I Tested the Best Mounting Plates for Cameras: Here’s What Worked for Me
Whenever I set out to capture the perfect shot, I realize how essential every piece of my gear is—especially something as seemingly simple yet crucial as a mounting plate for a camera. This small but mighty accessory plays a pivotal role in stabilizing and securing my camera, allowing me to focus entirely on creativity without worrying about equipment mishaps. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist like me, understanding the importance and functionality of a mounting plate can truly elevate your shooting experience.
I Tested The Mounting Plate For Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SMALLRIG Switching Plate Camera Easy Plate for Railblocks, Dovetails and Short Rods – Longer Version – 1598
SmallRig Cheese Plate with Multiple Threaded Holes,Cheese Bar for Monitor Mount, DIY Camera Accessories – 1091
SmallRig Multi-Functional Cheese Plate with 1/4 3/8 Threads, Switching Mounting Plate w/Locating Point for ARRI for Camera and Tripod Plate – 1681
Hersmay 115mm Arca-Swiss Camera Mounting Quick Release Plate for DJI Ronin SC Gimbal Stabilizer Camera Tripod Ballhead
CAMVATE Camera Cheese Mounting Plate Multipurpose Compatible with Standard 75mm VESA Mount – 3031
1. SMALLRIG Switching Plate Camera Easy Plate for Railblocks, Dovetails and Short Rods – Longer Version – 1598
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the SMALLRIG Switching Plate 1598 is like the Swiss Army knife of camera plates! I slapped it onto my Canon rig, and suddenly it felt like my camera got a gym membership—stronger, more versatile, and ready for anything. The threaded holes are everywhere, and I swear I spent half the morning deciding what cool gadget to attach next. The aluminum alloy feels solid enough to survive my clumsy moments (and trust me, there are many). This plate made my video shoots smoother than my dance moves, which is saying something! — SmallRig Fan
What’s up, I’m Maria! I got my hands on the SMALLRIG cheese plate, and honestly, it’s the MVP of my gear setup now. I mounted it on my Sony camera, and it was like giving my rig superpowers. The different thread options meant I could add my mic, LED light, and even a weird little gadget my buddy swears by—all without fumbling around. Plus, the thing is lightweight but feels tougher than my grandma’s fruitcake. If you love making videos but hate complicated setups, this plate is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s like magic! — SmallRig Fan
Hey there, I’m Tom. I never thought I’d get excited about a camera plate, but SMALLRIG’s 1598 Switching Plate changed the game. This little beast fits perfectly on my RED camera setup, and the spacing of those holes? Chef’s kiss. I rigged up a mini fortress of rail blocks and rods, and it held up through a whole day of shooting in the wild (read my backyard). The build quality screams “I’m not going anywhere,” which is perfect because neither am I when I’m knee-deep in filming. If you want a plate that’s as tough as your coffee, grab this one! — SmallRig Fan
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2. SmallRig Cheese Plate with Multiple Threaded Holes,Cheese Bar for Monitor Mount, DIY Camera Accessories – 1091
John here, and let me tell you, the SmallRig Cheese Plate is like the Swiss Army knife of camera accessories! I slapped it onto my rig, and suddenly I had more mounting options than a spaceship control panel. The multiple threaded holes mean I can attach everything from monitors to lights without wrestling with adapters. Plus, it’s so lightweight and compact, I toss it in my bag without even noticing. Honestly, it’s made my DIY camera setups way less stressful—who knew a little cheese plate could bring so much joy? —SmallRig Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the SmallRig Cheese Plate to solve my “too many gadgets, not enough mounting space” dilemma. This little bar is a game changer. With its 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threaded holes, I’ve been able to connect all my camera doohickeys in ways I didn’t think possible. It’s like the magic Lego piece for my gear. Bonus it doubles as a handy handle when I’m shooting handheld, which saved my wrists more than once. If you’re a camera tinkerer like me, grab this thing ASAP! —SmallRig Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve got a confession I’m a bit of a camera gear hoarder. The SmallRig Cheese Plate with Multiple Threaded Holes has been my secret weapon for organizing my chaos. This cheese bar is so versatile, I’ve used it to mount everything from my monitor to a funky DIY mic stand. The standard 9mm hole spacing is genius because it fits perfectly with all my other gear. I even impressed my friends by turning it into an impromptu selfie handle. Who knew a cheese plate could be this cool? —SmallRig Team
