Difference between quick release plates on Manfrotto tripod heads?

**Sonsey** · 10-01-2006, 04:14

Hello folks, this might be a bit of a dumb question but despite searching I havn't been able to find an answer to this!

The girlfriend was kind enough to supply me with a set of Manfrotto 190ProB tripod legs for Christmas and I've pretty much decided to go for a Manfrotto ball head (probably the 488) to complete the package, but the function of the different quick plates are confusing me

Basicly, is there a significant photographic function difference between the different RC quick release plates on Manfrotto tripod heads? I'm guessing part of it is sizeing e.g larger plate for bigger lenses, but what's the advantages of having a hexagonal plate (RC0) opposed to a rectangular plate (RC2) or vice versa?

***Steve*** · 10-01-2006, 07:23

I came, I saw and I left

Sorry mate I can't help with this as I have no personal experiance with Manfrotto tripods

CT · 10-01-2006, 09:59

I have a Manfrotto tripod with a hexagonal quick release plate. I don't think there's any real advantage in hexagonal or square, just different ways of doing things, and I'd guess the hexagonal plates tend to get used on larger platform heads, but I don't think it's anything you should worry about at all.

mfwild13 · 10-01-2006, 10:16

I presume its to do with weight distribution and also loading for different types of camera and telescopes/spotting scopes. The universal plate (200-PL14 with RC2 usually marked on head) is the most common and seems to suit for DSLRs.

I have got the 322RC2 and intend to get one of the basic monopod heads with the 200-PL14 as I dont want to have to change plates around. I have also bought spare plates and leave them on the body and lens.

Mark

**Sonsey** · 10-01-2006, 19:02

Thanks alot guys, I guess that pretty much covers it.

10-01-2006, 04:14	#1 (permalink)
Sonsey Pixalo Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 7,226	Difference between quick release plates on Manfrotto tripod heads? Hello folks, this might be a bit of a dumb question but despite searching I havn't been able to find an answer to this! The girlfriend was kind enough to supply me with a set of Manfrotto 190ProB tripod legs for Christmas and I've pretty much decided to go for a Manfrotto ball head (probably the 488) to complete the package, but the function of the different quick plates are confusing me Basicly, is there a significant photographic function difference between the different RC quick release plates on Manfrotto tripod heads? I'm guessing part of it is sizeing e.g larger plate for bigger lenses, but what's the advantages of having a hexagonal plate (RC0) opposed to a rectangular plate (RC2) or vice versa? __________________ Regards, Iain.

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10-01-2006, 07:23	#2 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 15,999	I came, I saw and I left Sorry mate I can't help with this as I have no personal experiance with Manfrotto tripods

10-01-2006, 09:59	#3 (permalink)
CT Feet under the table Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Mids UK Posts: 3,500	I have a Manfrotto tripod with a hexagonal quick release plate. I don't think there's any real advantage in hexagonal or square, just different ways of doing things, and I'd guess the hexagonal plates tend to get used on larger platform heads, but I don't think it's anything you should worry about at all.

10-01-2006, 10:16	#4 (permalink)
mfwild13 Getting Comfy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leamington Spa Posts: 193	I presume its to do with weight distribution and also loading for different types of camera and telescopes/spotting scopes. The universal plate (200-PL14 with RC2 usually marked on head) is the most common and seems to suit for DSLRs. I have got the 322RC2 and intend to get one of the basic monopod heads with the 200-PL14 as I dont want to have to change plates around. I have also bought spare plates and leave them on the body and lens. Mark

10-01-2006, 19:02	#5 (permalink)
Sonsey Pixalo Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: N. Ireland Posts: 7,226	Thanks alot guys, I guess that pretty much covers it.