FTOG
•
Senior Member
•
Posts: 1,359
X-E3: Arca Swiss Mounting Options - Grips vs. L Brackets
Feb 13, 2019
Hi all,
currently, I am an X-E2 user with the original Fuji grip (MHG-XE), and am considering an upgrade to the X-E3. If I decide to pull the trigger, I'll need a new Arca Swiss mounting option. SInce I enjoy the benefits of an additional grip, a simple quick release place is not something I consider.
Researching options, here's essentially what I found available where I live:
- Fuji grip MHG-XE3, ~120 EUR
Weight: 100gr
Advantages: Textured grip surface, potentially best fit to camera body
Disadvantages: Expensive, no vertical Arca Swiss rail
- Meike grip, ~50 EUR
Weight: 80gr
Advantages: Textured grip surface, 60% cheaper than Fuji grip
Disadvantages: No vertical Arca Swiss rail
- Generic chinese grip with detachable vertical Arca Swiss rail, ~20 EUR
Weight: 140gr
Advantages: Removable vertical Arca Swiss rail, 85% cheaper than Fuji grip
Disadvantages: Smooth metal grip surface, somewhat heavier (unknown weight without vertical rail), unknown built quality
As much as I am happy with the original grip for the X-E2, I see few points to actually choose the Fuji grip over its alternatives.
For landscape photos in portrait orientation, I wonder if having a vertical Arca Swiss rail would improve stability by bringing the center of mass to a more central position over the tripod. Additionally, the vertical rail can be unattached when it is not required, reducing bulk comparable to the other options. This would be a point in favour of the generic Chinese grips over other options.
That being said, the Fuji and Meike grip has a textured grip surface, which the Chinese grips seem to lack. The grip surface appears to be uncovered metal, which could be potentially more slippery and colder to the touch in cold conditions. I expect this to be one way of bringing down the cost of manufacturing, which obviously is necessary to offer these at much less than the Fuji grip in particular.
Which option would you recommend for general and landscape use especially?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm XF 14mm F2.8 R
Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR
Fujifilm 50mm F2 R WR
Fujifilm XF 27mm F2.8 R WR
+2 more
POLL
|
Fuji grip, ~120 EUR (horizontal AS rail)
|
|
|
30%
|
3
|
votes
|
|
Meike grip, ~50 EUR (horizontal AS rail)
|
|
|
40%
|
4
|
votes
|
|
Chinese grips with detachable vertical rail, ~20 EUR (horizontal + vertical AS rail)
|
|
|
30%
|
3
|
votes
|
Login or register to vote Show results