!Spoiler Alert! L-brackets are one of the most overlooked yet useful tools for any photographer that uses a tripod frequently. They allow you to quickly swap your camera between portrait and landscape orientations, they add additional protection to your camera and are significantly more stable than a regular quick release plate.
The Sunwayfoto PNL-D810R L Bracket, designed specifically for the Nikon D810.
What is an L-bracket?
An L-bracket is an L-shaped piece of metal, usually anodized aluminium (For good corrosion resistance and to be lightweight). It is attached to your camera body using the thread in the underside of the camera body, it is used instead of a regular tripod quick release plate.
L-brackets are usually made to be Arca-swiss compatible, this means they have a dovetail on both planes and are secured quickly and efficiently in an Arca-swiss clamp. Arca-swiss has become the industry standard for quick release clamps and plates and is much better than other brand-specific solutions to tripod mounting.
It only takes a few seconds to swap from landscape orientation (Left) to Portrait Orientation (Right).
When it comes to choosing an L-bracket, you will find 2 categories, these are:
Universal L-brackets to fit any camera
Model-specific L-brackets to fit a specific camera
As mentioned already, universal brackets offer less access to the battery door/side ports on your camera, and generally don’t keep the camera as sturdy as they are not shaped to match the exact contours of your camera body.
Universal L-brackets are slightly cheaper and can be used on multiple cameras. I would not recommend a universal L-bracket, as they do not secure the camera as well as a camera-specific L-bracket, this compromises the stability of your camera, which is a massive issue when shooting long exposures and also when bracketing and trying to align frames.
I have a specific L-bracket for each camera that I own, I usually order it as soon as I order a new camera, and when it arrives, I attach it to the camera immediately. I also put a layer of super-strong double-sided tape between the camera body and the L-bracket to ensure there is absolutely no movement, even after the bolt is tightened.
Nikon D810 with Sunwayfoto PNL-D810R L Bracket, bottom view.
Benefits of L-Brackets
The biggest advantage of an L-bracket is that you can quickly switch between a portrait-oriented shot and a landscape-oriented shot, without changing your composition, thus saving a significant amount of time.
If you are not using an L Bracket, you would need to waste time faffing around to get your camera into portrait orientation and might also need to move your tripod or re-level it to ensure you can get a level horizon.
On top of that, a good quality, model-specific L-bracket will help stabilize your camera, giving you sharper photos. After all, the more secure your camera is, the less camera shake there will be. Camera specific L-brackets usually have a lip at the bottom to prevent movement of the camera within the L-bracket.
Model-specific L brackets prevent rotation/movement of your camera on the tripod plate as they are formed to match the contours of your camera. Especially when shooting in portrait orientation with a big, heavy lens. I go a step further to ensure there is absolutely no movement by adding some double-sided tape between the camera and L-bracket.
The lip which helps ensure the camera is held securely in the L-bracket.
Camera Protection
L-brackets can also offer protection for your camera in case of a fall.
When my tripod collapsed in Iceland last year, the L bracket was completely bent, but that part of the body didn’t have a scratch, showing that the L bracket absorbed the impact itself and protected the camera from further damage.
With an L bracket attached, I have no concerns with placing my camera on the ground/rocks whilst setting up or looking for something in my bag. Having the L bracket protect the bottom of your camera means that it remains in pristine condition, helping maintain value in the camera if you were to eventually sell it.
All side ports of the Nikon D810 (Left) can easily be accessed with the Sunwayfoto PNL-D810R L Bracket.
Things to look out for when buying an L-bracket
When buying an L-bracket, ensure to get one which is specific to your camera model, this will be a better fit and ensure there is no movement of the camera when on the tripod.
An L-bracket will inadvertently add a little extra weight to your kit, this is usually negligible, (For the Nikon D810, the Sunwayfoto PNL-D810R L-Bracket weighs just over 100 grams), and with the L-bracket mounted, your camera will be that little bit chunkier, taking up a little more space in your camera bag (Although this has never been an issue for me as the difference is negligible).
Ensure the L-bracket you chose has good access to the battery compartment and all the important ports on the side of the camera (Audio, HDMI, Shutter Release, USB, etc) as you don’t want to need to remove the L-bracket every time you need to change the battery or attach a cable.
Another really important thing to consider when choosing an L-bracket is that it is a single piece of milled aluminium. Cheaper L-brackets are sometimes made in 2 pieces and bolted together, however in the past, I have found that over time, the 2 pieces begin to move slightly, which significantly compromises the rigidity of the L-bracket.
Nikon D810 with Sunwayfoto PNL-D810R L Bracket, Rear view.
Conclusion
Having used L-Brackets on all my cameras for the past 6 years, I would consider them to be a fundamental piece of equipment and one where good quality makes all the difference.
I have found that Sunwayfoto L-Brackets offer the best compromise between price and quality, they are affordable yet very well designed and built to last.
Note: This Blog Post is not sponsored, I have purchased several different bits of Sunwayfoto equipment over the years and have always loved the quality of their products. I have recently become a Brand Ambassador for Sunwayfoto, and they sent the PNL-D810R L-bracket to me for my personal use.