Wimberley P-30 universal lens plate (112 mm)

Wimberley P-30 universal lens plate (112 mm) for long telephoto lenses

You can tell from this plate that it was built for tough everyday photographic use. The Wimberley P-30 universal lens plate with a length of 112 mm is a sturdy quick-release plate for your lens foot or lens collar and ensures a secure, repeatable fit in your quick-release clamp. It is universally usable, fits a wide range of telephoto and zoom lenses, and remains pleasantly lightweight at only 82.2 g.

The P-30 is universal, but not arbitrary: it was specifically designed for long and heavy telephoto lenses that you want to mount securely on a tripod head without having to wonder every time whether it will really hold.

Precise fit for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Fuji and Panasonic

If you work with large telephoto lenses, you know the issue: lens plates that wobble, twist, or simply don’t really fit. The Wimberley P-30 takes a different approach. It is suitable, among others, for:

Canon EF lenses such as the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Canon RF lenses such as the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (2020), Nikon F lenses such as the Nikon 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR and the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AFS VR, as well as Nikon Z lenses such as the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR (2022) and the Nikon Z 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR (2023).

Many Sigma telephoto zooms can also be used very well with the P-30, for example the Sigma 60–600mm f/4.5–6.3 DG OS HSM / Sports (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA), the Sigma 60–600mm f/4.5–6.3 DG OS HSM / Sports, the Sigma 150–600mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM / Contemporary, the Sigma 120–300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Sigma 120–400mm f/4.5–5.6 DG OS HSM.

It is equally interesting for Tamron telephoto lenses, such as the Tamron 150–600mm f/5–6.3 Di VC USD G2 SP and the Tamron 150–600mm f/5–6.3 Di VC USD SP. In addition, there are Sony telephoto lenses such as the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G SSM II [SAL300F28G2] and the Sony 300mm f/2.8 G [SAL300F28G], as well as the Fuji 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 R LM OIS WR XF and the Panasonic 100–400mm f/4–6.3 Leica DG Vario [H-RS100400].

In short: the P-30 is universally usable, yes, but with a clear focus on large, heavy optics where stability, anti-twist protection and reliable clamping are crucial.

Arca compatible, flexible use in many quick-release clamps

The Wimberley P-30 has a 38 mm dovetail clamping profile which, according to the manufacturer, is Arca-style compatible (ARCA compatible). This means it fits a wide range of 38 mm quick-release clamps that are widely used in the professional sector.

The clamping profile works in FlexShooter lever cross clamps, FlexShooter screw cross clamps, 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 Kirk clamps. This allows you to continue using your existing tripod and head infrastructure without having to change everything.

For a clear overview of ARCA compatible systems and suitable quick-release clamps, you can also find information here: ARCA compatible quick-release systems.

Double dovetail design for more options

The dovetail design of the Wimberley P-30 is double-sided. This means that you not only get a secure connection to the quick-release clamp, but can also attach accessories.

Thanks to this double dovetail profile, for example, a flash bracket from Wimberley, Kirk or Really Right Stuff can be conveniently mounted without the need for awkward intermediate adapters. This is a very practical solution, especially for nature and sports photography when you are working with a tele-flash.

Made in USA, robust materials and clean workmanship

The P-30 is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel. This aluminum is used in aerospace engineering because it offers a good ratio of weight to stability and can be machined precisely. The combination with stainless steel ensures durable, resilient screw points and contact surfaces that still function reliably even after years of intensive use.

The surface is black anodized. This finish protects the material, reduces reflections and provides a discreet, professional look that does not reflect in the image or attract unnecessary attention. Especially in wildlife photography it can be crucial that nothing shines or reflects conspicuously.

Dimensions, weight and handling in everyday use

With a length of 11.18 cm, a width of 3.8 cm and a height of 1.016 cm (without stop), the Wimberley P-30 strikes a very practical compromise: long enough for a stable support and flexible positioning in the quick-release clamp, but not so large that it protrudes from smaller lens feet or gets in the way in your backpack.

The weight of only 82.2 g is hardly noticeable in the overall setup. Especially when you are travelling with several lenses and have a separate plate mounted on each one, every gram adds up. Here the P-30 remains pleasantly unobtrusive.

Anti-twist protection and stop for a secure fit on the lens foot

One point that many only notice when something goes wrong: anti-twist protection. The Wimberley P-30 features anti-twist protection and a stop that significantly reduces the plate twisting on the lens foot.

On the back of the plate there are anti-twist nubs that fit into the shape of the lens foot. This makes the P-30 suitable even for rounded lens feet where simple, flat plates tend to slowly slip out of position. This keeps your lens properly aligned, even if you pan frequently or rotate the camera.

Safety stop screws for more margin when handling

There are 4 safety stop screws on the underside of the Wimberley P-30. These safety stop screws can be removed if necessary, but in practice they are often a real lifesaver. They prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if you have not fully closed the clamp or if, under stress, you push the lens a bit too far backwards or forwards.

Especially with heavy telephoto lenses, such an additional safety mechanism can be crucial to prevent a fall. It is a small detail that you quickly come to appreciate in everyday use.

Universal quick-release plate for demanding photography

The Wimberley P-30 is a universal quick-release plate that can be mounted on a wide variety of lens feet and lens collars. It can be used universally without seeming arbitrary and covers a large range of telephoto and super-telephoto lenses commonly used in nature, wildlife, sports and action photography.

We see the P-30 as a kind of basic tool in the camera bag: once mounted, it usually remains permanently on the lens and ensures that you can quickly switch between tripod, gimbal, ball head or flex head without having to screw anything on and off each time.

Compatibility with different threads and lens feet

The P-30 is traditionally attached via the threaded hole in the lens foot. If your lens has a 3/8" UNC thread, a suitable reducer bushing is required for mounting, for example the Wimberley BS-100. This allows the larger thread to be adapted to the usual 1/4" format so that the plate can be securely screwed on.

Thanks to its design and the anti-twist elements, the plate is also suitable for lens feet with rounded edges, where simple plates without anti-twist protection quickly reach their limits. This keeps your setup stable as a whole, even if you pan frequently or move the tripod.

Conclusion: a well-thought-out lens plate for serious users

If you work with long focal lengths and are looking for a reliable, Arca-style compatible lens plate that fits many common quick-release clamps, the Wimberley P-30 universal lens plate (112 mm) is a very solid choice. It combines a double dovetail profile, anti-twist protection, 4 safety stop screws, a robust construction made of 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel, and a black anodized surface into a package that simply works in everyday use.

Perhaps unspectacular at first glance, but that is precisely what makes it so interesting: a discreet, stable base you can rely on on every trip.