I hadn’t heard of L-brackets for the longest time. Being turned on the concept and having the chance to use them, I now wonder how I got along without them.
What is an L-bracket?
Just as the name implies, it describes the shape of the bracket. The bracket is built with an Arca Swiss mounting surface all along the outside of both the long surface and shorter surface. If your tripod has an Arca Swiss mounting system you will be good to go.
Main benefit of an L-bracket
The major benefit of employing an L-bracket is the ability to mount your camera in a horizontal or vertical orientation with a quick undoing of the tripod lock. Move the camera into the new orientation and locking back down. Easy peasy! Adding speed with which you can work your scene compositions is extremely helpful in the field in quick changing lighting situations.
Types of L-brackets
Specialty brackets are made for specific cameras or mounting systems. Usually, special brackets cost quite a bit higher than the basic universal L-bracket I share in this article. The main difference between the specialty camera specific mounts is more friendly user interface. For example, in Really Right Stuff’s L-brackets, the bracket’s mounting allows you to access the battery compartment. While convenient, I don’t change batteries often enough so undoing the plate and repositioning is not a hardship.
Price of L-brackets
For photographers on a budget, universal L-brackets go for about $15-$25. With these, you need to reposition the bracket from side to side for using the articulating screen or to access the battery or memory card compartments. I’m good with that.
Here’s an example of a Really Right stuff L Bracket designed for specific camera models for about $150. Difference being it’s a One-Piece Design L-bracket that maintains battery and port door access. Even better it does not obstruct LCD screen movement among other features.
3 Legged Thing makes a multitude of specialized L-brackets. These cost from $39 to around $150 for different camera models and different features.
Wrapping up
You can spend from $15 to over $200 for L-brackets. This depends on your camera model and built-in features, such as being able to move the camera within the bracket up and down and side to side. You’ll need to do some research before you order your L-bracket. Make sure to get the attributes that fit inside your budget and tolerance. The major difference is convenience versus resetting the bracket using the universal models.
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
Another reason to use an L-bracket: to avoid touching the camera. Nikon uses a synthetic rubber for covers and doors that swells when contaminated by fatty acids that come from skin. It swells slowly but powerfully enough to tear the adhesive. Doors are another matter: when swollen they don’t close properly and there goes any protective quality they have. Rubber covers you can change yourself once a year but doors on a D750 take a good deal of disassembly. It’s a pity you have to decide between the excellent handling of the camera or the bother of changing parts at… Read more »
Amilcar, Thanks for the extra inside info!
I always buy a RRS L-bracket specifically fitted to any new camera I buy. Fitted brackets don’t move on the camera, unlike universal brackets kept in place by tightening a single screw. L-brackets allow quick changes from horizontal to vertical without changing tripod position, which keeps composition / shooting angle unchanged. This is especially useful shooting starfields or the Milky Way at night, when you can’t see to adjust a tripod or don’t want to change your initial adjustment. L-brackets add very little weight, and provide a little extra protection for a camera too. Shooting wildlife with heavy long lenses,… Read more »
All great thoughts Mark! A specialty L Bracket is one of the best options. It does come with a higher price tag. Many of our readers are not pros and like to know about budget options as well as the pro versions. Always appreciate feedback and others experiences! Yours in Creative Photography, Bob