I think I am set for all the other components, I have one of these http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...1_dp_with.html mounted on my Gitzo tripod. I can invert the head at 90% on the head with a little help from the tripod. It can duplicate everything the L bracket would do, it just wouldn't be as stable and is a little awkward. Last year the L bracket is the one thing I wish I had on the trip.
The drop down notch is fine in a pinch for the MKIV, as long as you won't need it for panoramas, which you wont if you're bringing your 5DII also.
I agree with Jonathan that you don't need two L-Plates. The 5DII is FF and better for landscapes, so just get one custom L-plate. If you think you may eventually get a 1DX, then I would rather see you get an L-plate for that later on, as opposed to get one for the MKIV now.
Rich, Of course as always looking for things you always find more things that would work even better.
I found this on RRS's website;http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...pe=3&eq=&desc=
I already own this rail;http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...sing_Rail.html
I think I can use the Kirk as the top rail, and the Arca-Swiss ball head I have will take care of the lower pivot. I think this combination would be the ultimate in what I was looking for.
I just bought an Arca Swiss Ball Head a few months ago... so I had to buy Arca Swiss compatible plates and am in the process of ordering an L bracket. I know everyone is recommending the RSS brackets, but the Kirk is custom made for your camera (or battery grip) and seems to be a real good fit. However, as Rich already said, the Kirk costs less. I bought one Kirk plate to check it out, and now I am in the process of buying an L bracket and a plate for my 100-400mm lens. I really cannot see what a competitor of Kirk's could do to make it better to justify the extra money you would spend.
5DS R, 1D X, 7D, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6, 24mm f/1.4L II, 16-35mm f/4L IS, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.8, 100mm Macro f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L, 580EX-II
flickr
They are probably very equal. But there is only a 5 cent difference between RSS and Kirk;
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...Mark-II&key=it
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...for_Canon.html
I think either one would serve well.
That's correct they're the same price.
Both the RRS and Kirk L-brackets are custom made and costs the same $140 for the 5DII without grip, and $180 for the MKIV.
I would venture to guess that the RRS and Kirk brackets are of equal quality and workmanship, so either one would work great.
5DS R, 1D X, 7D, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6, 24mm f/1.4L II, 16-35mm f/4L IS, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.8, 100mm Macro f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L, 580EX-II
flickr
I'll have the Kirk vs. RRS decision to make for a 1D X L-bracket. In the past, there have been some minor differences in terms of which had a slightly lower profile, etc., but they seem equivalent in terms of quality and price.
It may come down to who has one ready first. If at the same time, I'm inclined toward the Kirk, because RRS sells only direct while B&H distributes Kirk - means overnight vs. cross-country shipping.
@Neuro, I think you should go with the one that looks the coolest. You wouldn't buy a Ferrari and put stock rims on it after all.