Kirk KLP-210 universal lens plate (53 mm)

Kirk KLP-210 universal lens plate (53 mm), compact base for large telephoto lenses

Sometimes a small part determines whether your setup feels secure and high‑quality, or wobbly and annoying. The Kirk KLP-210 universal lens plate (53 mm) clearly belongs to the first category: a pleasantly compact lens plate, only 5.3 cm long and 3.8 cm wide, that reliably connects your telephoto lenses to an ARCA-compatible quick-release clamp while adding hardly any weight. At around 36.9 g it is almost inconspicuously light, but noticeably stable in use.

The plate is universally usable, so it is not intended for just a single lens. It is an excellent match, among others, for the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM (2020), Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (2020), the Fuji 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6 R LM OIS WR XF and the Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD SP. So if you switch between different systems or brands, you don’t have to completely rebuild every time, but can integrate this lens plate very flexibly into your existing setup.

Made from 6061-T6 aluminum, robust, lightweight and durable

The KLP-210 is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that is almost a classic in photo and video applications because it cleverly combines stability and low weight. The material is precisely milled so that the dovetail profiles fit cleanly into high-quality quick-release clamps.

The surface is anodized, in a combination of satin-silver anodized and black anodized, depending on the component. This not only makes the plate pleasantly unobtrusive, but also significantly better protected against scratches and abrasion. Especially if you are out and about a lot — in a backpack, on your hip, in the car, everywhere metal hits metal or other gear — this finish really pays off in the long run.

Arca-style compatible, precisely matched to 38 mm quick-release clamps

The KLP-210 is Arca-style compatible and thus designed for the widely used ARCA system that has practically established itself as a standard for many photographers. The double dovetail profile is designed so that it sits securely in Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps and can be clamped precisely.

If you already use a tripod or quick-release coupling with an ARCA profile, you can integrate the lens plate seamlessly. For more information on ARCA compatibility and suitable quick-release clamps, take a look here: ARCA compatible. This way you avoid nasty surprises when combining different components.

Made in the USA, precise workmanship without frills

The Kirk KLP-210 is made in the USA, which is clearly reflected in the workmanship. The edges are cleanly deburred, the milling looks well thought out and not “somehow made to fit”. We would say: more tool than accessory.

The captive stainless steel screw is another detail that is simply practical in everyday use. You don’t constantly have to watch out for a mounting screw rolling away somewhere when you quickly reconfigure your setup in the field or in the studio. Stainless steel also provides corrosion resistance, which is very pleasant in moisture, rain or salty coastal air.

Double dovetail design, secure hold in the quick-release coupling

The dovetail design is double-sided. This means that the plate has a matching profile on both sides so that it sits snugly and without play in the quick-release clamp. Especially with longer focal lengths, such as a Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or a Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD SP, this is a real plus, because every small movement becomes visible in the image.

In combination with the precisely milled 38 mm profile, this results in a very direct, confidence-inspiring clamping behavior. You tighten the clamp and notice: nothing moves anymore, even if you bump the camera slightly or pack the gear a bit tighter in your backpack.

Variable anti-twist lip, 90° and 30° stop against rotation

A special detail is the removable lip with a 90° and a 30° angle. This lip serves as a variable anti-twist device so that the lens does not rotate unnoticed on the plate. Especially with longer telephoto lenses, slight rotation can cause the balance point to shift, making the setup suddenly feel “front-heavy”.

You can mount the lip so that it is optimally adapted to the foot shape of your lens. The anti-twist feature is therefore not only present, but also variable. Once you have found the right position, the lens reliably stays in the desired orientation. It may seem like a small detail at first, but in continuous use it makes a noticeable difference.

Universally usable, suitable for Canon RF, Fuji XF and Tamron telezooms

The KLP-210 is labeled as universal, which in this case is more than just a marketing term. It is suitable, among others, for:

• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM (2020)
• Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (2020)
• Fuji 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6 R LM OIS WR XF
• Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD SP

So if, for example, you are out with a Canon RF camera but also use a Fuji system in parallel for travel or reportage, you can use the same lens plate in both setups, provided the tripod collars and lens feet are prepared accordingly. This reduces the number of plates in your backpack and keeps your system a bit more streamlined.

Safety stop screws, extra protection against slipping out

The KLP-210 has 2 safety stop screws on the underside. These small but important screws prevent the lens plate from accidentally slipping out of the quick-release coupling when the clamp is not fully opened.

In everyday use this means: even if you loosen the clamp a bit too early or hold the setup at a slight angle, the plate is “stopped” in time by these safety stop screws and cannot simply slide out of the guide. Especially with expensive telephoto lenses this is a very reassuring feature that you hopefully never really need, but are very glad to have.

QD compatible, prepared for modern carrying systems

The lens plate is QD compatible, even though it does not have an integrated QD strap socket itself. This means that it fits into setups where quick couplings and strap systems with QD strap anchors are used. If you already work with corresponding straps, you can easily integrate the KLP-210 into such a system, for example via suitable adapters or compatible components on the tripod collar.

Important: To use QD strap anchors you need a suitable strap with QD strap anchors so that the system as a whole works properly. The plate itself forms a stable base on which you securely mount your lenses, while the actual strap takes over the carrying function.

Threaded holes and photo threads, flexible mounting options

On the underside of the KLP-210 you will find 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads. These threaded holes provide additional mounting options, for example for special adapters, rails or alternative quick-release systems. If you work with custom setups in the studio or like to build your own solutions, these extra threads are very helpful.

The combination of ARCA compatible profile, the 1/4" UNC photo threads and the universal design results in a lens plate that not only works on classic tripods, but can also be used in more complex rigs, sliders or special mounts.

Lightweight, clear dimensions, ideal for on the go

With a length of 5.3 cm, a width of 3.8 cm and a weight of only 36.9 g, the Kirk KLP-210 remains pleasantly unobtrusive. It adds hardly any bulk, fits easily on most lens feet and is so compact that it does not get in the way when transporting it in a backpack or bag.

Despite its small dimensions, it offers a stable support surface for telephoto lenses such as the Fuji 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6 R LM OIS WR XF or the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM. In practice this means: you get a solid connection to the tripod without unnecessarily enlarging or weighing down your setup. Especially when traveling, hiking or on longer photo tours, this is a real advantage.

Conclusion: A matter-of-fact, reliable lens plate without show effects

All in all, the Kirk KLP-210 universal lens plate (53 mm) is a sober but very well thought-out solution for anyone who wants to mount their telephoto lenses securely, Arca-style compatible and universally. The 6061-T6 aluminum, the anodized surface, the double dovetail profile, the variable anti-twist feature, the 2 safety stop screws and the universal design for various lenses make it a reliable building block in your setup.

No gimmicks, no exaggerated frills, just a solid, precisely manufactured lens plate that does what it is supposed to do in everyday use: securely connect your lens to the tripod so you can concentrate on the subject and not on the technology underneath.