Kirk KLP-310 universal lens plate (79 mm) with QD mount

Precise universal lens plate for demanding photographers

The Kirk KLP-310 universal lens plate with a length of 79 mm is one of those typical parts that you mount once and then really never want to give up. It can be used universally, fits a whole range of common telephoto and zoom lenses, and offers exactly that mix of stability, light weight, and everyday practicality that you simply need out in the field or in the studio.

With its compact dimensions of 7.9 cm in length and 3.8 cm in width and a weight of only 51 g, it remains pleasantly unobtrusive, yet at the same time provides a very solid connection between lens and tripod head. In short: not a bulky brick, but a well-thought-out tool.

Made from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum

The KLP-310 is made from robust 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, the kind you also find in aircraft construction. The material is lightweight yet surprisingly torsion-resistant, so even heavy telephoto lenses are supported cleanly. The surface is anodized, either satin-silver anodized or Type II black anodized, which not only looks classy but also protects against wear and corrosion.

The integrated double dovetail clamping profile with a width of 38 mm is precisely milled and cleanly deburred. There is also a captive stainless steel screw that sits securely in the lens tripod foot and does not simply work itself loose in everyday use just because you remounted things a bit more hastily.

Arca-style compatible, flexible in many quick-release clamps

The lens plate is Arca-style compatible and thus suitable for a wide variety of quick-release clamps. According to the manufacturer, the 38 mm dovetail profile fits, among others, into ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw and lever clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps and Acratech screw clamps, Kirk clamps, as well as the FlexShooter screw cross clamp.

We would almost say: if you use a modern ARCA-compatible system, the chances are very good that the KLP-310 will integrate seamlessly. This makes it particularly interesting if you use several tripod heads or different systems in parallel and don’t want to tinker with a new solution every time.

With QD strap anchor mount, quickly from tripod to strap

A practical detail that quickly proves its worth in everyday use: the Kirk KLP-310 features an integrated QD strap mount, more precisely a QD strap anchor mount. It is QD compatible and allows you to securely attach a suitable carrying strap with a single click and release it again just as quickly. Especially with long focal lengths, this is a very comfortable way to carry camera and lens safely without constantly tugging at the camera mount.

To use this QD strap mount, you need a strap with suitable QD strap anchors. You can find more information about this here. If you travel a lot and shoot wildlife, sports, or reportage, you will probably come to appreciate this option very quickly.

Anti-twist protection with variable stop lip

A central design feature of this universal lens plate is the removable lip that serves as anti-twist protection. It is designed so that it can be mounted with a 90° and a 30° angle. This allows the anti-twist protection to be variably adapted to the respective tripod foot of your lens. The result: the lens stays properly in position, even if you move the combination a bit more roughly or pan quickly.

The anti-twist protection or stop is therefore not only present but, indeed, variable. This is particularly helpful with lenses that have differently shaped tripod collars, where a rigid solution often does not fit ideally.

Safety stop screws for more security in everyday use

On the underside of the Kirk KLP-310 you will find 2 safety stop screws. These small but important screws prevent the plate from accidentally sliding out of the quick-release clamp if you have not opened the clamp fully but also not closed it completely. Especially with heavy telephoto lenses, this is a very reassuring safety net.

In addition, 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads are integrated into the underside. This allows you to use the plate directly on a tripod with a 1/4" screw if necessary or attach additional accessories without having to rely on adapters.

Compatible with many Nikon F lenses

The KLP-310 is designed for various Nikon F lenses and is suitable, among others, for the Nikon 300mm f/4E AF-S PF ED VR NIKKOR, the Nikon 200mm f/4 D IF-ED AF MICRO-NIKKOR, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF-S I NIKKOR, as well as the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR. These lenses benefit from the stable support surface and the reliable anti-twist protection, especially with longer exposure times or dynamic subjects.

So if you are out and about with Nikon F and are looking for a light yet robust setup, this plate fits very well into a professional or ambitious system.

Tuned for Canon EF telephoto lenses

Canon users are not left out either. The Kirk KLP-310 is suitable, among others, for the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the Canon EF 200mm f/1.8. Both are classic telephoto powerhouses where a reliable tripod connection is essential. The plate provides a secure, torsion-resistant connection here and makes working with heavy focal lengths significantly easier.

The combination of low weight and high stability makes the KLP-310 particularly interesting if you need to work on the move but still do not want to forego a solid tripod solution.

Suitable for modern Canon RF lenses

For the mirrorless Canon RF system, the lens plate is also an interesting option. It is suitable for the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (2019), the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM (2020), and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (2020). Especially with the lightweight but long RF telephoto lenses, the plate ensures balanced weight distribution on the tripod head and secure clamping in ARCA-compatible quick-release systems.

This allows you to integrate your RF setup into an existing ARCA system without major detours and without having to look for a completely different solution for each lens.

Optimized for Sigma telephoto and macro lenses

Many Sigma lenses can also be used very well with the KLP-310. These include the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO, the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM MACRO, and the Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM. Depending on the model, these lenses have a substantial weight, which makes a stable, non-slip lens plate particularly useful here.

The double dovetail design ensures that the plate sits securely in the clamp and allows you to quickly shift the position if necessary to optimally balance the center of gravity.

Also suitable for Tamron and Fuji lenses

If you are shooting with Tamron or Fuji, the Kirk KLP-310 also fits perfectly into your setup. For Tamron, it is suitable, among others, for the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD SP, a popular telephoto zoom for wildlife and sports. For Fuji, it is suitable for the Fuji 50-140 mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR XF, a classic, fast telephoto zoom for the X system.

In both cases, you benefit from the universal design of the plate. It is explicitly intended for universal use, not tailored to a single lens, but designed so that it can be used sensibly on several optics. This saves money in the long run and reduces cable and accessory clutter in your camera bag.

Made in the USA, solid workmanship without frills

The Kirk KLP-310 is made in the USA and thus follows a long tradition of precise metalworking for the photographic sector. The manufacturing quality is high, the edges are cleanly finished, and the fits are designed so that the plate sits firmly in the clamp without binding or wobbling.

We would say it is not a showpiece that only looks good, but a workhorse for daily use. Anyone who values reliable, durable equipment is likely to warm to this plate very quickly.

Thought-out details for daily use

Besides the major topics such as material and compatibility, it is often the small things that make the difference in everyday use. The KLP-310 offers a clear, functional design, a sufficiently long support surface for telephoto lenses, and a secure, captive stainless steel screw. The double dovetail profile ensures stable guidance in the clamp, while the variably adjustable anti-twist lip reliably prevents the lens from rotating.

The fact that the plate is ARCA compatible and QD compatible makes it a very flexible component in modern photo setups. Whether you are shooting with Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Tamron, or Fuji, whether you photograph wildlife, sports, macro, or landscapes, the KLP-310 integrates quietly but very efficiently into your workflow.