Kirk UP-2 universal camera plate

Kirk UP-2 universal camera plate, compact, robust and surprisingly unobtrusive in everyday use

Sometimes it’s the smallest parts on the camera that make the difference at the crucial moment. The Kirk UP-2 universal camera plate falls exactly into this category: inconspicuous in terms of pack size, but extremely reliable in use. You screw it onto your camera once, and then you basically never want to take it off again, because it just works pleasantly trouble-free in day-to-day shooting.

The UP-2 is deliberately kept compact and, with its dimensions of 54.2 x 38.4 x 13.2 mm (L x W x H), remains pleasantly small. It hardly adds any bulk, fits easily into most camera bag setups, and doesn’t get in the way when using a vertical grip or when quickly switching from tripod to strap. Despite its small size, it is stable enough to confidently support heavier DSLR and mirrorless setups.

Arca-style compatible, secure hold in 38 mm quick-release clamps

The Kirk UP-2 is designed to be ARCA compatible and is therefore ideal for anyone working with Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps. You simply clamp the plate in, lock it, and you’re done. No fiddling, no makeshift solutions with adapter plates. Especially if you frequently switch between tripod heads, sliders or clamp mounts, you quickly notice how convenient such a standardized clamping profile is in everyday use.

The universal clamping profile ensures that the UP-2 fits into a wide range of ARCA quick-release couplers and can be fixed there without play. This keeps your camera stable even at longer exposure times or telephoto focal lengths, without you having to constantly retighten.

Made in the USA, precision manufacturing from 6061-T6 aluminum

The camera plate is made from high-quality 6061T6 aluminum, a material that is often used in professional applications because it offers a very good ratio of weight to stability. Everything is cleanly milled and deburred; nothing scratches, nothing feels cheap, you can tell that this is made to a high standard. Manufacturing takes place in the USA, and you can clearly see that in the build quality.

The aluminum is black anodized, which not only looks good but also protects the surface against scratches and corrosion. Especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, maybe in the rain or dust, such a robust surface really pays off. The plate remains attractive and functional for a long time without you having to “wrap it in cotton wool” all the time.

Anti-twist rubber pad so your camera doesn’t secretly come loose

Under the camera, an anti-twist rubber pad ensures that your body does not rotate unnoticed on the plate. You may know the situation: you tighten the screw, walk around a bit, change location, and suddenly the camera sits slightly crooked on the tripod head. That’s exactly what this is designed to prevent.

The rubber pad increases friction between the camera base and the plate, which makes the connection more stable without you having to overtighten the screw. This protects the camera base while still giving you a secure fit. Practical if you frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientation or work with heavier lenses, where every small movement immediately becomes visible in the image.

Stainless steel screws, 1/4" camera screw and safety stop screws

The connection to the camera is made via a 1/4" stainless steel camera screw. This is the standard thread for cameras, so you can use the UP-2 with a wide variety of bodies. The stainless steel design ensures that the screw will not seize up due to corrosion or become unsightly even after years of use.

In addition, two stainless steel safety stop screws are integrated. These safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release coupler if the clamp is not fully closed or loosens slightly during transport. This way, the camera remains secured even if, in the heat of the moment, not everything has been locked perfectly to 100 percent. A small detail that, in an emergency, can save you a lot of trouble and, in the worst case, prevent camera damage.

Two hex keys are included so that you can comfortably mount and, if necessary, retighten both the camera screw and the safety stop screws. No searching for the right tool, just unpack and get started.

Universally usable, from Nikon D850 with MB-D18 to Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

The Kirk UP-2 is deliberately designed to be universal. It is suitable for a wide range of cameras, including classic DSLR models and modern mirrorless systems. For Nikon cameras, for example a Nikon D850 with MB-D18 battery grip, it provides a stable base without blocking the grip or the controls. At the same time, it also fits perfectly on more compact systems such as Olympus / OM SYSTEM cameras, for example an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.

Especially if you use multiple cameras and don’t want to buy a dedicated custom plate for each body, a universally usable solution like the UP-2 makes sense. You can move the plate from one camera to another when needed or use it as a complement to existing L-brackets if, for example, you integrate a smaller second camera into your setup.

Lightweight, highly practical for everyday use, one plate for on the go

Despite its robust construction, the UP-2 remains pleasantly light. It hardly adds to the overall weight of your gear, which is noticeable especially on longer tours, trips, or assignments. You don’t have to think about whether to take it with you; it just stays on the camera, ready to go.

Thanks to the compact design, it doesn’t get in your way when carrying or shooting. On the tripod it provides a stable connection; in handheld use you hardly notice it. That’s how it should be: technology that simply works without constantly drawing attention to itself.

Clean integration into your existing ARCA system

If you are already working with Arca-style compatible components, the Kirk UP-2 integrates seamlessly into your system. The clamping profile fits common 38 mm quick-release clamps, so you don’t have to convert anything or use adapters. Whether ball head, geared head, video head or slider with ARCA mount, the plate can be used in many ways.

This allows you to quickly move your camera from one tripod head to another without having to unscrew anything each time. Especially with flexible setups, for example in the studio or for hybrid photo/video shoots, this saves time and nerves. And yes, sometimes also a few mildly annoyed sighs when things would otherwise “not quite fit” yet again.