BEFORE buying an L-Bracket for your Camera... WATCH THIS 

Great video! It was clear, informative, and the information can be applied to numerous camera and L-bracket manufacturers. Thank you!!!!

Leaves no questions or doubts. Couldn't be more lucid

Great video! I also have the SmallRig L-bracket for my Fuji X-T4. One thing I would add to the fit process is to make sure you can use your rear LCD screen as needed, that it can swing out freely in all directions. That's what sold me on SmallRig's bracket.

I love my SmallRig L-Bracket! I got it 2 and a half years ago and it has been on my camera ever since. It is a high quality product that fits my Canon M-50 perfectly. L Brackets are definitely a time saver on location. Having one custom fit to your camera model is a must. The last thing I want to do is get my composition set up then have to remove my camera from the tripod to change a dead battery. It's not an issue with the SmallRig L- bracket. I can easily change the battery or card while the camera is mounted to the tripod. Another bonus is the extra protection it provides for my camera. It also works with my peak design straps and my Cotton Carrier Harness. (I have to attach a quick release plate to the bottom of the Cotton Carrier attachment before mounting it to my tripod but that is quick and easy to do.) Great video Blake!

Watched your video, excellent . Had purchased an L bracket , Was not happy, couldn't open the battery flap. Looked up Smallrig , showed one specifically for my camera model Twenty UK pounds cheaper than the one I had. Ordered a smallrig bracket straight away. (Amazon), (around 44.00 US dollars inc Postage.) received the day after. superb, even the Live view can be flipped. Better design, locking key stored at the bottom of the bracket. Well thought about. Totally sold. `So.. thanks for posting this video. Has made all the difference. Will remain on my camera. All happened within 48hrs of seeing your video.

I have an inexpensive L-bracket (under $25) for each camera. Never had a problem. Don't waste your money. Thanks for the straight dope, Blake.

I've used RRS L-brackets for many years. Recently, I picked up a D850, and I bought a Sunwayphoto L-bracket for way less than a RRS one. The Sunwayphoto bracket is excellent, just as good at my old RRS brackets.

thanks for making this video, very informative!

I have had good experiences with SmallRig as well. They work great and if you wait for a sale, the prices are also great. In addition, since many of the L brackets are made for video makers who usually add many attachments, there may be extra screw holes to attach other items you may have. It may take a bit to get them, since they may be sent directly from China.

I purchased a $15 L bracket off eBay for my Fuji XT2 …. Fits perfect, allows access to battery etc ….. works great!

Just bought an L-Bracket (SmallRig) for the first time, for my Z6II, definitely good advice in this video!

I use (leave on) L brackets on my Nikon Z7 and D800. As Blake noted, the bracket needs to allow access to the left side connectors but one thing he did not mention is "anti-twist" features to keep the bracket from rotating on the body. Most have a "shelf" on the front that is intended to prevent rotation. That doesn't always work. In my D800, I had to install a hole in the bracket that matched a hole in the body and epoxied a nylon pin in the L-bracket that matched to hole. I also use a D500 for birds, almost always with a long lens. -That- camera doesn't get an L-Bracket since the Arca-Swiss rail on the lens foot allows the lens and camera to rotate as needed.

I bought an L bracket for my X-T30 from Amazon for £21 - about $25 US - and it is excellent. Well made and also includes a hand grip which is ideal on the compact Fuji for us long fingered people

The only one that I thinks worth paying a little extra for is the three legged thing Ellie, as it has the peak design clip built in.

RRS is just amazing if you are shooting everyday ;) Especially versions that allow for offsets for tether cables, when shooting in portrait mode. Be cautious of a few brands that will be brittle and if your tripod head clamp is overtightened it will start to compress / break on the cheaper L brackets.

Thank you for this video, Blake! I had bought an L bracket for my Canon R6, only to discover when it arrived, that I could not open the LCD screen. I was about to buy one for $150 from another company. You just saved me over $100! I just bought a SMALL RIG one!

Well explained, thank you

Today I received my L-bracket from SmallRig. It's made for the Sony A73 and others, but not specifically for the Sony A7R4. I own both cameras and found the bracket works fine on both cameras. Thanks for the tip.

Just bought a smallrig bracket for the new camera - use it all the time and it doesn't come off the camera. Also bought plates so I don't have to change them from the 70-200mm lens to the tripod. - best time saver!

