Why you might need an L-Bracket / L-Plate
Not many think much about mounting plates. We all know that camera mounted plate with
tripod head or ball head with Quick Release is the fastest way to attaching and
removing camera from such a contraption.
Typically such Quick Release plates are only attached to the bottom of
the camera as that is the only place where mounting thread is available. But what if you had to quickly change from
Horizontal (landscape) to vertical (portrait) orientation. That could be really problematic depending on
what subject you're shooting.
Usually that would involve:
-Rotating the ball head to the side adjusting where the
camera is pointing, reframing and refocusing on the subject as the framing has
shifted (to the side and lowered)
-The Camera would be hanging off to the side away from the
center of gravity over center of tripod.
With an L-bracket/ L-plate that process is easier. Because L-plate offers two mounting surfaces
one in horizontal and one in vertical plane it can be attached via either one
to your ball head, usually via Arca-Swiss style system. One would simply need to detach the camera
from Landscape orientation and attach is back into Portrait orientation without
ever changing where the ball head is pointing to. This way L-bracket offers a
very efficient way of photographing subjects in portrait and landscape
orientation. It's an essential piece of
gear especially when working with micro (macro), wide-angle and tilt-shift
lenses.
A well designed bracket offers these features, or can be
equipped with:
-Anti Rotation System
-Strap loop(s)
-Cable Management / anti cable snag
-Safety Stops
-Access to cable ports
-Sliding out for cables
-No tools to slide out, or allen pockets (Slot for Allen
Key) to keep it handy
