Really Right Stuff BQDS - Universal quick-release plate with QD mount

Really Right Stuff BQDS, universal quick-release plate for demanding photographers

Sometimes it’s the smallest parts in your setup that make the biggest difference. The Really Right Stuff BQDS is exactly that kind of candidate: a compact, universal quick-release plate that securely fixes your camera while taking a surprising amount of work off your hands when carrying, slinging, and quickly repositioning it. No big fuss, but very well thought-out details.

The BQDS is designed as a universal camera plate, so it fits a wide range of camera bodies and systems. With its square shape of 38 mm x 38 mm, it can be clamped bidirectionally, meaning you can insert it into suitable quick-release clamps both crosswise and lengthwise. This is particularly practical if you frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientation or use different tripod heads.

With QD strap socket, quickly from tripod to strap

A key feature of this plate is the integrated QD strap socket. Exactly one QD socket is built in, neatly recessed and robustly executed. This allows you to clip camera straps with Magpul-compatible QD strap anchors directly into the plate, without having to loosen screws each time or move eyelets back and forth. Click in, done, go.

Especially on the go, when things get a bit hectic—maybe at a reportage, a wedding, or when you’re in the city quickly switching between tripod mount and shoulder strap—this QD strap socket makes the workflow noticeably smoother. The camera hangs securely on the strap, and you don’t have to fiddle with makeshift solutions that might come loose at the wrong moment.

To use the QD strap socket, you need a suitable strap with QD strap anchors. If you don’t yet use such a strap, you can find corresponding models, among others, here: Straps with QD strap anchors.

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

The Really Right Stuff BQDS is Arca-style compatible and therefore extremely versatile in practice. According to the manufacturer, the 38 mm dovetail quick-release profile can be used in both directions and fits a whole range of common clamps and couplings.

Specifically, the plate can be used in ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Kirk clamps, as well as other Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps. So if you already use an ARCA-based system, the BQDS integrates seamlessly into your existing setup without you having to purchase new heads or clamps.

The bidirectional clamping allows you to orient the plate flexibly. Whether you prefer to fix your camera lengthwise or crosswise in the clamp is up to you. This is particularly helpful when working with L-brackets, macro rails, or special panorama heads and you want to adjust the orientation quickly.

Made in the USA, precise workmanship and robust materials

The BQDS is made in the USA and thus follows the typical quality standard known from Really Right Stuff. You can see this in the details: the plate is made of high-quality aluminum, black anodized, combined with selected stainless-steel components in places where additional stability and wear resistance are required.

The black anodized surface protects the aluminum from corrosion and scratches while providing a discreet, low-reflection appearance—pleasant when shooting in situations where shiny parts would be distracting. The edges are cleanly finished, nothing sharp, nothing rough, so the plate feels good in the hand even when frequently attaching and removing it.

At a weight of only 44 g, the BQDS remains pleasantly light without feeling fragile. The compact dimensions of 3.8 cm width, 3.8 cm depth, and a height of 1.6 cm (including anti-twist flange) make it an unobtrusive but highly functional addition to your camera.

Universal quick-release plate, thoughtful everyday details

The Really Right Stuff BQDS is universally usable and not tailored to a specific camera model. This makes it particularly interesting if you use multiple cameras or occasionally change your system. Mounting is done via a 1/4"-20 UNC camera screw, which is included. With the included 5/32 hex key, you can attach the plate securely and without play to your camera.

An integrated anti-twist feature or stop ensures that the plate does not rotate unnoticed on the camera base. Especially during longer sessions on a tripod, this is a real advantage because the alignment remains stable and you don’t have to constantly readjust. The anti-twist flange increases the total height of the plate to about 16 mm, which in practice adds very little bulk and generally does not affect camera handling.

The sensor center mark is laser-engraved and helps you find the exact optical axis of the camera. This is essential in particular for panoramic photography, because it allows you to align the rotation axis precisely and create clean, easily stitchable panoramas. Anyone who has ever tried to build panoramas without a clear reference knows how tedious that can be; here, the plate takes a good bit of the guesswork out of it.

QD compatible and ARCA compatible, seamless in the modern photo workflow

The combination of QD compatible and ARCA compatible makes the BQDS a true link between carrying system and tripod. You can comfortably carry your camera on a strap with QD strap anchors, then unclip it in seconds and place it directly into an Arca-style compatible quick-release clamp without having to modify anything or mount additional adapters.

In practice this means: less fiddling, fewer intermediate parts, fewer potential weak points. Instead, a clear, streamlined workflow—from shoulder to tripod, from tripod back to hand or strap. Especially on longer tours, when traveling, or in outdoor use, this is a real gain in comfort, as you can focus more on the subject and less on the gear.

Compact dimensions, clear structure, technical data at a glance

To help you assess how the Really Right Stuff BQDS fits into your setup, here are the most important technical key data in structured form:

• Dimensions: length 38 mm, width 38 mm, height without anti-twist flange approx. 13 mm, with anti-twist flange approx. 16 mm
• Width / cm: 3.8
• Depth / cm: 3.8
• Height / cm: 1.6 (including anti-twist)
• Weight / g: 44
• Quick-release profile: 38 mm dovetail, usable in both directions
• Clamping profile suitable for: ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Kirk clamps, and other Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps
• QD strap socket: yes, one integrated QD strap anchor socket
• Anti-twist / stop: yes, for secure positioning on the camera
• Sensor center mark: laser-engraved, ideal for precise alignment
• Material: aluminum and stainless steel
• Finish: black anodized
• Universal: yes, suitable for many camera models

Scope of delivery, everything you need included

The scope of delivery of the Really Right Stuff BQDS includes everything you need for immediate use:

• BQDS camera plate
• 1 x 1/4"-20 UNC camera screw for attachment to the camera
• 1 x 5/32 hex key for securely tightening the screw

This allows you to mount the plate right after unboxing and integrate it into your existing ARCA system. No additional tools required, no complicated setup—just screw on, align, tighten, and get started.