M Plate Pro

[jtg]

Does anyone here use the M Plate Pro with their Black Rapid sling strap. I use my tripod often and wonder how this plate works. I have a D7100 and Arca Swiss compatible ball head. The M Plate Pro looks kinda bulky. Does it get in the way. Need advice! Thanks.

[IzzieK]

I have the two sports version of the Black Rapid (single and double) but it did not come with the M Plate Pro...what is it really? Do you have to buy that separately? Just asking...

[JR1]

Too small, and really only of use with short lenses, there is no way I would hand my 70-200 f2.8 let alone my "Nano" 80-400 on one, better is the black rapid single or double as I use

http://www.blackrapid.com/products/double

The plate is fine for use as you say with tripods but not if you have large heavy gear, I looked at it in London Camera Exchanhe, if youi have just a body and short lens its ok however if you shoot landscapes (I don't) and use wide angle lighter lenses then it DOES have advantages

[JR1]

I have the two sports version of the Black Rapid (single and double) but it did not come with the M Plate Pro...what is it really? Do you have to buy that separately? Just asking...

google it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzXVWWU9wYg

[Manfred M]

Too small, and really only of use with short lenses, there is no way I would hand my 70-200 f2.8 let alone my "Nano" 80-400 on one, better is the black rapid single or double as I use

Both my 70-200mm and 40-800mm (original version) have tripod mount collars and I leave a tripod plate attached to these pretty well permanently. There is a pretty simple workaround for long and heavy lenses and these speciality dual purpose plates are not required if you shoot with lenses with collars.

I got a Blackrapid strap (recommended by a number of members here at CiC) in addition to the Cotton Carrier that I already use. I used the Blackrapid strap around 50% of the time and the Cotton Carrier the other 50% of the time during our recent 2-month trip to India. I bought a second Blackrapid strap to try on my B800 (with / without battery grip) when we got back. I have not used the M Plate, so can't comment on it directly.

I do, on the other hand use Cotton Carrier's equivilent when I use their harness and not surprisingly there are advantages and disadvantages to these attachements. The Cotton Carrier attachments also use the camera's tripod thread to attach to their "hub" camera body. I can pop my camera onto a tripod without having to go through the hassle of removing the mount and attaching a quick release tripod plate. The downside is that handling the camera is a bit more awkward when not using the tripod, something I can live with. That being said, I only use it when I have both the Cotton Carrier and a tripod along, otherwise I use one of the standard hubs, which are a lot more comfortable to use. As noted before, I only use it for shorter lenses, as my longer ones have the tripod plates in place on the collar.

As for the M Plate, I suspect I would not like it. The attachment to where the strap is attached to the M Plate seems to be where I would position my hand to hold the camera. I would have to try one to determine whether this is a show stopper or not, but from what I see, I would hesitate getting one without trying it first. It looks like it might be more trouble than it is worth.

[JR1]

Of course I assume you could attach the plate to a tele's foot, though I would think it would add considerable bulk to say a D4 or any large camera say D810 with battery pack keeping a tripod plate attached even D7000/7100 with battery pack

[JR1]

Talking about cotton carrier

http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-...t-p/777ssb.htm

If you want this sort of thing there are wow MUCH cheaper and as good alternatives.

I use a "money belt" yes, round the waste and my CF Benro Monopod fits into it on the bottom with top of course attached to camera, instant £20 stable camera.

You can also use these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychi-Chalk.../dp/B00C0A2JKM

[Manfred M]

Of course I assume you could attach the plate to a tele's foot, though I would think it would add considerable bulk to say a D4 or any large camera say D810 with battery pack keeping a tripod plate attached even D7000/7100 with battery pack

My Arca-Swiss plates weigh around 1 oz / 30g - I don't consider that a significant weight increase, Jeremy. What plates are you thinking of?