Manfrotto 501PL
Tripod & Rigging · 6 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: Manfrotto Professional Video Division / DJI Ronin Technical Standards · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 |
Cinema Camera Balancing Channel
Because video rigs change balance points drastically when adding matte boxes, follow focus motors, or heavy telephoto cine primes, the 501PL plate features an 86 mm longitudinal sliding channel. The operator slides the entire camera fore and aft inside the fluid head receiver to balance the tilt axis before locking the clamp.