RRS Telephoto Collar Mount Lens Plates

[b.d.bop]

There are a dozen or so different lens plates from Really Right Stuff, each assigned to specific lenses depending, I suppose, upon the length of the foot on the collar mount.

Is it critical that the "right" plate be used on its "assigned" lens, or is there leeway for interchanging them, so long as they extend beyond the forward tip of the foot of the mount?

I've wondered about that for a while - and it's of practical significance to me as I have a few RRS plates that were from lenses I no longer own, but which could be put to good use on other lenses.

Thanks for your input.

[PacAce]

There are a dozen or so different lens plates from Really Right Stuff, each assigned to specific lenses depending, I suppose, upon the length of the foot on the collar mount.

Is it critical that the "right" plate be used on its "assigned" lens, or is there leeway for interchanging them, so long as they extend beyond the forward tip of the foot of the mount?

I've wondered about that for a while - and it's of practical significance to me as I have a few RRS plates that were from lenses I no longer own, but which could be put to good use on other lenses.

Thanks for your input.
If those plates fit your other lenses, there's no reason why you can't use the plates on those lenses. The only concern would be if the plate only used one screw and there is nothing to prevent the plate from twisting freely.

[b.d.bop]

If those plates fit your other lenses, there's no reason why you can't use the plates on those lenses. The only concern would be if the plate only used one screw and there is nothing to prevent the plate from twisting freely.
Thanks Leo.
But doesn't the heel of the plate against the back of the mount's foot prevent that twisting?

The only plates I see that have more than the one attaching screw are for the super fast 500 and 600mm Canons.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It is not crucial to get a specific plate IMHO.
I have been pretty happy with generic long plates.

Now, some of the RRS plates will only work with specific lenses. RRS does still make generic ones however.

You mention plates with a "heel".. for anti twist. I;'ve not used one of these, but I think I know what ones your talking about.
I'm sure they are an added advantage, but even with one mounting bolt, I've not had one come unscrewed or twisted.

On the very long lenses, like the 500mm/600mm, I still avoid the custom plates, instead I favor the replacement foot with the arca groves machined right in.

[b.d.bop]

It is not crucial to get a specific plate IMHO.
I have been pretty happy with generic long plates.

Now, some of the RRS plates will only work with specific lenses. RRS does still make generic ones however.

You mention plates with a "heel".. for anti twist. I;'ve not used one of these, but I think I know what ones your talking about.
I'm sure they are an added advantage, but even with one mounting bolt, I've not had one come unscrewed or twisted.

On the very long lenses, like the 500mm/600mm, I still avoid the custom plates, instead I favor the replacement foot with the arca groves machined right in.

Gotcha. Thanks, CyberDineSystems.

Anyway, here's pictures of the RRS plates for Canon glass. Almost every one has that little stabilizing "heel". http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=LensCanon&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

As an aside, I was not aware that there were replacement feet for the long lenses, by the way. Who makes those (not that I have any mega lenses)?

[PacAce]

Thanks Leo.
But doesn't the heel of the plate against the back of the mount's foot prevent that twisting?

The only plates I see that have more than the one attaching screw are for the super fast 500 and 600mm Canons.

Yes, and that's what I was trying to point out. As long as the heel can do its job of preventing the plate from twisting, you can pretty much use it on any lens you want (within limits, of course, like don't use a 2" plate on a 600 f/4 lens). :)

[blonde]

As an aside, I was not aware that there were replacement feet for the long lenses, by the way. Who makes those (not that I have any mega lenses)?

almost all of the big arca manufactures do. i know that RRS, Wimberley, Kirk, 4th generation and a few others make them. i use the RRS foot on my 500 F4 and LOVE it!!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Indeed, the RRS foot is in that link you posted. ( model LCF 50 )

Below and above is the RRS "Generic" plate (model MPR-1 ) listed for use with 400mm and 600mm lenses. It will fit anything including the 500mm with the stock foot.

Also note that despite having a picture and a link to many many lens plates, there are only actually a few different plates being listed.
the "L-84 " plate is being listed for 300mm f/2.8, 180Macro and 100-400mm.. among many others. There only seems to be about 4 different plates in that whole page (not including the specific replacement feet)

[PacAce]

Gotcha. Thanks, CyberDineSystems.

Anyway, here's pictures of the RRS plates for Canon glass. Almost every one has that little stabilizing "heel". http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/items.asp?Cc=LensCanon&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

As an aside, I was not aware that there were replacement feet for the long lenses, by the way. Who makes those (not that I have any mega lenses)?

If you pay close attention to the SKU numbers, you'll see that they are not really lens specific. The same plate can be listed for several different lenses. :)

[EDIT: Oops. Didn't realize Jake had already said the same thing I did in his post directly above mine. ]

[Lowner]

RRS and Markins both suggested a "universal plate" for my Sigma 170-500.

I went for the Markins PL-55 only because it is less hassle dealing with Germany (inside the EU) than the US and all the HM Customs & Excise issues this end. It's certainly not a reflection on RRS themselves, who are very helpful. The slightly lower price was a bonus, because as far as quality goes, they seem equal.

The PL-55 has the heel already mentioned and the single mounting screw is captive in a slot of around 35mm long. It is exactly the same length and width of the collar foot.

The RRS plate for my EF 70-200 f/2.8 L on the other hand is specific to that lens and overhangs the front of the foot by 20mm. It also has the heel on the back. I have used this plate on the Sigma without any problems. Living proof that it can be done.

Richard

[b.d.bop]

And what's really confusing is that RRS recently changed the name of their B86 to an L84.

[sevans16]

I know the L84 is listed for several lenses I have like my 70-200 f2.8, 180 L Macro, 300 f4. I wish RRS had a reverse look up. Iike when you check details of plate they would list all the lenses it fits.
The L84 extends past the foot and has a double dovetail that works with there flash brackets as well. It has an anti rotation heal on the back that catches the lens shoe. The slot for the mounting screw runs almost the entire length of the plate. I'd say it would fit most lenses??

[b.d.bop]

I know the L84 is listed for several lenses I have like my 70-200 f2.8, 180 L Macro, 300 f4. I wish RRS had a reverse look up. Iike when you check details of plate they would list all the lenses it fits.
Man, I hear that. In general, RRS has a relatively difficult website to negotiate, until you get used to it. But they sure do have a great product.