DSLR baseplate systems (adapter bars) for mounting on a tripod

M

muroshi

Well-known member
I'm collecting my different options on tripod-baseplates for DSLRs:


Zacuto DSLR-Baseplate:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682706-REG/Zacuto_Z_DSLR_B_DSLR_Baseplate.html

Hight adjustable. Quick-Realise. Around 420$

shoot35:
http://www.shoot35.com/products/dslraccessories/dslrmount/dslrmountframe.html

Hight "adjustable" (with risers). Short Quick-Realease. Around 200$

Genus:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/664429-REG/Genus_GL_GMB_DSLR_GMB_DSLR_Adapter_Bar_System.html

Hight adjustable. No Quick-Release (slow). Around 250$

Redrockmicro:
http://store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/microSupport-Bundles/microSupport-baseplate-15mm-low-riser

Hight "adjustable" (with risers). Long Quick-Release, cumbersome to take of, as you can't store anything behind. Around 250$

Espress35.com
http://express35.com/rail-system/295/

No Quickrelease included. With Manfrotto-Quickrelease around 180$
 
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The Genus is gonna be super slow. I like the redrock one for the cost/value ratio - way better quick release and more mounting surface underneath.

I franken-rigged mine from a Indisystem baseplate and a separate 357 quick release (looks just like the redrock one). Total cost of about $150. If I was too do it over again, I'd probably go with redrock because of the higher end finish on their stuff.
 
dmpsk8 said:
The Genus is gonna be super slow. I like the redrock one for the cost/value ratio - way better quick release and more mounting surface underneath.

I franken-rigged mine from a Indisystem baseplate and a separate 357 quick release (looks just like the redrock one). Total cost of about $150. If I was too do it over again, I'd probably go with redrock because of the higher end finish on their stuff.
Click to expand...

Is the redrock one height-adjustable?
 
That RRM baseplate should be adjustable by changing the spacer under the QR plate, which would mean you'd have to buy the spacer kit. It's completely wrong for a DSLR rig because the QR and baseplate are just too long which makes it very hard to impossible to mount accessories in front while not having excess plate sticking in your face in the back.

I use a RRM Baseplate, on a pair of iris rods, on a Zacuto Z-Balance. This allows for maximum options and makes the camera quick release.
 
They make different risers to adjust the baseplate height. What parts are you looking to compensate for? Follow focuses and matteboxes usually have some wiggle room to cheat minor height differences.
 
Chris Santucci said:
the QR and baseplate are just too long which makes it very hard to impossible to mount accessories in front while not having excess plate sticking in your face in the back.This allows for maximum options and makes the camera quick release.
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how close are you putting your face to the cam lol. It sticks out, but I've never wanted to be that close, even with a viewfinder.
 
dmpsk8 said:
They make different risers to adjust the baseplate height. What parts are you looking to compensate for? Follow focuses and matteboxes usually have some wiggle room to cheat minor height differences.
Click to expand...

None yet. :) But a FF someday.
 
Chris Santucci said:
That RRM baseplate should be adjustable by changing the spacer under the QR plate, which would mean you'd have to buy the spacer kit. It's completely wrong for a DSLR rig because the QR and baseplate are just too long which makes it very hard to impossible to mount accessories in front while not having excess plate sticking in your face in the back.

I use a RRM Baseplate, on a pair of iris rods, on a Zacuto Z-Balance. This allows for maximum options and makes the camera quick release.
Click to expand...

A spacer kit like with the shot35? The quickrelease on this looks a bit cumbersome as I often take the DSLR away and use it as viewfinder. The Baseplate looks indeed a bit long on this one and it seems that you have to slide it backwards all the way to take it off.
 
I guess the other question is if you plan on you setup outliving your DSLR body style. An important point to consider.
 
dmpsk8 said:
I guess the other question is if you plan on you setup outliving your DSLR body style. An important point to consider.
Click to expand...

Yes it would be. Not sure how much weight the (expensive) zacuto draws. And couldn't those dslr-mounts become front-heavy with a mattebox?
 
muroshi said:
A spacer kit like with the shot35? The quickrelease on this looks a bit cumbersome as I often take the DSLR away and use it as viewfinder. The Baseplate looks indeed a bit long on this one and it seems that you have to slide it backwards all the way to take it off.
Click to expand...


Trust me, you don't want to put a DSLR on that RRM baseplate. Before I got DSLR specific rig hardware, I used the RRM baseplate I had from my M2 lens adapter which is (as far as I can tell) very similar to that thing.

What happens is, you push the camera forward all the way to fit FF, etc., on the rods and you then have ALL that business behind the camera which not only becomes wasted, but it actually touches your face when using a hood loupe.
 
This is pretty much perfect in my opinion:

photo.jpg
 
I don't know if you're trying to conserve cost, but for me, I use a basic plate similar to the one from express35 and add a Manfrotto 357 plate. They're universal parts that'll last you long-term. I don't personally like to spend money on DSLR specific gear because I figure, one day, there'll be a camcorder I actually want.

Express35: http://express35.com/rail-system/295/
Manfrotto: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5563-REG/Manfrotto_394_394_Low_Profile_Quick.html

You can also use a Manfrotto 577 and mount it sideways instead of front to back. Giottos also have a similar option.

I've used express35 products and find their workmanship to be great, but the design to be quite basic. Love their grips.
 
meauounji said:
I don't know if you're trying to conserve cost, but for me, I use a basic plate similar to the one from express35 and add a Manfrotto 357 plate. They're universal parts that'll last you long-term. I don't personally like to spend money on DSLR specific gear because I figure, one day, there'll be a camcorder I actually want.
Click to expand...

That's not bad at all. I like it. I went all out with the DSLR rig gear because I use it so much. I have more than enough kit to build different types of rig configurations based on what and how I'm shooting.
 
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