OUR VERDICT
The new 3 Legged Thing ultra plates are a perfect example of innovation and simplicity. They come in four lengths: 200mm, 300mm, 250mm, or 150mm. These are essentially baseplates.
But there’s more. Each plate is designed to be a little more organized, reducing the clutter of cables and other accessories. Small notches, cold shoe mounts, and threaded holes all make life easier for videographers and photographers.
The 250mm plate is designed to fit snugly underneath the Canon EOS R5 C. The monitor and microphone are mounted on the top of the camera, and the cable tidy at the end keeps things tidy. The baseplate was designed primarily for DSLR and mirrorless cables. However, when the plate is rotated, it can be used with larger camcorders like the FX6.
The Ultra Plates come in four sizes, depending on which kit you choose. The smaller 150mm plate will fit in tighter spaces, while the larger 300mm plate will give you more space. They all fit the standard Arca Swiss fitting, and therefore the vast majority stills tripods. What could be improved?
What are 3 Legged Thing ultra plates?
The 3 Legged Thing ultra plates are a range of new base plates that enhances the functionality of a simple accessory. They go beyond simply attaching a DSLR camera to a tripod.
The Ultra Plate comes in four different lengths to accommodate a variety of cameras. This is based on the physical size and type of camera. A macro photographer might need extra space to mount a monitor or light. However, videographers will need room for monitors, lights, microphones, and light sources. The Ultra Plates are a quick and easy alternative to accessory arms.
Each plate comes with an Arca Swiss compatible Base, a Cold Shoe for Accessories, a Cable Hook, and accessory Threads. They are also available in different colors and lengths: Darkness (Black) and Copper (Orange).
Build and Handling
The plates are designed to adhere to the 3 Legged Thing’s distinctive design principles. They come in a variety of finishes, including the vibrant orange or Copper, as well as the darker Darkness Black, for a more discreet appearance. The Ultra Plates, like other products of the company are CNC-machined from Magnesium Alloy with anodized finish.
On inspection, it is clear that the company has maintained its high standards of quality. There are nice touches such as measurement markings down the length and a 3/8″ thread under the coldshoe.
These are certainly fancy base plates but they have not overlooked practicality. Rubber triangular pads run the entire length of the plate to provide a good grip on the base of the attached camera.
The Ultra Plates are easily attached to the camera’s base, allowing for easy positioning. After the camera has been installed, accessories can be added. A microphone fits easily into the cold shoe and is attached to it. It is advisable to protect the metal contacts of the flash by insulating the metal. In our tests the ZHIYUN M20 and the Godox V1 Pro worked perfectly.
The cable hook on the back is useful when accessories are attached. If you need to secure an HDMI cord running to a monitor or if you shoot tethered, this cable hook will work well. The design of the cable hook is open, but notched. This allows it to catch and secure the HDMI cable, while still allowing it to be removed when needed.
The build quality of the kit is outstanding, and its handling makes it so easy to use that it’s almost unnoticeable.