• March 28, 2023, 1:11 p.m.

    I've seen pictures of L brackets which clip on to the bottom of cameras. ANd someone posted a good review of this one for the X-T5.

    L bracket for X-T5

    But I can't actually see why I would want one. Can someone enlighten me?

    Alan

  • Members 44 posts
    March 28, 2023, 1:28 p.m.
  • Members 244 posts
    March 28, 2023, 2:45 p.m.

    It allows you to level the tripod and the head once. After that is done, if you wish to change from landscape to portrait orientation (or back and forth), you can do so without needing to worry about re-leveling the tripod.

  • Members 318 posts
    March 28, 2023, 3:21 p.m.

    An L bracket is a tripod accessory which can come in very handy for flipping between orientations. If I were was going out where I was going to extensively use a tripod I would think about attaching an L bracket. Although with the ball head on my tripod it's not really necessary. I have one, I very seldom use it while other people have one permanently attached to their camera. I like such accessories as tack used in riding a horse. The breast color to hold the saddle in place going up hill. If the saddle slides back it doesn't fit correctly - for get the crutch and get a new saddle that fits. Same with a crupper on a riding horse. But again some people are more comfortable with extra tack.

  • Members 62 posts
    March 28, 2023, 4:48 p.m.

    Me neither, but I have a Sigma fp with two tripod mounts aligned with the center of the lens in both horizontal and vertical position.

    Every camera should have that!

  • March 28, 2023, 4:55 p.m.

    ok I wont repeat what others have said, but will add this...

    When your camera is in landscape orientation I see little benefit (though see below re heavy lenses). Once you rotate the tripod head to place the camera in portrait orientation the friction between the quick-release plate (assuming you are using one) and the camera must be tight enough not to let the camera droop or rotate downward about the plate's tripod mount screw.

    If you are using a heavy lens and shooting in portrait orientation the L-bracket places the axis of rotation with the tripod-head, horizontally (as if in landscape orientation) so there's no risk of droop. On top of this if using a heavy lens there very well might be undue stress on the tripod attachment on the camera. An L-plate spreads the load.

    The upshot of what I'm saying is that if I'm not using heavy lenses, I keep things light and compact and don't use an L-plate, just a normal small QR plate. For some an L-plate becomes almost a fashion accessory! - if you don't need it, I wouldn't add it.

  • Members 421 posts
    March 28, 2023, 6:31 p.m.

    Hi, Alan,

    I will add one comment to the others. I tried out the X-T5 at a cam store just before it was released. I have large hands which makes a smaller cam not as comfortable. The Demo X-T5 had a great accessory, an MHG-XT5 hand grip. The MHG-XT5 has an Arca compatible base that allows it to be easily mounted in landscape mode on an Arca-type ball head. With this hand grip the cam was ideal. SInce I use it mainly in landscape mode the ease of mounting it on a tripod is quite convenient.

    Lastly, since it has 40mp, a tripod is recommended of course to get the most out of the sensor..... or a fast shutter speed. 😁

    Bob

  • Members 2 posts
    March 28, 2023, 8:04 p.m.

    all of my cameras have an L bracket with an arca swiss mounting plate on the bottom and side. you don't have to adjust your tripod head into a vertical position to take photos and then readjust the head so you're looking at what you were just looking at 2 seconds ago. instead you just rotate the camera and snap the side back into the tripod. it seems like a waste until you use one, then you won't want to go back.