Review on 📷 Neewer Aluminum QR Plate Adapter with Screw and Bubble Lever for DSLR Camera Tripod Monopod Stabilizer Ball Head - Black Alloy by Jay Aukuso

I used to use cheap Chinese Manfrotto 577 style quick release clones which were very solid and worked well but ended up being a little clunky for my liking and proving to be mechanically problematic for proven use with some camera settings. So I went looking for a new quick release system and settled on either the Arca Swiss or something along the lines of the Manfrotto 323 RC2. I've always thought of Arca Swiss as an elegant and professional design and the biggest advantage is that it's the most popular and ubiquitous system of the moment. You will find many accessories in the Swiss Arca style from various manufacturers at very reasonable prices. On the other hand, RC2-style QRs aren't that popular, leaving you with fewer options. I spent a ridiculous amount of discussion weighing the pros and cons of each system before finally settling on this version of the Neewer RC2. First, it clearly surpasses the Arca Swiss in terms of ease and "quickness” in attaching and detaching the camera from the base, which can be done with one hand in a split second. Second, the Arca Swiss's moving parts seem more prone to getting clogged with mud if you use it outdoors a lot. Finally, the small safety stops on the underside of the Swiss Arca plates prevent the camera from lying flat on any surface unless mounted on a base that I knew would OCD my brain. So I decided the RC2 style option was the best choice for me, but I had to stock up on at least 6 of these and wouldn't lose more than $200 to get the official Manfrotto versions. At the other end of the spectrum you can find Chinese unbranded RC2 clones for a very low price of around $7-$10 each that claim to have solid all-metal construction. However, I have had too many negative reports of poor quality control in the factories or the locking mechanism wearing out and loosening over time. Additionally, many of these cheap models have a small security lever or bolt that protrudes from the underside of the base and prevents it from sitting flat or mounting properly on many tripod plates or other mounting surfaces. So I decided to stay away from them and go for a good mid-range option. The only one I could find was this Neewer model. I was able to get the 6 I needed for $100 which I thought was very reasonable and I am happy to say I am very satisfied with their quality. They're light and compact enough without feeling too small or flimsy for reliable professional use. I have no qualms about using them with expensive camera gear (assuming I'm using Micro Four Thirds format cameras and lenses, so I don't try and don't necessarily recommend them with big, heavy mounts). They're obviously not as heavy as Manfrottos, which is understandable given the price difference, but they feel well built and sturdy. In my opinion, the trigger safety is even better than that of the Manfrotto. And the spirit levels are a nice addition. Another feature worth noting is that the screw that sits on top of the QR plate can be hand-tightened to the camera using a flathead screwdriver or an Allen key. And when properly tightened, the grippy rubber surface on the plate keeps the camera from loosening and rotating. One caveat is that they don't seem to be compatible with other RC2-style QRs. The size is slightly different. I suspect Neewer wants to lock you up in his own little quick-release ecosystem. But it suits me because I haven't had anything like it from other manufacturers. So if I ever need more, I'll just buy more Neewers. Overall I believe I made the right choice by purchasing this for my particular situation. This is a great option for a quick release at a good price. Highly recommended.