I worked at/managed a camera store for over 25 years and I agree with your “don’t overpay” and the advantages of Arca Swiss compatibility. Another advantage of metal to metal contact is you avoid any shake of the camera from having rubber or cork between body and head. A couple other things, the L bracket gives you just that little more space to grip your camera. I have average size hands and I also like that it keeps my pinky from hanging in space. If the lens allows the space I’ll mount the camera so that the Arca Swiss locking knob faces forward so it’s not hitting me in the chin. While the brand you mention has a few more features you can pick up a fitted L bracket in the $20 - $30 ranges. It won’t store on bracket the tools to adjust or remove the bracket but I carry those on my pocket or camera bag.

Thanks Blake. I was able to get an L for way under C$100. for my D850. Forget the manufacturer but couldn't willingly shoot without it. Thanks for sharing!

I had a RRS L-bracket for my Canon 70D. Upgrading to the Canon R5 was so expensive that I had to save save money as much money on the required accessories. I got a Smallrig L-bracket, which was about 20% the cost of the bracket from RRS. It works just as well and has pins that fit perfectly into the corresponding holes in the bottom of the camera. Great purchase!

It makes sense nowadays, but back then for my D3 & 5D Mk II, there were just Kirk and RRS. Even today with my Z6 + grip, I have to use an universal L-bracket.

I have a Kirk bracket on my R5 and a SunwayFoto bracket on my R6. Guess which cost a fraction of the other. Guess also which one is "better". Ah, forget that last one; they're equally good. Guess what else: when I got my first bracket on my 5D Mark IV, I too had to swap out my Manfrotto ball heads for Arca Swiss. When I got a new tripod, I got a RRS Arca Swiss head for it. I don't regret that at all.

Yes, the challenge with the Sunway and Small Rig can be the movement of the LCD screen in the small slot of the bracket. ..with some people worrying about the glass face hitting bare metal. But either brand can be very economical for most people. And work just fine. Thanks Blake.

I had no idea the shiny thing on my bracket was the adjustment tool. No more butter knife in my back pocket!

I also use the Peak Design Three-Legged Thing Ellie(TLTE) on my Canon R5. I also had it on my former Canon 6DMKII. I've never had a problem with the TLTE. I originally started out with the Manfrotto style because of their tripod heads. Then I finally got smart and went to the TLTE.

I am getting the ProMediaGear bracket for my R5 for the simple reason that it has a side piece that can slide forward (towards front of camera) to that I can access cable ports on teh side and, more importantly, I can fully articulate the rear screen. With Fixed brackets on a camera with an articulating rear screen you can't open the read LCD screen.

One other major benefit of the L bracket is it adds significant protection to the camera body. I dropped my new camera the day after I received my L bracket and it saved me a big repair bill. I know it doesn't protect all four sided, but it still protects 3 corners of the camera.

That’s the exact same bracket I just bought. You can also remove the L part to save a bit of weight when out without a tripod to continue benefiting from the pinky-support thing. Much better handling of my a7R5.

Many thanks for this video. I was horrified at the prices I had previously seen for L-brackets - like over £200!!!!. Went to Photospecialists in the UK and bought the Smallrig that fits my Sony A7ll for only £50. THANK YOU :)

Not only fit but stability is also essential. Some budget L brackets flex in portrait orientation with heavy setups. RRS and a few others are way overpriced and unfortunately, they get away with it because the budget companies often overlook details so we are forced to buy the expensive ones

$59 dollars is still very expensive! I purchased two L brackets from China, one for my D800 and one for my D850. Both were bespoke to the cameras, and both had locating lugs on the base to ensure no rotational slip etc. They are single piece aluminium, and weigh nothing. They cost me £15 each, including shipping!! They are amazing, and never come off my cameras. You're absolutely right, there are plenty of people out there who just HAVE to buy the brand. In this case, I just don't understand why :-)

For the first time, I have to disagree with you. I had an L-bracket from a UK firm that damaged my D750 and had some need for improvements. I contacted them but they would not admit to any problem and were incensed that I suggested anything. I had tried to save money but in the end, it cost me. I now go with RRS for everything. Quality costs. These small companies that use very tight tolerances must charge a higher price. If you buy cheap, you buy twice.

