Manfrotto 501PL vs. Tripod Threads
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
The Manfrotto 501PL Video Plate (and its wide 504PL sibling) is the international standard sliding quick-release plate for professional video fluid heads (Manfrotto 502, 504X, Nitrotech, Benro, Sachtler Ace, DJI RS2/RS3/RS4 gimbals). Measuring 50.0 mm wide with a long sliding travel channel, it allows precise center-of-gravity balancing for cinema rigs.
ISO 1222 defines the standard mechanical screw threads used to mount photographic cameras, lighting accessories, and tripod heads. Standardizing on imperial UNC threads: 1/4"-20 UNC for camera baseplates and accessory cold shoes, and 3/8"-16 UNC for heavy tripod apex bases, fluid heads, and professional microphone boom poles.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Plate Width (Top Sliding Rail)
|
50.0 ± 0.5 mm (1.97 in) | — |
|
Plate Length (501PL)
|
86.0 mm (3.39 in) | 501PLONG: 140.0 mm (5.51 in) for heavy telephoto rigs | — |
|
Mounting Studs
|
Dual captive screws: 1/4"-20 UNC and 3/8"-16 UNC with spring-loaded registration pin | — |
|
Side Laser Scale
|
Millimeter travel scale (0 to 50 mm) for repeatable gimbal balancing | — |
|
Gimbal Integration
|
Native quick-release receiver on DJI Ronin RS 2, RS 3 Pro, RS 4 Pro gimbals | — |
|
Fluid Head Standard
|
Standard receiver on Manfrotto 500, 502, 504, 509 fluid heads, SmallRig video tripods | — |
|
Standard Camera Base Thread
|
— | 1/4"-20 UNC (1/4 inch diameter, 20 threads per inch, 60° Unified Coarse thread) |
|
Standard Tripod Head Base Thread
|
— | 3/8"-16 UNC (3/8 inch diameter, 16 threads per inch) |
|
Camera Female Socket Depth
|
— | Minimum 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm thread depth in camera base |
|
Male Screw Thread Length
|
— | Standard 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm threaded protrusion (prevents bottoming out against internal sensor chassis) |
|
Reducer Bushing Adapter
|
— | Brass/steel 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 slotted reducer bushing (converts 3/8" sockets to 1/4" studs) |
|
Domain Ubiquity
|
— | Universal across all DSLR/mirrorless camera bases, tripod quick-release plates, gimbal studs, monitor arms |