Lens Plate

What is the lens plate used for? For example RRS has a lens plate B86 for the 100-400 canon lens. What does it do?

It is a quick release plate that attaches to the tripod collar of your lens.

I already have a quick release plate that came with my ball head. Why do I need another one? The RRS cost $55.

Most ball heads do not come with the plate. They are a receiver for the plate. There are two basic plates for the camera, one that attaches to the bottom and another that attaches the same way but wraps around the side like an L shape so you can shoot in vertical orientation without having to go into one of the indents on the head.

Then there are totally different plates that go on the tripod collar of a lens. Long lenses balance much better by sitting directly on top of the ball head, rather than the camera being attached and having the lens sticking out.

mark

Denny G wrote in post #3676879
I already have a quick release plate that came with my ball head. Why do I need another one? The RRS cost $55.

These are QR plates for the Arca-Swiss type of QR systems as sold by RRS, Wimberley, etc. They won't fit the clamps on heads like the Manfrotto 488RC2 unless the clamp has been replaced with the Arca-Swiss style clamp like some have done.

Thanks, now I understand.

I have the Manfrotto 488RC4 and I looked at it and said no way will this RRS lens plate/QR fit.

I see now that these lens plate/QR's are for added security to prevent the QR from popping out of the head and that you must have the corresponding base to begin with.

Denny