When I was asked to write a review of the new TQR1 (Tripod Quick Release) I thought this was perfect. I have been following this project and offering advice for some eleven month’s and was able to see the first balsa wood models and test the various prototypes, even taking one of the prototypes to Bosque Del Apache in New Mexico to give the part a good field test. The quick release worked well in the various photo shoots at Bosque Del Apache and it was very simple to change out the Wimberley head to the Ball head, even in the cold early mornings when my fingers where barely working.
The new TQR1 is slightly different then its early predecessor and this is due to the constant feedback from people in the field and several of the photography supply houses which were approached for help on design changes.
The TQR1 is a simple tongue and grove design and is made out of high quality aluminum and anodized black. The two parts are the bottom plate which threads onto the top of the tripod and is securely fastened in place with a small setscrew. The top plate threads onto the bottom of the Wimberley or Ball heads and also has a small setscrew that helps to fasten it in place. It is then only a matter of sliding the two parts together over the Vlier pin and locking it into place with the positioning pin.
Pull slightly on the ring of the positioning pin and turn one half turn and you are able to gently push the two halfs apart and place a new head onto your tripod in the matter of a minute. Relock the positioning pin and you are ready to shoot.
I do like this, there is no more fumbling in the field threading and unthreading the Wimberley or the Ball head from your tripod. I can quickly take my Wimberley head off the tripod and place it on my Skimmer Pod to which I have already place a bottom plate of the TQR1. I have used the TQR1 while shooting on the beach and when using the skimmer pod and then back to the tripod with great ease and do not have to worry about missing a shot. I have run in the rain with my 600mm lens and D3 camera body slung over my shoulder and never once had to worry about the TQR1 coming apart. The positioning pin is spring loaded which keeps it in the locked position until I am ready to change it out. This device has proven to be very helpful in the field and I now wonder how I did without it. I can take one tripod, use multiple heads and the three plates weigh in at 7.5 ounces.
I guess my mentioning that the threads on my Wimberley Head were showing some signs of wear, fell on the right ears and with that the TQR1 was born. I would certainly recommend this new camera part to anyone who does both landscape and nature photography and can see it being used in the video field.
The TQR1 should be available shortly through Outdoor Photo Gear and Naturescapes as well as several, other Photography supply houses.
This is a basic tongue and grove design The side of the tongue are sharply tapered in and the grove has a corresponding cut. The picture below ( not the best), as I never claimed to be a photographer shows the taper on the tongue. There is barely a 1/100 of an inch clearance between both surfaces and this is by no means a sloppy fit. The vlier pin at the far right of the photo on the tongue is the first locking device with a final force of 15 pounds. This lifts slightly on the V of the tongue and grove causing a very snug fit. As you know this can be adjusted and at 15lbs it can be difficult for someone with weaker hands to release the two parts. Adjustment in pressure is made my threading the Vlier pin slightly up or down. The Pin sits in a divit and when it comes into it final resting spot.
This next shot shows the divet and the brass locking pin in place. The brass locking pin is a hand-retractable spring plunger with an end force of 2.5 pounds. Once the two parts are pushed together you could hang a great deal of weight from them and they will not come apart. The spring plunger seats into a predrilled positioning hole on the side of the tongue. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/...d18ba529_b.jpg
The spring plunger is brass and I am trying to work with a company to manufacture this out of Stainless Steel. If that takes place it will make the plunger stronger than brass. The next shot shows the spring plunger in the open position. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/...18a3439f_b.jpg
This final shot shows the side of the tongue deeply grooved and tightly fitting.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/...e7cd1562_b.jpg
It is made from 6061 Aluminum anodized Black and stainless steel set screws and bolts. This part may not be for everyone, but I do feel it has a place and only time will tell if I am right. We have field tested this device or earlier versions of it in the hands of of photographers here in Sarasota as well as working with Greg Downing, Chris Klapheke and many others all giving their input. Jim Cadwell and Siddhardha Garige and you have been using it in the field for a little while. I continue to take input and suggestions from those in the field and will incorporate what I can over time. A year ago there were no tripod quick release devices on the market and just recently RRS released there device. Should people have any other questions I can be reached at markrunnals@gmail.com.
09-28-2011, 06:45 PM
John Chardine
Nice idea Troy. A concern I would have is that this adds yet another location where play in the system can lead to ultimate instability. Even if the play is microscopic, it is amplified out to the camera and lens. The way you combat this is to be able to lock things down tight. I don't see a way of locking the system down other than the locking pin which does not exactly perform this function. The dovetail joint would have to have zero play. Does it?
09-28-2011, 08:49 PM
John Chardine
I've emailed Mark with the question. I'll report back.
