Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body
The Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket is an ultra-compact and lightweight L-bracket that is custom designed to snugly fit a Nikon D3 Series camera body. Machined from one single piece of 6061T6 industrial strength aluminum, it provides full access to all switches, sockets, and the battery drawer. This design allows you to release, turn, and remount your camera in mere seconds, when switching from horizontal to vertical orientation and back. It is especially ideal for use with shorter macro, wide-angle, and tilt-shift lenses.
- For use with quick release systems that use the Arca Swiss type clamp.
| Weight | 5.2 oz (147g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fits well (9)
- Improves tripod function (8)
- Easy to use (7)
- Solid/sturdy (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Night shots (6)
- Portraits (6)
- Wildlife (4)
- Sports/action (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (5), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
Excellent, fit like a glove! A must have, but a bit expensive.
I should purchase this bracket before any camera plate.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
I've had one of these on my D3 since it was new. I like it so much that I bought one for my newly-acquired D3X.
These brackets are left on the cameras even for hand-held shots. I wouldn't be without them.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
Bracket is solid yet lightweight for its size. It works well and allows access to compartments for tethered shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
- Pricey
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
I configured my support system around the Nikon D3s and the Arca-Type QRS. I opted for the Acratech GP-s Ballhead but determined that the Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket was a much better option than Acratech's L-bracket. The fact that it is D3 dedicated makes it more compact and a better fit. In addition the access to D3s ports and battery compartment is not obstructed so unlike other brackets it can be left on the camera comfortably.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Pricey
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
I'm using an Acratech GP-s Ballhead. Compared the Acratech L-bracket to the Kirk and it was a no-brainer. The Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket is a much better fit and allows access to battery, and ports without any additional adjustments.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Bulky
- Price
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
On my D3S, fits like a glove and has no play. I like the strap eye-let, through which I loop an attachment to my Black Rapid strap (so I don't have to remove the strap for Tripod use, which is why you have an L Plate in the first place).
The "bulge" from the battery cover opening does get in the way of shooting at first, but I think you'll quickly adjust your grip for it. There is no interference with shooting vertically.
In addition to portrait mode, being able to connect vertically allows you to shoot horizontally if you're shooting from the side of the ballhead (fake-gimbal), so I'm glad I got the L Plate.
The cost is, of course, the real issue here. The price seems ridiculous for a piece of metal, but I really don't have any idea what the materials, machining, and quality control really cost.
Can't compare it to the RSS L Plate (which is the obvious alternative), but I'm very happy with the Kirk L Plate and am not looking to replace it.
It's basically perma-mounted on my D3S now
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
I have used these products on other cameras and they work great. Very easy to change from horizontal to vertical shots
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
Light-weight and sturdy. Works great with my Markins ballhead.
Pros
- Compact
- Fits Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Long Exposures
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
This is a beautifully designed and constructed bracket. The fit to the D3 is superb and ingeniously allows access to the side cable openings on the D3. It is very lightweight and a good mate to the Kirk ballhead.
Pros
- Compact
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
Comments about Kirk BL-D3 Compact L-Bracket for Nikon D3 Series Camera Body:
Enables quick rotation of camera on a tripod holding the camera centred over the ball head in horizontal and vertical orientations.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Quick Release Systems
- Price: $60.00
What's in the Box
- Allen Key
- 5-Year Warranty
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