Should you consider using an ‘L-Plate’ ?

What is an L-plate?

An L-plate is (not surprisingly) an L-shaped metal frame which attaches to the base and left-hand side of your camera. Both sides of the frame are constructed with arca swiss compatible edges such that they can attach your camera to a tripod head in horizontal and vertical position. An L-plate takes the place of a quick-release plate which you would normally use to attach the camera to a tripod head.
Universal L-plates attempt to accommodate all camera shapes and sizes, while custom L-plates are created to fit specific camera models.

Side view of an L plate showing access to side camera ports

Base view of an L plate: Showing access to battery compartment and magnetic allen-key inclusion

What are the advantages of using an L-plate?

Rapid adjustment from horizontal to vertical orientations without moving the ball head and therefore fixing a composition. The alternative of switching the ball head to a vertical position changes the perspective of the scene and requires levelling upon the switch of orientation.
Preventing camera movement in the vertical orientation. When using a quick-release plate in a vertical orientation, there is a risk that the camera will rotate slightly and loosen the grip of the quick release plate. This could result in camera movement during a long exposure and will require tightening of the plate for further vertical images.

Note the two images of Bastion Cascades above : horizontal and vertical compositions were shot using an L-plate resulting in minimal perspective shift.

What are the disadvantages of using an L-plate?

An L-plate adds additional bulk to your setup.
An L-plate is of no value if you do not take images with a tripod
An L plate may obstruct certain ports and battery compartments. This is particularly problematic when using a universal L-plate rather than a customised version specific for your camera.
For cameras with flip screen displays, the L-plate may restrict certain movements of the screen

NiSi R5 L plate in horizontal format: Note that the flip screen on the right can be rotated out in this particular orientation for shooting images close to the ground.

NiSi R5 L plate in extended vertical format: Note that in its fully extended position, there is capacity for a USB-C cable to be attached. Larger cables may not be as easy to connect. Cable release port at the front is completely unobstrcuted. LCD orientation in the right image reflects its position when shooting low to the ground – this is unimpeded by the L plate.

Why do I use an L-plate?

I use a tripod for a substantial number of my landscape images.
I frequently switch orientations between vertical and horizontal and find the L plate much easier to manipulate than moving the ball head position.
I frequently shoot long exposures in a vertical position requiring absolute stability.
My R5 customised L-plate allows the screen to rotate and allows easy access to battery compartment.
The R5 cable release port is located at the front of the camera (away from the L plate) while side ports (HDMI and audio) are ones I use very infrequently.

What are the features of the NiSi L-plate?

It is a solid, well-engineered L-plate that has a titanium appearance (if you like that look!)
My version is a custom L-plate for my R5: It can be adjusted to have the short edge away from the cable ports on the left of the camera. Despite this, there may still be difficulty with shooting verticals with larger cables in place.
A magnetic base allows an allen-key to be attached. I am quite rough with my camera gear and this allen-key has become dislodged several times. To be fair, other L-plates I have used have all had a similar problem, so this is likely unique to my shooting style rather than general L-plate design.
Overall, the performance of the NiSi L-plate is at least on par with competitors and if you like the titanium look, it’s an added bonus 🙂

Here are some further images taken with an L-plate with horizontal and vertical compositions: