps (notoriously narrow) I stumbled on to this.

Seems there is no standard and they all vary widely. Not a fan of the lever clamps and agree the screw clamps offer a lot more margin.

#5
JT's D3500

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@ScottinPollock: Sounds like the 'L' Bracket you are referring to has a mounting plate/foot on both surfaces? 

 

@All: Lots of good information. Any suggestions for size of a plate for a D3500? Or does it matter greatly?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

John

I like an "L" bracket so I don't have to flip the head over 90° to shoot portrait. I can use it with a nodal rail so I can avoid parallax when shooting panos.

 

There are scads of Chinese made arca-swiss plates, clamps, and brackets on eBay that cost next to nothing and are of surprisingly good quality.



#6
ScottinPollock

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https://www.ebay.com...0-/163359018002

#7
JT's D3500

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Thanks ScottinPollock! I had seen one like that but did not realize there was another plate on the side; thought that was stabilization. Looks like it will do nicely.

 

Cheers!

 

John