Lensplate Information

The new Surefoot NX Series lensplates offer all of the same benefits as the previous style of lensplates, including double-safety-stops, double-dovetail profile (offering ease of use for quick release flash brackets), moveable back stops on the Surefoot SF-NXM which allows for several mounting positions (4 positions x 2 variations). and compatibility with all other North American 'Arca-Swiss' style lensplates***

Fitting Guide:

• In general, select a lensplate that is 1" - 25mm  longer than the mounting-foot on your lens. This allows enough room for a flash bracket with quick release to be added.
• Most small lenses use 1 mounting screw. Select an SF-NX1 or SF-NX2 plate that has a built in anti-twist flange to prevent your lens from unscrewing during use.
• Most medium-large lenses use 2 or more mounting screws. Select an SF-NX3 or SF-NX4 plate for these longer mounts. These plates include two (2) 1/4"-20 screws and one (1) 3/8"-16 screw. No anti-twist flanges are required.
• For odd lenses, or specialty purposes, or as a secondary "do-all" plate, select our SF-NXM or SF-NXMS lensplate which offers multiple positions for mounting your lens. This plate comes with (2) 1/4"-20 screws and an adapter bushing included (3/8"-1/4"). Virtually all lenses with a mounting foot under 5" can fit these lensplates.
• All plates come with appropriate allen keys for fitting. You may wonder why we do not use small slotted screws so you can tighten your lens with a dime instead of including so many keys; in general, tightening any small screw with a dime does not offer enough torque and you will repeatedly find your kit getting loose. The allen keys supplied will apply sufficient torque so that your lenses should never fall off due to the screws backing out. Of course, check for tightness periodically (especially after travel (vibration), or many temperature changes, which may affect the screw tightness).

***Internal measurements have shown that some brands of plates that claim to be 'Arca-Swiss' compatible are too small due to use of Metric stock aluminum sizes. We have tested many brands and the North American plates seem to have a common size and can be interchanged freely; however offshore brands such as Markins and the original Arca-Swiss, plus other cheap E-bay lensplates are too thin and the V-groove is too low. Use caution when buying unknown brands.

*** Use caution when using FLIP-OPEN Cam-type quick releases from other manufacturers. Although we strive to match the 'standard' Arca-Swiss size, we cannot guarantee 100% compatibilty with these specific types of clamps due to the other manufacturer's tolerances.

Lensplate Charts to fit all Lenses:

The charts below are designed to provide you with some guidance on which of the lensplates will work best with your lens. If you do not see your lens on the chart contact us and we will help you find the proper plate.

We recommend that you should use plates that are long enough to properly balance the lens when using our Jobu Design Gimbal heads and allow room to attach a flash bracket.  In some cases this may require the lensplate to be longer then the foot of the lens. We have tried to suggest a lensplate that will work in all scenarios, however this may not always be possible.  If you find your setup does not balance properly using the lensplate we have suggested let us know so we can update our information and help you find a more appropriate plate for your needs.