Kirk KLP-360-2NL universal lens plate (91 mm) with QD mount and 2 screws

Precise lens control for demanding photographers

The Kirk KLP-360-2NL universal lens plate with a length of 91 mm is designed for everyone who doesn’t just want to mount their telephoto lens, but really wants to balance it properly. You get a universal lens plate with a dual 38 mm dovetail clamping profile made of robust 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, finely finished and optionally satin-silver anodized or black anodized. The result looks pleasantly understated, yet extremely solid.

On the underside, three 1/4" UNC tripod threads are waiting for you so you can use the plate flexibly in a wide variety of setups. In addition, there are two stainless steel safety stop screws that prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp and simply provide a good feeling in everyday use when heavy lenses are involved. The screws are designed to be captive, which is practical when working in the dark or in the cold and you don’t want to search for small parts.

Universally usable, specially tuned and still flexible

Although the KLP-360-2NL is labeled as universal, it’s not just any standard plate. It is an excellent match for selected Nikon F and Nikon Z telephoto lenses and thus covers many typical wildlife, sports and reportage setups. For Nikon F lenses, for example, it is ideal for the Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR. In the mirrorless segment, it works well with the Nikon Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S (2020), the Nikon Z 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 VR S NIKKOR (2021) and the Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR (2023).

Leica fans are not left out either, as the plate is also designed for the Leica 90–280 f/2.8–4 APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL. We think this makes it a very interesting solution if you use multiple systems in parallel and want a consistent, reliable base for your quick-release clamps.

With variable anti-twist lip for a secure fit

A special feature of this lens plate is the removable lip that serves as a variable anti-twist safeguard. It ensures that your lens does not rotate on the plate when you readjust, pan, or use the camera in portrait orientation. The anti-twist safeguard is variable so you can adapt it to the geometry of your particular lens foot, or remove it if necessary. This keeps the plate universally usable while still being very safe to handle.

Especially with longer focal lengths, where every small movement becomes visible in the image, this anti-twist safeguard really pays off. You don’t have to constantly check whether something has come loose and can instead focus on composition and timing.

Arca-style compatible, seamless integration into your system

According to the manufacturer, the KLP-360-2NL is fully Arca-style compatible and therefore an excellent base if you already use a corresponding quick-release system or want to switch to a unified system. The dual dovetail clamping profile fits a whole range of common clamps, including FlexShooter lever cross clamp, FlexShooter screw cross clamp, ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Markins clamps and of course Kirk clamps as well as other Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps.

We would say that if you have an ARCA-compatible setup, this plate almost naturally integrates into it. No tinkering, no improvising, just a precise, repeatable fit in the clamp.

With QD strap socket for flexible carrying options

Another practical detail is the integrated QD strap socket. The plate is QD compatible and offers you a clean solution for attaching a suitable carrying strap directly to the lens plate. This is especially convenient if you prefer to carry heavy telephoto lenses by the lens itself rather than by the camera mount in order to distribute the load more sensibly.

To use this QD strap socket, however, you need a strap with QD anchors. You can find a suitable strap here: Strap with QD anchors. Once everything is set up, the set can be attached and detached surprisingly quickly without you constantly having to loosen screws.

Made in the USA, solid manufacturing and thoughtful design

The Kirk KLP-360-2NL is made in the USA, and you can tell from the workmanship. The 6061-T6 aluminum is precisely milled and then anodized, creating a durable surface that can withstand a lot in everyday use. Whether you’re working in the studio or out and about in changeable weather, the plate feels more like a small piece of engineering hardware than a mere photo accessory.

Weighing only 57 g, with a width of 3.8 cm and a length of 9.1 cm, it remains pleasantly compact. It doesn’t add unnecessary bulk, but still offers enough contact area to securely support even longer lens feet. We’d say it hits the sweet spot between stability and mobility quite well.

Practical details for everyday photography

At first glance, a lens plate may seem like a rather unspectacular accessory. But if you look more closely, there is a lot of fine-tuning here. The dual dovetail design ensures a secure, repeatable fit in the clamp. The two safety stop screws prevent the plate from simply sliding out forwards or backwards when the clamp is loosened, which is a real safety benefit, especially with heavy telephoto lenses.

Thanks to its universal design, you can not only use the plate with the Nikon and Leica lenses mentioned, but also try it in other setups as long as the lens foot and threads match. The combination of being universal and at the same time very precisely tuned makes it an accessory that you don’t have to keep replacing as your system evolves.

In the end, it is often exactly such a small part that decides whether a setup feels “complete”. With the Kirk KLP-360-2NL you get a matter-of-factly engineered, robust and very well thought-out universal lens plate that securely supports your telephoto lenses and integrates seamlessly into a modern Arca-style based system.