Support system (QR clamp, plate and bracket etc) question.

I'm purchasing a new tripod and other accessories I need.

I need a focusing rail for macro and pano. I'm interested in
this Which I hope will work fine.

I also need an L bracket and plan to purchase an universal L bracket as I might get a 5D by the end of this year replacing my 350D. I don't want anything specific for each camera. http://www.kirkphoto.com/lbracketso.html#bigLqr, for eg.

I already own a ball head with a simple QR system, it is great for backpacking as it is small and sturdy, works for me (I have used this with P67) but I think I will need a new QR clamp which will go on the head(it has a 3/8 threads) and plate for the camera, am I right? Are these products specially made for a camera? I guess the QRC should be 'universal' item.

I may buy all the products from Kirk as the prices are good. Does RRS offer any other advantages?

Thanks,

I like Kirk because their customer service is excellent (at least it has been in my case). The couple of times I tried ordering something from RRS I was not too happy with their attitude.

Guy

IMO, the RRS lever release is a great advantage. That is the main reason I chose RRS over Kirk. Before buying I heard many stories similar to Guy's concerning RRS's poor attitude and service, but when I heard they had new ownership & management I decided to chat with them before making any decision. Thankfully, I found them to be very patient and helpful. They didn't try to oversell into an unnecessary product and answered my mutitude of questions forthrightly, and were very honest in answering my concerns about their prior management and bad reputation as well. After talking with them I felt comfortable ordering the BH-40 w/ lever release and have been very pleased with it's performance. RRS even called me a week or so after I received the head to see if I had received it and if I liked it (the real reason the called is because they forgot to charge my credit card and needed my card # again ), but they were very nice about it. They were nice enough in fact that I ordered their pano base and rail as well (been very happy with it too).

I don't have the Kirk rail, but shoot with a friend who does. He's thrilled with it, especially for the ability to turn the camera mount and the presence of the spirit level. He couldn't imagine how the level would help on macro shots when he purchased it, but quickly grew to appreciate it. Like Guy I had terrific service from Kirk in the past compared to RRS, but haven't gone back to try RRS since they changed owners. I hear very good contemporary reports along the lines of Bill's experience, however.

I'm not acquainted with the FLM ballhead but I like the features, especially the compactness and weight. I am however concerned about the compatibility of their QR system with Kirk and RRS. My German is too rusty to suffice for that judgement, but there is potential that you might have to add an Arca/Swiss-compatible QR platform such as this to make it accept L-brackets and other mounts from either RRS or Kirk. The Arca/Swiss dimensions for quick release plates have become more or less "standard" for after-market accessories, while proprietary plates such as Bogen are problematic. If the FLM release uses plates with dimensions different from Arca/Swiss, you will be forced to buy an adapter such as described in the link I provided.

Hank, you are right. I need to buy a platform or clamp to fit on the 3/8.
Here is the english version
http://www.flm-gmbh.de/EN/products_photographie.html

And yes, I love that ball head. It is fantastic, never had a problem with my P67 flipped for verticals though my WLF was a pain.

Prashant,

I have an earlier version of the Kirk rail you're contemplating. For me, it's the best money I ever spent on photo gear. If you get it, you won't regret it.
Kirk has two or three sizes of QR clamps with 3/8 threads to choose from, and they're not too expensive