Like cars replacing horses, L brackets have become antiques with the release of Silence Corner’s Atoll collar. Unlike a L bracket the Atoll does not block your ports or flip screen, keeps the axis aligned even better, can be used with Peak Design Capture products, can be used with a Fusion plate with Black Rapud straps, can rotate 90,180,120…, does’t require reattaching camera like L bracket, and the list goes on. So buy a L bracket if you like cumbersome old technology, buy buy an Atoll if you want to create your art effortlessly. And no, I am not a seller of Atoll. I am a aerospace engineer that knows good design and is an amateur photographer.

Lucky to get a pair for 30$. Actually, the increase in grip/comfort while handing is 2gud to miss.Nice straight forward video. Thank you.

All valid points and excellent advice for anyone using an L bracket. Personally I am not using one anymore; tried it several years ago and I didn't like it was getting in the way of the cable connectors. Yes I can open the covers and connect the cables but I find it still a little bit awkward, so a normal Arca-Swiss plate is what I am using. All comes down to personal preference. Thanks Blake for sharing this :)

Hey Blake, I have a question. How can I be sure whether a tripod supports L brackets? I am planning to buy Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 and I dont know if it works with L brackets. There is no specification about that.

Thank you!

I thought like this and so bought a cheap L bracket. Realised my mistake when my camera fell off the tripod and into a lake. Pro camera and lens so they were fine. Lesson learned though and I then bought a 3 legged thing.

Of course, you do not need to buy an Arca-Swiss ball head, you just need the Arca-Swiss clamp on the ball head's stem. There are options for clamp style (knob vs. lever), and sizes for large and small cameras. I love the L Plates with the tools built in!

Thanks for your always very interesting videos. I have a question for you. Do you know if there is a L-Bracket for Manfrotto RC2 type (no arca-swiss) for the Nikon D750?

I love L-Brackets and Arca swiss. They make up for my dislike of ball heads. Now L-Brackets come in different colours - i've color coded my Nikon Z cameras...

I have a Canon camera with a flip out screen, that I use quite a bit, and when I bought an L bracket I never took into account that it would block the screen from moving around. I still like using the L bracket, but I can't really leave it on the camera all the time, which is a pain sometimes. Just something for you flip out screen users to consider.

I bought one for my x-t3 fuji, together with hand grip for aroud 15 euros. Works and fits perfectly, so I didn't regret i didn't spend more money 🤣.

How many tripods do you have?. Great video mate, can't live without my L bracket.

Also if you drop your camera you have a higher probability of not experiencing major damage if you have one of these L brackets on.

I'm on the lookout for an L-bracket for A7RV and the main problem is that only one company has shown real-life proof, that their L-bracket allows mounting on a tripod vertically WITH HDMI cable plugged in. For many others it just looks like either "cable can be plugged in only in horizontal position" or "there is no space to open HDMI port at all while the bracket is on". So I have to go with a "130 USD + international shipping" item...

Problem with Smallrig’s A1 L-bracket is the cutout they put into the vertical side. It allows the mount to flex when you tighten down and becomes sketchy.

Bought a Neewer setup from Amazon and it has worked perfectly with heavy use. Much cheaper solution than this.

Really like Smallrig but I am trying to purchase a “L” bracket for my Canon 5DSR and they are saying that they don’t make one for this. Very surprised since this is the newest 5D version and 5-6 years old. I hear my 5DSR is the same fit as the 5D MKiii but they have not confirmed. Anyone know or have any info about this?

One thing I can tell you is only one lens axis is the same when you switch from horizontal to vertical. Using the L bracket is much faster than turning a ball head 90* & leveling it out & much more stable & sturdier than the weight hanging off the side also. The one axis that is still the same is important for anyone doing panos. For people on a budget or don't take photos all that much, nothing wrong with purchasing a cheaper costing L bracket or anything else for that matter(except filters 7 lenses & ....).

I had one for my D850 with Grip 5/5, I have one for my Z5 5/5 and I had one for my Z9 1/5 as it didn't fit it properly and I lost a whole night's star-trails shot because the wind vibration the Smalrig suffered in VERTICAL orientation!... You BUY what you PAY for... All the brackets are NOT equal...

Thank you for the video. I have ordered a Manfroto tripod. Your advice is to buy an arca swiss adaptor and a budget L bracket?

I prefer L-brackets that are manufactured out of one piece of aluminum...eliminates the need to bolt the upright A-S plate to main plate. Yeah, it may cost a little more, but in my mind its worth it. I can also trust the grade of aluminum is what it says it is...no worries of sub-standard materials coming out of China. For those reasons, I use RRS L-plates and lever clamps exclusively. Whatever floats one's boat.

