I have talked in the past how I like to use an L-Bracket on my tripod, which greatly facilitates changing from landscape to portrait mode. But nonetheless there are times when I know I am going to be shooting in landscape mode only, and I want the freedom to switch quickly and easily between tripod and handheld. Changing between the two options can be a nuisance and I have, on occasions, thought that I’d properly inserted my camera and mount securely back into the tripod but in fact it hadn’t quite caught and I have narrowly avoided having my cameral fall out - a scary thought!
Now I have a solution - Andycine asked me to try their quick release mount and asked only that I give honest feedback.
My QR plates slide into my tripod from the side or front to back and as I mention above, I risk mishaps if I don’t install them properly and they’re fiddly to attach or release. The Andycine mount, with its 1/4 and 3/8 screw threads fits securely to standard tripod mounts and its quick release does exactly that - so when you want to go hand held you need only to squeeze the 2 red lugs and the upper section is released - with the base of the mount remaining on the tripod. The release is really simple and then, when you’re done with hand held shooting, you just click the camera back onto the mount base which had remained secure on the tripod. It makes the switch from tripod to handheld so very simple.
Incidentally, there’s a lock on one of the side lugs to prevent the mount from disengaging randomly. At first I couldn’t get this to slide across but then realised that I hadn’t properly engaged the mount’s top section. Once I had, the lock worked perfectly.
What’s more, the mount can be used for projectors, for additional lighting, monitors or microphones: making it really versatile. It’s super sturdy, durable and compact. The built-in rubber ring makes your device more stable. Andycine suggest the maximum payload is up to 50kgs. I’ve read online comments that a combination of a heavy DSLR and chunky lens can be too much for the release mount. I haven’t had any problems in this respect.
The mount looks good, feels good and for me it’s been a great addition to my kit! If only we could have a similar system for an L-mount!
And below, an Iris photographed this week.
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