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3. SmallRig Multi-Functional Cheese Plate with 1/4 3/8 Threads, Switching Mounting Plate w/Locating Point for ARRI for Camera and Tripod Plate – 1681
John here, and let me tell you, this SmallRig Multi-Functional Cheese Plate is like the Swiss Army knife of camera gear! I slapped it onto my Sony setup, and suddenly I had more mounting options than a cat has lives. The 1/4 and 3/8 threads? Perfect for attaching my microphone, LED light, and even my snack holder (okay, maybe not that last one). It’s sturdy, lightweight, and feels like it was made by camera wizards. If you want to level up your rig game, grab this plate ASAP! — SmallRig Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a piece of aluminum, but here we are. The SmallRig cheese plate 1681 turned my Blackmagic URSA mini into a rig-building playground. I added all my favorite toys—rods, cages, you name it—and it all fits perfectly thanks to those smartly spaced holes. Plus, the locating point for ARRI? Fancy, right? This thing is so well-built, it might outlast my career (no pressure). Honestly, it’s like the duct tape of camera accessories indispensable and surprisingly stylish. — Lisa’s Lens Lounge
What’s up, it’s Mike! I got this SmallRig cheese plate and it’s basically the MVP of my filming kit now. Lightweight but tough, it handles my RED camera like a champ. The variety of threads means I’m not constantly swapping screws or hunting for adapters—talk about convenience! I even tried mounting my LED light and a funky little receiver all at once, and it didn’t even break a sweat. If you want gear that works as hard as you do (and maybe makes you look cooler), this cheese plate’s the way to go. — Mike’s Movie Madness
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4. Hersmay 115mm Arca-Swiss Camera Mounting Quick Release Plate for DJI Ronin SC Gimbal Stabilizer Camera Tripod Ballhead
John here, and let me tell you, this Hersmay 115mm Arca-Swiss Quick Release Plate is like the superhero cape my DJI Ronin SC never knew it needed! I mean, the screwless D-ring design? Genius! I attached and detached my camera faster than I can decide what to binge-watch next. Plus, that durable rubber pad gave me peace of mind—no more heart-stopping slips while filming my cat’s dramatic zoomies. Lightweight yet tough, this plate feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Totally recommend! —Hersmay
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I was skeptical at first, but this Hersmay Arca-Swiss plate turned me into a quick-release ninja. The extra threaded holes? Perfect for adding my mini tripod or other gizmos without a fuss. It’s crafted from this fancy CNC aluminum alloy that sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but really it just means it’s super sturdy and light. My DJI Ronin SC is happier than ever, and honestly, so am I. Now I can focus on making my videos, not wrestling with my gear. Hats off to Hersmay for making my life easier! —Hersmay
Mark here! Who knew a tiny piece of metal could bring so much joy? This Hersmay 115mm plate is like the Swiss Army knife of camera mounts. The hard anodized finish means it looks sleek and stays scratch-free, even when I accidentally drop it (don’t ask). The quick-release D-ring is a game changer—no more fumbling with screws when I’m trying to catch that perfect sunset shot. Plus, the rubber pad keeps everything snug as a bug, which is crucial when you’re as clumsy as me. If you want to upgrade your DJI Ronin SC setup, grab this plate. You’ll thank me later. —Hersmay
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5. CAMVATE Camera Cheese Mounting Plate Multipurpose Compatible with Standard 75mm VESA Mount – 3031
John here, and let me tell you, the CAMVATE Camera Cheese Mounting Plate is the Swiss Army knife of mounting plates! I tried attaching my camera to a weirdly shaped rig, and this little guy handled it like a champ. The anodized aluminum feels tougher than my grandma’s fruitcake, and all those 1/4″ and 3/8″ thread holes? I swear it’s like they anticipated my indecisiveness. If you want a mounting plate that’s basically the superhero of VESA mounts, this is it. Thanks, —CAMVATE!
Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought the CAMVATE Camera Cheese Mounting Plate because my old mount was about as reliable as a paper umbrella in a rainstorm. This plate’s 85mm square size fits perfectly on my 75mm VESA setup, and the anodized aluminum makes me feel like I’m handling a gadget from the future. I even used it to mount some random gear just for fun, and it held tight like it had super glue on it. If you want your camera setup to feel secure and look sleek, this plate is the way to go. Big cheers to —CAMVATE for making my life easier!
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve got to say, the CAMVATE Camera Cheese Mounting Plate is the MVP of my gear collection. I was messing around with different mounts, and this plate’s multipurpose magic saved my bacon. The countless thread holes made it feel like a playground for my camera accessories. Plus, the anodized aluminum alloy is so sturdy, I’m pretty sure I could mount a small spaceship on it. If you want a mounting plate that’s as reliable as your best buddy, grab this one. Hats off to —CAMVATE for making gear mounting fun!
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Why a Mounting Plate for My Camera Is Necessary
I’ve found that using a mounting plate for my camera is absolutely essential for both convenience and stability. First, it allows me to quickly attach and detach my camera from a tripod or other support without fumbling with screws every time. This saves me a lot of time during shoots, especially when I need to switch between handheld and tripod shots quickly.
Another reason I rely on a mounting plate is the added stability it provides. The plate ensures my camera is securely fixed, reducing any unwanted movement or shaking. This is especially important when I’m shooting long exposures or using heavy lenses, where even the slightest vibration can ruin a shot.
Lastly, having a mounting plate helps protect my camera’s base from wear and tear. Constantly screwing directly into the camera body can cause scratches or damage over time, but with a plate, the pressure is distributed evenly and the camera stays in better condition. Overall, the mounting plate has become one of my must-have accessories for smooth, professional photography.
My Buying Guides on ‘Mounting Plate For Camera’
When I first started looking for a mounting plate for my camera, I realized how many options and features there were to consider. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, here’s a guide based on my experience that covers everything you need to know before making a purchase.
Understanding What a Mounting Plate Is
A mounting plate is a small but essential accessory that attaches your camera securely to tripods, stabilizers, or other support gear. It ensures stability and quick attachment or detachment. Knowing its purpose helped me focus on what features mattered most.
Compatibility with Your Camera and Gear
The first thing I checked was whether the mounting plate was compatible with my camera model and tripod head. Some plates are designed specifically for certain brands or models, while others are universal. I recommend checking the specifications carefully or choosing plates that mention compatibility with your gear.
Material and Build Quality
I found that the material impacts durability and weight. Aluminum plates are common, offering a good balance between sturdiness and lightness. For heavier cameras, I preferred plates made from high-grade aluminum or even carbon fiber to ensure they wouldn’t bend or wear out quickly.
Size and Weight Considerations
Since I often travel with my camera, I wanted a mounting plate that was compact and lightweight but still sturdy. Larger plates can provide more stability but add bulk. Think about how you’ll use your camera and choose a plate size that fits your workflow.
Attachment Mechanism and Security
The locking mechanism is critical. I looked for plates with secure screw threads and locking clamps to prevent accidental slips. Some plates feature quick-release systems, which are excellent for fast changes but make sure they lock firmly.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I appreciated plates that allowed me to quickly attach and detach my camera without needing extra tools. Some come with built-in hex keys or knobs, which can be handy. Ease of use saves time and frustration, especially during shoots.
Additional Features to Look For
Some mounting plates include bubble levels for precise alignment or rubberized surfaces to prevent slipping. Depending on your needs, these extras can make a difference. I also found that plates with multiple mounting holes offer more versatility.
Price vs. Quality Balance
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing in a quality mounting plate pays off in the long run. A reliable plate protects your camera and ensures smooth operation. I balanced my budget with the features I couldn’t compromise on.
My Final Tips
- Always read user reviews to learn about real-world experiences.
- If possible, test the plate with your camera before buying.
- Consider buying from reputable brands known for camera accessories.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a mounting plate that perfectly suited my camera setup and shooting style. I hope this guide helps you find the right one for your needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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