I've also bought SmallRig L-brackets in the past, but found a design flaw in the one they make for the FujiFilm X-H2. Because of the way they've curved the opening for the battery door, there's an obstruction on the slide part that prevents me from centering the bracket and the camera on the crosshairs of my ballhead. That means I'm not rotating the camera on the rotation axis of the ballhead. Just a word of warning...

Do you buy those L-bracket with rubber footings or without? I have seen a few cheap ones but without the rubber footings, for which I supposed L brackets do NOT depend on these to secure the camera, but rather through the bumped edge, right?

I got one for my Nikon z6ii , I love, great quality , my only concern is if the magnet under may damage or effect the IBS in any way ?

Agree on you choice of L bracket. Well made and inexpensive expensive. The RRS one does have a hole that fit a rapid release device attached to a strap that allows you to carry the camera around your body and easily lift it to your eye. Also quickly allows it to be removed to be mounted on the tripod. Unfortunately the brand you use does not have that feature. If it did would actually be perfect. I prefer to by American but if something is very well made and is way cheaper……it becomes no contest.

One bit you didn't mention about the L bracket is the cameras centre of gravity! If using a heavy lens and use the ball head to go from landscape to portrait, the weight transfer can topple the tripod/ camera setup 😵😭🤬. Whereas using the bracket in portrait mode keeps the weight directly over the tripod/ stable! 👍 🇬🇧

Excellent… my Sony A1 wants me to buy it 😀

Does the bracket scratch up the camera?

I've purchased l-brackets via eBay for as little as $25, and they work perfectly. Spending more for a name-brand piece of metal is just throwing your money away.

Gee, I never had the rotate issue with my square format cameras. 🤓

Like you, my L-bracket stays on my A7Riii all the time. But in my opinion, you got close but missed the most important feature - when switching from landscape to portrait orientation, you are able to keep the lens on axis with the tripod - if you're shooting a series of shots for a panorama, the best result happens when you rotate the lens on axis. Without the L-bracket, you have to flip the camera to one side or the other (as you showed), which means you will not be rotating the lens about a consistent axis. Thanks Blake!

Having an open notch on the side bracket is important for cameras with flip out screens. My SmallRig L-bracket for the Canon R6 has that notch to accommodate the screen. The SmallRig bracket for the Canon R mysteriously does not, making it hard to view the screen when you are looking down on the camera.

I agree, you don’t have to pay the earth for an aluminium bracket but I couldn’t find one to fit my Fuji X-T3 with the battery grip attached. I found a used Kirk L bracket in mint condition for £50. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have paid £170 for a new one.

I broke the bank and bought the unmentionable Really Right Stuff L-bracket for my Nikon Z6. Fits better than the cheap ones.

Love L-plates. Used them for years. And spent a fortune on them. But, can't find one for my A7CR or A7CII. The ones I've tried block the doors and flippy screen. Just another reason to hate flippy screens.

Hey Blake, what tripod and tripod mount is that?

Smallrig don't make one for my camera (OM-D E-M1X) and the price for the Really Right Stuff version is really really stiff!. Managed to find an adjustable "universal" version from Manfrotto for around USD120 on special. The Manfrotto version isn't customised to allow access to batteries etc but it will suffice. One plus is that it fits the Manfrotto heads on my tripods without any need for adapters.

Arca Swiss!! Is there an L bracket or adaptor for Manfrotto? Thanks.

Even smallrig is overprized!

Arca Swiss Monoball P0 with Quickset Classic, UK price £329 plus the L bracket at whatever price. I shall fiddle with my tripod, even though sometimes it can take over 30 seconds!

My piece of essential kit is a battery grip, which pretty much eliminates using an L bracket.

How do you shoot vertically with the camranger attached?

A pinky rest?!?! OooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooOOOOOOOoooooooooooOoooooooOOoooooooooh!

Really Right Ripoff just kills the wallet.

Is there a similar set up for a video tripod head?

Doesn’t have to be a ball head. Rather, an Arca CLAMP that can be attached to any head system. Also, the L-bracket has to fit the camera well and allow cable passage.

The problems I've found with custom L brackets is that it's hard to find one that fits onto a camera with a battery grip. Most manufacturers seem to think very few people or no one uses a battery grip. Also tethered shooting in portrait format is a problem (even if you adjust the L bracket), as it interferes with the cable, or more importantly if it twist the connector of the cable it can damage the camera port.

