juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Hi all, first of all I apologize if this is not the right place to post this topic, just be nice I am new

I have a D7200 and would like to get a L-plate for landscapes and panoramas.

I am not able to try them, as they are not available where I live (and if they would exist, they would be at least double the price). So that's why I am looking for UHHs that own a D7200 and any of the L-plates available.

Based on my review there are three categories:
- Custom made ones, where RRS and Kirk would be the contenders, but that means around USD 120 + shipping
- Known brand universal one, where I guess the best option looks like being from Three Legged Things at around USD 50
- Cheep universal generic brand ones, where there is a wider range of prices but will probably average at around USD 50

From past experience with buying universal models and/or generic brands (not for L-plates but for other accessories) sometimes is a great option and sometimes is a very bad one.

So, how has been your experience with the one you have?
I am interested in fit, usability, constructions, how practical/impractical has resulted, etc.

Thanks!

Bill_de Loc: US

I have been using RRS for many years. Recently I bought a knock off for a D500 with battery grip. I can't see anything that would make me think this is inferior.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZIRLWF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks Bill!
Sadly I haven't find any knock off custom ones for D7200. It´s either an expensive (RRS/Kirk) custom one, or a universal one :-\
That was one of the reasons I was looking for first hand experience of users with D7200 and either of the existing options.

For example the universal one from 3LT has very good reviews, but from the pictures I saw with the D7200 it looks like it is not that practical (must leave significant separation on left side) and probably that would make it easier to twist respective to the camera.

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

Try pro media gear. I have both their standard and elongated L bracket for my D850 very well made. Made in the USA. Don’t know for sure if they have one for your model but if they do I highly recommend it.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks!
They do have one for D7200, one more consider.

After quick review:
Pros:
- Has an extending feature to allow better access to side ports when needed

Cons:
- Expensive, around or even more than RRS and Kirk
- Looks bulkier

Maybe there is another UHH user that has experience with this one and the D7200

CO

I had a Manfrotto universal L-bracket. It was very awkward. I ended up returning it. I now have Kirk L-brackets for a D7000 and D500. I would recommend either Kirk or Really Right Stuff. You should get one that's specifically made for your camera instead of a universal. It will be machined to match the contour of the bottom of the camera and prevent the camera from rotating when in portrait orientation.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks A LOT for your first-hand experience.
I was already leaning towards the custom one.......I had just some hope that the universal one could be "good enough" saving a lot of money.

I will see what others can add to the topic, but sadly it looks like I will have to bite the bullet and go for the custom ones

Bill_de Loc: US

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

They are all over ebay, just search for "L plate for D7200." I have the same as Bill, spent $39 and have not had any issues.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Quick-Release-L-Bracket-Plate-Hand-Grip-For-Nikon-D7200-LBG-with-Battery-Grip/162275663896?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dd8fc3fc1faec43249f9148e9fc9cda16%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D13%26sd%3D360542649830%26itm%3D162275663896&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Acce6026c-b294-11e8-8f45-74dbd180e2b6%7Cparentrq%3Ab3e256b21650aad083e97a5bffff5b80%7Ciid%3A1

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Accessability is the thing you need to be aware of. The issue is that a generic L-plate may block the battery door or the memory card door or both. It seems you are not located in the US, but you can still take advantage of the folks at B & H for their advice. They are unbelievably helpful and will give you a straight answer. They have a live chat option that works really well.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks Bill!
Have you any experience with this ProMaster brackets, or someone that has recommended them first hand (not anonymous internet reviewers :) )? It looks identical to the RRS, but I worry about the exact fit.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks! Haven't found them before, but probably was due to "location based" content of sites or something like that.
My biggest issue is that if the fit is not perfect, I won't be able to return it and will be just lost money. That's why I was looking for some first hand experience with any L-plate with D7200 by other UHH users.

Nice to see one that supports grip, although not my main use case, I could buy generic ones (normal and for grip) for less than a RRS one :)

Paradise Pirate Loc: Cape Coral, FL

You need to measure the distance from the side of the camera and your battery door. I have a D7000 and found a lot of brackets (generic & 3 legged thing) were about 100mm which would block my door.
I bought a Desmond L plate on Amazon for 19.95 and it has a base plate of 80mm which clears the battery door. The bracket works fine. It needs a cushion between plate and camera, I had small thin cork circles on the plate, I have seen rubber available. The other drawback with generic plates is they usually do not allow access to the plugins on the camera end. I really dont use themanyway. The other option is to go with the 100mm and place far enough left to clear doors and may give access to plugins. $19.95/$50.00++

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks for your help/insights.
As you said I am not in the US, but I can still take advantage from B&H, as well as I can buy in the US (courier service receives there and then ships me home with and added cost). The main drawback is that I won't be able to return if not perfect.

Let's see what the B&H folks have to say :)

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks PP!
I will check differences between D7000 and D7200 bodies so I can transfer your experience with these brackets.
Although using side ports is important for me, I will look into Desmond's model :)