How big is your quick release plate?

[hark]

Okay--you might think this is a silly question, but here goes. How wide should a tripod quick release plate be to ensure it won't need to be shimmed (due to its being slightly loose)? After reading some reviews of tripods, I noticed one that had a quick release plate that was @ 1" to 1-1/4" square, and the reviewer said he had to shim the plate to prevent a slight wobble. In comparison, my Manfrotto quick release plate is hexagonal and is larger in diameter, and I've never had any problems.

Has anyone run into loose quick release plates when they are a small size? And does size matter if the equipment is heavy? I'm specifically thinking of my heaviest which is a D600 with a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8. Do you consider the size of the plate when you buy a tripod head? I'm specifically looking into ball heads.

Can you tell me the approximate widest diameter of the quick release plate you use? Are newer tripod heads using smaller quick release plates? It is difficult to tell the diameter of the quick release plates when looking for info online. Thanks for any help and information!

EDIT: the Manfrotto tripod from BJ's Wholesale Club that I mentioned in another thread had a really small plate--@ 1-1/8" square, and that's the one where a reviewer said the plate was slightly loose.

 

[WhiteLight]

If you get the QR plates for the tripod head you have, then it will fit to a 'T'
That will eliminate the guesswork on size
Most heads manufacturers have their own QR plates for wach model

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

I have 3 tripod heads and they all have different sized plates... To be honest, my large Manfrotto plates are a PITA to attach... and my primary reason for buying a different head...

 

[Bill16]

My quick release plate on my SLIK is made to work for video and regular cameras, so it's a lot bigger than what you describe. I agree with Fred, that it is a PITA due to the bigger size. But my tripod head is a fluid head I believe and not a fast to use ball head, so I guess I can't expect the fast ease of use you get with the ball heads.

But some day I'm going to get me a really good tripod and head! Lol

 

[nikonpup]

if your quick release plate needs to be shimmed something is wrong. Return it for repair or replacement.

 

[fotojack]

Nothing wrong with my Manfrotto ball head QR plate. Works just great, rock steady, no movement at all, etc. 1.75" x 2" .

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Wow!!! Just received the Vanguard SBH-300... Holy Moly!!! It's bigger than my gripped D200...

​Talk about BIG!!! The QR is smooth though...

 

[hark]

If you get the QR plates for the tripod head you have, then it will fit to a 'T'
That will eliminate the guesswork on size
Most heads manufacturers have their own QR plates for wach model

I am looking at getting an additional tripod. One that is lighter in weight than my Manfrotto but one that can handle the weight of my D600 with the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8. It wasn't until I saw the low priced Manfrotto at BJ's that I realized some companies make the plates really small. I could use the head from my existing Manfrotto tripod, but it isn't a ball head.

Does anyone know if the ball head companies specify the size of the quick release plates? I haven't seen anything so far.

 

[hark]

if your quick release plate needs to be shimmed something is wrong. Return it for repair or replacement.

I didn't buy that particular tripod because I read some of the reviews. But that plate was tiny compared to the one I currently use. Since it was so small, I could envision all kinds of problems occurring....

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Just for reference, the QR plate on the Vanguard SBH-300 is 2.25" wide by 3.5" long... :hypnotysed:

 

[hark]

Just for reference, the QR plate on the Vanguard SBH-300 is 2.25" wide by 3.5" long... :hypnotysed:

Wowzer! That's BIG!!!

 

[Bill16]

My SLIK is 3.25" x 1.75" ! Lol

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

[h=3]"It's not the size that matters, it's how you use it."[/h]

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

My SLIK is 3.25" x 1.75" ! Lol

Bill... How much weight is that head rated for... The Vanguard is rated for 70lbs..

 

[Bill16]

Nowhere near that! Wow! Mine is about 11lbs. You can see the newer version of my tripod HERE. But mine has metal leg lock bars, that limits how far the legs will spread and is likely quite a bit heavier. Lol

Bill... How much weight is that head rated for... The Vanguard is rated for 70lbs..

 

[hark]

Bill... How much weight is that head rated for... The Vanguard is rated for 70lbs..

My jaw just dropped to the floor! 70 pounds? Wow!

 

[riverside]

Just for reference, the QR plate on the Vanguard SBH-300 is 2.25" wide by 3.5" long... :hypnotysed:

I use Giottos M621s with the same plate dimension. I like the big plates as they offer a nice balance platform for my habit of placing my cameras on the nearest flat surface when not in use.

 

[Ironwood]

Just for reference, the QR plate on the Vanguard SBH-300 is 2.25" wide by 3.5" long... :hypnotysed:

Hi Fred, I am looking at getting this ball head. I am just wondering if the QR plate being the size it is, does it impede access to the battery compartment once fitted to the camera ?

 

[hark]

I use Giottos M621s with the same plate dimension. I like the big plates as they offer a nice balance platform for my habit of placing my cameras on the nearest flat surface when not in use.

That is an excellent point, riverside, and it is something I will definitely keep in mind!

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Hi Fred, I am looking at getting this ball head. I am just wondering if the QR plate being the size it is, does it impede access to the battery compartment once fitted to the camera ?

No... here's a snap of it mounted on a D600... plenty of room to open the battery door... as you can see by the long slot the screw is in, there's plenty of lee way in the plate to mount it off center in either direction...