Why and when do you use an L-bracket?
Why and when do you use an L-bracket?
the review of the Leofoto LPS-A7R4.
Once in a while Leofoto allows me to try out some nice things from their extensive accessory collection. The last period this was the L-bracket (LPS-A7R4) for my Sony A7R4. I have been using this bracket for the past weeks and this inspired me to write about the use of L-brackets from Leofoto.
Written by Bart Ros
What is an L-Bracket?
An L-Bracket is in fact a quick-release plate for your tripod that runs in an L-shape, which is why an L-Bracket is sometimes also called an L-Plate. Some models have the possibility to remove the left part or to adjust it yourself. You often leave an L-Plate attached to your camera and it allows you to work with a tripod without the quick release plate. The L-plates from Leofoto are made of durable lightweight aluminium and compatible with any Arca-Swiss tripod. So you can also use it with other tripod brands. You attach the bracket to your camera in the same way as a normal quick-release plate.
Why do you use an L-bracket?
Like a tripod, an L-bracket is actually a handy, and for some photographers even indispensable, tool in your camera bag. It allows you to quickly place your camera on your tripod without too much thought. Even when I have the camera strapped to my camera strap on my back, I just leave the L-Bracket on.
Now you might wonder why you would use a bracket instead of the one that comes with your tripod. Especially since an L-bracket adds some weight to your camera equipment. Of course, we always want to shed as much weight as possible on our packs; at least I do.
The photographer's indispensable accessory
An L-bracket has become an indispensable item for me. It allows me to quickly change between a vertical and horizontal setup. An L plate also contributes to the stability of the camera on your tripod. Making panorama photos becomes a lot easier and it also gives you more grip on the camera. In addition, you can still change the camera battery and it keeps the ports of your camera safe during filming.
"If you have adjusted the tripod correctly, it is very quick and stable to work with an L-bracket."
If you have adjusted the tripod correctly, it is very quick and stable to work with an L-bracket. This is because the centre of your camera is always at the same point when you use it. This is not the case when using the vertical position of your tripod. Just try to make a horizontal panorama in that position. Seriously? I will wait. Of course, there are many more advantages so I'll list them for you below.
Summary of the advantages of an L-Bracket:
- When using an L-bracket, your field of vision remains the same both vertically and horizontally;
- A bracket protects your camera better than a tripod plate;
- Stable because you use the centre point of your tripod and easier to level your camera;
- You can quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shots;
- Photographers with bigger hands have a better grip;
- Always an Arca-Swiss plate at hand;
- The plate protects the ports if you use them when filming;
- Create straight panoramas with ease;
- You can easily access your battery or work with a dummy power supply during timelapses.
L-bracket from Leofoto (LPS-A7R4)
When opening the packaging of the Leofoto LPS-A7R4 bracket, it is immediately noticeable that the bracket has a solid construction. Something that cannot be said of all brackets in this price range. The Leofoto bracket is made from black anodised aluminium and you can easily fix it to your camera with an Allen key. This is also possible with a coin or screwdriver. This is ideal, because you always have one of these three items in your bag. With this L-bracket you can also place the supplied allen key at the bottom in the L-plate.
Besides protecting your ports, the left side of the L-plate has an Arca-Swiss groove too. You can remove this left side if you want to. Personally, I would never do that because then it is no longer an L-plate. However, I can imagine that it can be useful if you just want to make some portrait photos without a tripod but still want to keep the extra grip. If you ever lose the part or damage it badly, you can re-order it. The L-bracket also has three screw holes for extra attributes and a cold shoe for a flash or led light.
Using the L plate
It is a pleasure to use the LPS-A7R4 L-Plate. It was quick to mount and immediately ready for use. Of course, I have a Leofoto tripod, but it also fits perfectly on other tripods. Also on other tripods there are no shifts and fastening was done with the same ease. My only feedback for Leofoto would be that they put the markings for the dimensions on the L-bracket, just like they do on the regular quick-release plates. This bracket does not have this, although I have never seen this on an L-bracket or grip. However, this would come in very handy to be able to find the exact center of the camera over the horizontal axis.
For which cameras does Leofoto make L-Plates?
The LPS series includes an L-bracket for all A7, A9 and also A6000 series cameras. There are also similar variants for Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Panasonic GH mirrorless cameras. There are also similar brackets and plates for recent Nikon and Canon DSLRs. It may be clear that I gratefully make use of the many advantages that an L-bracket offers. Let the summer weather come soon so we can start taking great pictures again!