junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

I purchased a carbon fiber MeFoto Global Trotter tripod. It comes with a quick release PMU 60. My question is, should I leave it attached to my 80D or take it off if not using tripod? Also, would you suggest buying a spare? It is pricey at $28 but I would like to have the right plate.
Thanks,
Jim

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I take it off so the camera sits more level on a flat surface and I did buy an additional quick release for my Manfrotto BeFree tripod.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I have an Arca Swiss L bracket for the quick release that I leave on the camera all the time. If I only had a plate, I would leave it on the camera all the time. What is the point of a quick release if you are going to take off of the camera after every use. Might as well just use a threaded mount.

I also have a PMU 60 plate that I leave on my 70-200 f2.8 lens all the time. I know of no reason to buy a spare unless you need it for something. The MeFoto clamp is a standard Arca Swiss and you can get plates anywhere and usually for less than 28.00. From Amazon: Neewer 8.99, Breakthrough 9.97, Desmond 2 pack 12.95.

Bill

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

I have 3 tri-pods and spare quick release plates for all, because I have a propensity to lose stuff~~~

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Jim,

I'd do neither. I wouldn't use the "generic" QR plate provided OR buy another like it.

The MeFoto Globetrotter has a ballhead with a quick release that's Arca-Swiss compatible. This is by far the most universal type of quick release systems. Dozens of manufacturers make camera and lens plates to fit it.

What I always do is buy an Arca compatible custom camera plate designed for my specific camera. Most of the "generic" ones like what comes with a tripod and head really are not good for use on cameras. They lack any form of "anti-twist" feature to prevent the camera from "drooping" or even loosening up on the plate while using it on the tripod. The custom Arca-Swiss compatible camera plates made by various companies are a more perfect fit and there's no way the camera can slip while using them. These custom fitted plates cost more, but my camera and lenses are whole lot more expensive and are well worth the much greater security!

They are relatively low profile so I usually just leave these plates installed. They also are flat on the bottom, so the camera sits fine on a flat surface. I have mostly used Kirk Photo camera plates, but there are several other manufacturers (RRS, Markins, ProMedia and others): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?sts=ma&ci=38005&cp=15293%2b38005&N=0&Ntt=canon%2080D%20arca%20plate

IMPORTANT... If you have BG-E14 battery grip installed on the camera, it requires a different plate than is used with the camera alone.

AND... There are "L-plates" too, which provide two means of mounting the camera in horizontal/landscape or in vertical/portrait orientation. These are helpful keeping the camera and lens better centered atop the tripod. HOWEVER.... L-plates are also bulkier and more expensive. HOWEVER... some of them now are being made in two pieces - a base plate with an L extension module that can be removed when it's not needed. Kirk also makes a "universal" L-bracket that simply clamps onto their custom camera base plates.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Great info Alan, thanks

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I leave the plates on my cameras 99.9% of the time. One less thing to worry about loosing, one less thing to remember to take when leaving for photos.
--Bob

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

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