Do they fit on a gimbal like the DJI Ronin SC2?

High way robery indeed 😂😂

I also keep an L-bracket on all my camera bodies. I have always used Kirk products. They are slightly less than RRS. They always fit perfectly. They are always finished perfectly. They always work perfectly. In an attempt to save money I have tried a Sunway L-bracket. Fit was poor. Finish was so-so. Felt flimsy. Sent it back immediately. I recently got a 3-Legged Thing Zelda L-bracket for my Z7. Around $100. I got it for $50 on sale. Fit is perfect. Finish is excellent. Functions well. But, it does not feel as sturdy as a Kirk or an RRS. That may not ever be an issue. Time will tell. Also, with the horizontal plate you can only slide it into the A-S mount in one direction. Deal breaker? Not at all. Especially for $50. So I totally disagree with this video regarding cost. RRS and Kirk are expensive. But they are generally perfect. Maybe 'over priced' a bit but not highway robbery at all. Simply a matter of paying for high quality flawless gear. On the other hand, some cheap gear is simply not very good. I am glad SmallRig and 3 Legged Thing are making seemingly good stuff for less. Competition is always good for consumers. But I would never write Kirk and RRS off as frivolous expenses. They are the best.

I use to use cheap eBay brackets, until I tried a Kirk….end of story.

Does anyone know if this will fit on the manfrotto 290 tripod ?

Blake, I visited the smallrig website. They don't have the L Bracket for any of my cameras, the Nikon D500, Nikon D750 nor the Nikon D5. This is very disappointing as I really had my hopes up for this invention. I contacted them to ask if the Nikon D850 would fit my cameras. The answer was no, plus they will no longer sell the L bracket for the Nikon D850, so I'm bummed. I'd love to know if you have any other recommendations.

I agree about how overpriced some of the L-brackets are. Exactly, it’s only a piece of metal. The same goes, in my opinion, for tripods. Although tripods serve a much more important function some are ridiculously overpriced. Thank you for your recommendations and video.

What are these little red dots I see on most of the cameras. It looks like a piece of elastic is paired with it

What the exact smallrig item number for the A1?

Here I am watching this video, because I thought paying 65$ for a smallrig bracket is too much.

I've always thought the Small Rig stuff looks good, they seem to have nothing for full-frame DSLRs, I guess they take the word "small" literally.

I wonder how many people actually use L brackets. Through the years since I picked up photography I've sold a lot of different photography items in my quest to upgrade but I haven't been able to sell a single L bracket. The only one I've ever been able to get rid of is one I left on the camera when I sold it.

Ha I won this. Mine came free. Admittedly it was with the V Air grip for my Phase One XF which so far has cost in excess of £60,000. but a win is a win. I will take it. Also top tip found out today you can use the XF with a power bank, after I had bought another four batteries - and it charges the batteries and you can swap the batteries whilst the bank is still plugged in. Thats not a win. Shall we call it a draw then?

Can't seem to find one for my Canon 7d mk11.

No L-bracket for the Nikon D3400

I do concur with your reasons for using an L plate for a camera, but I will have to totally disagree with your remarks regarding pricing. Cheaper is not always better. I use an original Arca-Swiss Z1+ ball head with their ‘Fliplock’ mount, and an original Arca-Swiss L plate. The precision engineering tolerances of the Arca-Swiss manufacturing are incredible. Other facsimile Arca-Swiss “style” mounts do not have this quality of manufacture. In fact I have tried to use a clamp mount for a remote trigger from a very well known producer of tethering products, this did not actually tighten to the original mount and as a result kept sliding off the Arca-Swiss L plate! I have examined other manufacturers mounts and plates with a micrometer gauge and there are considerable differences from the original. As usual I find original to be best.

Would be nice to mention that most L brackets don’t work well with articulating screen.

A simple bit of metal your being naive. Some companies use high end aerospace materials for low weight and durability. You also need to consider the protective treatment for wear protection.

Nice approach. But I would say that weight is also critical. I use 3 Legged Thing on my cameras, and they are super light. When comparing the 3 Legged Thing to the SmallRig one compatible with my camera(s), it's 94 grams x 149 grams. It may seem an insignificant difference, but when you add up heavy lenses, tripod, accessories, etc, every gram counts. As you said, it's just a piece of metal, and I don't want an anvil attached to my camera. :)