L bracket options for Z

[cerj]

That is precisely what the SmallRig solution does. They sell it like a feature to solve the pinky issue. For me it solves the FTZ problem.

Wait, you've tested this out with a Smallrig plate already?

No, I can just see that the front of the bracket is flush with the camera's front face, so there is room for the FTZ to rotate. On top of that it rises the whole camera 16.5 mm allowing the FTZ to rotate without touching anything below the plane of the lower face of the bracket.

They sell it as "add 16.5mm height based on the original handgrip for pinky support" but the main advantage is the FTZ having room to rotate to be removed.

You can see it here, just suppose the FTZ support is not installed:

Rendering Smallrig with FTZ support.

I'm thinking about doing exactly this.... using the Smallrig L bracket without the FTZ support except for heavier lenses that require it. Which brings up a question.. is there an actual list or if not a guideline for F mount lenses that shouldn't need the FTZ tripod support?

Probably always best to use the lens tripod collar if it's available, instead of mounting to the FTZ adapter or Z body.

Yes, all of the lenses I'm talking about here do not have tripod collars and most are relatively small and light so I don't think it will be an issue using the L bracket in lieu of the FTZ adapter. The best solution for me will be for Nikon to hurry up and release the 14-30 f4... that will reduce my need to use the FTZ tremendously.

I checked with “Smallrig” to ensure the FTZ adapter could be put on and off the camera without removing the L bracket, their response:

Thanks for your message.
Yes, our L bracket for Nikon Z7 allow the FTZ adapter can be mounted and un-mounted without removal of the L bracket from the camera.
Thanks very much.
Have a nice day!

Nice. I might have to get that SmallRig L bracket as well then. And for only about $50 it's a good deal too. Just seems a bit heavy.

Yes, I agree, seems heavy. I may hold out fo something that adds less bulk.

 

[FuhTeng]

I'm sorry, I'm not seeing the dovetail design in the smallrig set up. Am I just missing it? It just looks like a vertical side.

 

[jaba]

I'm sorry, I'm not seeing the dovetail design in the smallrig set up. Am I just missing it? It just looks like a vertical side.

I do see it, look on my last link.

 

[cerj]

Anyone have any update on the L bracket they purchased and how they fit, work with (or don’t work with) the FTZ, bulk, etc?

 

[bokesan]

Anyone have any update on the L bracket they purchased and how they fit, work with (or don’t work with) the FTZ, bulk, etc?

I ordered the Markins brackets I mentioned, but it'll probably be a week or two before I actually get them. Will report as soon as they've arrived.

 

[DWM]

Got the Kirk L-Bracket last Saturday. Works perfectly, including with my RRS lever clamp. No interference with the FTZ, and way cheaper than the RRS modular with the same features. Canceled my RRS preorder. I doubt I'll buy another bracket from RRS.

 

[Joe Farrell]

I concur with the Kirk Bracket as I have received mine for the Z7 and it fits great and is compact. I use the BH-55 head and a large Gitzo tripod along with the Wimberly Sidekick and all that works fine. I have attached the lens adapter and it does not interfere with the l bracket. I looks like it was made just for the Z7 as it hugs the bottom of the body well.

First Kirk product and they were great when I called them and knew all about the product. $115 is what I paid.

 

[Andre Yew]

I concur with the Kirk Bracket as I have received mine for the Z7 and it fits great and is compact. I use the BH-55 head and a large Gitzo tripod along with the Wimberly Sidekick and all that works fine. I have attached the lens adapter and it does not interfere with the l bracket. I looks like it was made just for the Z7 as it hugs the bottom of the body well.

Joe, I'm curious if you can dismount the FTZ while the Z7 is on your BH-55 head, or do you have to remove the Z7 from the ballhead before you can remove the FTZ? Thanks!

 

[Joe Farrell]

The answer is no. You have to take the camera off the BH -55 ballhead with the quick release clamp, to attach or remove the FTZ adapter. I have only used the 24-70 so I did not think of this. The adapter hits the quick release clamp.

Not a deal breaker for me and can only think the L bracket would need to be really high to allow the FTZ to swing without hitting the quick release clamp.

-
Joe

 

[Andre Yew]

Thanks for checking Joe. This seems to be a problem for almost all of the quick release brackets except maybe for the upcoming SmallRig.

 

[Clayton1985]

Thanks for checking Joe. This seems to be a problem for almost all of the quick release brackets except maybe for the upcoming SmallRig.

That's what it seems to me as well so I decided to preorder the SmallRig bracket. I'm still curious to see if RRS comes out with something workable but so far haven't seen anything about their design.

 

[starfly]

RRS confirmed to me that the base plate of the L bracket will cover the whole bottom of the camera, including the grip area. At least, they said that's the direction they're going in, but the design isn't officially finalized yet.

They expect to ship in December, at which point they'll also publish images on their site.