For the first time, I need to buy a quick release plate. I've always been a non-tripod/monopod shooter, and now that I have my steadicam, I need to buy a plate.

Can you guys give me some recommendations on good setups? I'd really prefer not to buy junk nor buy the most expensive piece and it end up being no better than the mediocre one.

I'd also like to buy a couple of them at the same time, that way when I end up buying a monopod/tripod or whatever else, I will already have them with me and ready to go.

I have used Bogen/Manfrotto for years... Check out their line. They basically have two flavors of plate - Hex and Rectangular.. I have always ended up with the hex one.... Retail the plates themselves are around $20 - sometimes you will find a head / plate package that includes more than one plate.

I always try to keep at least one spare plate, as they seem to get lost easily.... best recommendation for that, is to attach it back to the tripod at the end of a shoot (and don't leave it on a camera).

Yeah I was looking at the Manfrotto, but I just didn't want to buy the Manfrotto because it's Manfrotto lol. I wasn't sure if there were other ones out there that were equally as good or better.

Manfrotto for me. 
 
Easy to clip into place and it has a 'safety' lever which has to be moved before you can release the camera and plate. Can be awkward if your hands are cold but better safe than sorry...

HTH

Manfrotto RC2 or RC4?

Hey Hybrid,

If your in the states, CheesyCam recommends the "manfrotto" copies from Calumet Photo. Theyre like half the price of the real ones, and seem to be pretty sweet and apparantly compatible with actual manfrotto plates (dont quote me on this tho, i dont own one, just what ive heard.)

I do own an actual manfrotto QR (577 i think), which i love for its build quality, but the release lever is verticle, not horizontal, so it can be a prick sometimes because the base of the camera can get in its way. (hope that makes sense  )

Quote from: Nightowldvp on February 15, 2012, 04:17:13 PM

Hey Hybrid,

If your in the states, CheesyCam recommends the "manfrotto" copies from Calumet Photo. Theyre like half the price of the real ones, and seem to be pretty sweet and apparantly compatible with actual manfrotto plates (dont quote me on this tho, i dont own one, just what ive heard.)

I do own an actual manfrotto QR (577 i think), which i love for its build quality, but the release lever is verticle, not horizontal, so it can be a prick sometimes because the base of the camera can get in its way. (hope that makes sense  )

I'll have to check them out! Thanks

Did u end up finding a quick release bro?