Kirk KLP-310-2NL universal lens plate (79 mm) with QD mount and 2 screws

Kirk KLP-310-2NL universal lens plate (79 mm), precise base for your telephoto lenses

If you don’t just want to mount your telephoto somehow, but really cleanly and repeatably on a tripod head, you’ll sooner or later end up with a solid lens plate. The Kirk KLP-310-2NL is exactly that: a universal lens plate with a length of 7.9 cm and a width of 3.8 cm that stabilizes your setup without making a big fuss about it. At only 51 g it stays pleasantly light, but not “wobbly light” – instead, reassuringly stable.

The plate is universally usable, so it’s not limited to a single exotic lens, but covers a whole range of common telephoto and zoom lenses. It is particularly suitable, for example, for the Nikon 200mm f/4 D IF-ED AF MICRO-NIKKOR as well as for several Sony telephoto zooms such as the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS FE [SEL100400GM] (2017), the identical Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS FE [SEL100400GM] and the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM II [SAL70200G2]. This way you don’t have to look for a different plate for every lens, but can sensibly standardize your system.

Arca-style compatible, cleanly integrated into your quick-release system

The KLP-310-2NL uses a dual 38 mm dovetail clamping profile that is ARCA compatible. In practice this means: you can use the plate in a whole range of quick-release clamps without having to worry about exotic special solutions. According to the manufacturer it is Arca-style compatible and fits, among others, into ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps and Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps and Acratech screw clamps, Markins clamps, Kirk clamps as well as the FlexShooter screw cross clamp.

Thanks to the dual dovetail design, the plate can be positioned flexibly and clamped securely, whether you’re working with screw or lever clamps. Especially if you frequently switch between different heads or tripods, this compatibility is worth its weight in gold because you don’t constantly have to tinker with adapters or intermediate plates.

With QD strap anchor socket, quickly from tripod to strap

A practical detail that is easily underestimated: the KLP-310-2NL features a QD strap socket, more precisely a QD strap anchor socket, and is therefore QD compatible. You can very quickly move your lens including camera from the tripod configuration to a suitable carrying strap with QD strap anchors without having to re-screw anything each time. This is especially convenient when you switch back and forth between dynamic reportage, nature photography and calm tripod shots.

To use this socket you need a strap with QD strap anchors, which you can purchase separately, for example here: QD strap anchors. This effectively turns the lens plate into an interface between secure carrying and stable tripod mounting, without you constantly having to fiddle with the camera itself.

Made in the USA, robust construction from 6061-T6 aluminum

The Kirk KLP-310-2NL is made in the USA and uses 6061-T6 aluminum as the base material. This aluminum alloy is a proven standard in the photo industry because it offers a very good ratio of strength to weight. The plate is stiff enough to safely support even longer telephoto lenses without twisting, yet light enough not to weigh down your setup unnecessarily.

The surface is anodized and comes in a high-quality combination of satin silver anodized and Type II black anodized. These anodized layers protect the material from corrosion and abrasion and ensure that the plate doesn’t immediately look “worn out” even after frequent clamping and unclamping in quick-release clamps. At the same time, the matte, non-reflective surface reduces distracting light reflections, which is particularly pleasant in nature or stage photography when you don’t want to draw attention with shiny metal parts.

With QD strap anchor socket, secure connection and flexible handling

The integrated QD strap anchor socket is positioned so that it sensibly supports the center of gravity of camera and lens. In combination with a suitable QD carrying strap you can quickly release your system, carry it safely, and just as quickly clamp it back into an ARCA quick-release clamp. This flexibility makes the plate particularly interesting for photographers who are on the move a lot and don’t work exclusively from a fixed tripod setup.

Because the plate is designed to be universal, it can also be used on other lenses with a corresponding tripod foot, as long as the dimensions and holes match. The two threaded holes on the underside with 2 x 1/4" UNC photo thread further expand the range of applications, for example if you want to mount the plate on special brackets, rails or accessories.

Variable anti-twist flange, more grip, less stress

A key practical detail is the removable anti-twist flange. This flange is designed to provide a 90° and a 30° angle, allowing you to adapt the anti-twist function to your particular lens. The anti-twist stop is therefore not only present, but also variable. This means the plate cannot simply twist around the screw under load when you tilt or pan the system.

Especially with longer focal lengths, such as the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS FE or the Nikon 200mm f/4 D IF-ED AF MICRO-NIKKOR, this anti-twist feature is clearly noticeable. Your framing remains more stable and you don’t have to constantly readjust because the lens has moved slightly. The flange is removable if you don’t need it for certain setups or prefer a different configuration.

Thought-out safety: 2 safety stop screws and precise dimensions

On the underside of the plate there are 2 stainless steel safety stop screws. These safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if you haven’t fully closed the clamp or if you slide the plate sideways to better balance the center of gravity. In practice this is a very reassuring detail, especially when an expensive combination of camera and telephoto lens is attached.

With a length of 7.9 cm and a width of 3.8 cm, the KLP-310-2NL offers enough contact area to securely support even larger lens feet without appearing overly bulky. The weight of only 51 g keeps your setup pleasantly mobile. The 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads on the underside open up additional mounting options, for example for rails, sliders or special brackets if you want to further expand your system.

Universally usable, one plate, many combinations

The Kirk KLP-310-2NL is explicitly designed as a universally usable lens plate. It is suitable not only for the Nikon 200mm f/4 D IF-ED AF MICRO-NIKKOR, but also for several Sony telephoto lenses such as the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS FE [SEL100400GM] (2017), the identical Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS FE [SEL100400GM] as well as the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM II [SAL70200G2]. Thanks to the ARCA compatible dovetail design and the variably adjustable anti-twist flange, you can also use the plate on other lenses as long as the geometry of the tripod foot fits.

We would say: if you use a mixed system of Nikon F and Sony E or A-mount, this plate is a very practical basis for standardizing your tripod setup. You don’t have to look for a completely different solution for every lens, but can rely on a high-quality, solid lens plate that meets many requirements at once.