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That's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. My only concern is the durability of the product but so far so good. Without this for your monopod you'd have to screw the camera on every time you want to use the monopod. With this device, you simply push the lever and pop your camera on and off.
The result is that I use the tripod - and the focusing rail - a lot more, and my photographs are sharper. My experience thus far is that the Sima brackets are just as solid, for my purposes anyway. I put the 3rd one on the focusing rail that I use in close-up and macro photography. I've had 3 of these quick-release brackets for several years, but primarily used the Bogen quick-release bracket because I bought one along with a joystick-type tripod head for my 3021 tripod, and found it to be rock-solid. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to make the tripod a more convenient accessory. Since I'm often too lazy to keep attaching the bracket to the camera and taking it off again, I switched to this one, and put the second one on my Olympus C5050. I recently bought a Canon Digital Rebel xsi and found that the Bogen plate was too bulky for comfort. I leave them on all the time, and they're so small that I don't notice them when I'm working without the tripod.
If you looking for pro features & quality , you may need to look else where. So of the two, I prefer the one that "easier" to open. Each one screws on firmly. The puck is about 2 9/16" in diameter, with the exception of the latch sticking out about 1/4" when in its closed position.The latch mechanism could use a bit more refined engineering. No issues mounting. (Interchanging between the Monopod and tripod is quick and easy now).The fit & finish of the product is what you'd expect from Sima. This can make attempting a quick remove of the mounting plate frustrating if you don't have a coin/screwdriver/key handy.The guide post in the plate is "adjustable" and fully removable. I have 2, one for a Canon HF-S100 and one for a Nikon D40.
The molded hard plastic reminds me of a hockey puck, like high-impact grade plastic. Between the 2 I have, one swings open with only a minor studder when first opening to release the mounting plate. There's only a slot for you to use a screwdrive/coin to tighten the screw when mounting the plate to a camera. Otherwise, the latch feels strong and secure.The screw stud cannot be tightened by fingers - there's no way to "grip" the screw from underneath the plate. (I accidentally dropped one from the car onto the drive way, mounted on the Canon Monopod. On the HF-S100, mount plate is small enough not to interfere w/ the SD card loading slot & door. No such concern on the D40. I recommend it as a resonable solution for getting a quick-release mount/plate system.
(I guess your mileage may vary with which "version" you get.). The other one requires a bit more force to start the swing to open, like there's a more pronounce "notch". Not the case. Just mount it & forget it until you need to release it - that's what it does best.
It does what it was designed to do for the price. If your looking for a simple solution in a nice package for a resonable price, then buy it now. It is not spring loaded, but instead threaded for easy screw adjustment and/or removal.Overall, it is what it is. I put the base mounts on an old Ambico tripod and a Canon Monopod.
I mention this only for those using it on video equipment in the instance where you find yourself mounting or unmounting your device while recording - you'll definitely shake things up). It survived the drop without a ding or scratch). For the Canon Monopod, it makes the mount section look more substantial and adds much needed quick release functionality. I thought for sure it was damaged.
THANKS. I WILL BE BUYING MORE. THIS WAS EXACTLY THE PRODUCT I WAS LOOKING FOR. I HAVE DIFFERENT TRIPODS AND MONOPODSTHAT I CAN NOW CHANGE QUICKLY WITHOUT WASTING TIME.
I put one of the base units on my tripod, and the other on my monopod. It does interfere with battery replacement in my model camera, but nothing else. It's made out of plastic, but if you abused it enough to break it, I'm sure your camera would be a goner too.
It does not interfere with the operation of either of the pods. You'll have to remove the part on the camera to get the battery door open. I use it for my Canon SX20IS camera.
It's small, and functions well. So I can switch back and forth easily between the two pods without moving the base unit around. Not much of a problem, it unscrews using a penny or dime if you don't have a screwdriver with you.
I bought 2 of these. The camera piece is so small, I just leave it on.
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