Why did it take so long for me to figure this out?
I have a nice tripod with a nice ball head with a quick release plate on my camera. I always have it on my camera and mostly shoot from a tripod.
The problem is that when I turn my camera vertically, the camera is now off-center relative to the ball head. This creates two problems: Problem number one (the lesser problem) is that the tripod setup is not as stable as it is when the camera is directly over the ball head. Problem number two (the bigger one) is that (especially if using a heavy lens), the quick release plate tends to slip a bit. I’ve tried to tighten the plate really tight, but gravity always seems to win. (Yes, I’ve tried flipping the whole setup around so that gravity tightens the plate, but this is awkward for me…)
I figured out how to solve both problems!
A Kirk L-Bracket and a Kirk quick release clamp. Now, I just release the clamp, re-attach the camera vertically, and re-lock the clamp. Actually, it’s harder to say it than it is to do it. It keeps the camera directly over the center of the tripod (and head), and is rock solid – horizontally and vertically.
I still have the quick release for my ball head, but now it’s attached to my Kirk release clamp and is always on the tripod. The L-Bracket is always on my camera. The L-Bracket is custom for each camera (thus, expensive), but it allows access to all controls and doors, etc.
If you have a head that already takes a Arca type attachment, you won’t need the release clamp.
If you have to flip your ball head sideways to shoot vertically, buy an L-Bracket!!