Best Cheese Plate Camera Mounts for Flexible Rig Setups
Answering the search for the best cheese plate camera mount, this guide compares top options for builders who want versatile, modular mounting points on a camera rig. Ideal buyers include DIY filmmakers, documentary shooters, and hobbyists building custom rigs for monitors, accessories, or lights. The top picks balance solid build quality, standard thread spacing, and compatibility with common cages, rails, and supports. Below you’ll find five strong choices, plus a concise buying guide and quick FAQs to help decide which plate fits your workflow.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| SmallRig Multi-Functional Cheese Plate 1681 | Pro setups needing ARRI locating and multiple threads | 1/4″ and 3/8″ threads with ARRI locating hole; sturdy aluminum/stainless steel; versatile attachment points |
| DINESK Multi-Functional Cheese Plate DK-1268 | DIY rigs needing a large base with many mounting options | Large 7.87″/200mm plate; multiple threaded holes; robust aluminum build |
| SmallRig Extension Cheese Plate 4887 | Expanding accessory support for cages and rail systems | 9 mm spacing; cold shoe mounts; 3/8″-16 ARRI locating hole; good for extra attachments |
| NICEYRIG Camera Cheese Plate | Switching plate applications on rails and dovetails | Varied holes (1/4″, 3/8″, M3, M4) and 9 mm spacing; suitable as a switching base |
| SmallRig Cheese Plate 1091 | On-camera multi-gadget mounting and DIY interconnections | Compact plate with multiple 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 holes; versatile for DIY builds |
SmallRig Multi-Functional Cheese Plate 1681
The 1681 cheese plate offers a combination of 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threaded holes plus an ARRI locating hole. It supports various configurations for camera cages, handles, rails, and tripods. Best for shooters who require ARRI compatibility and interchangeable accessory mounting. Be mindful of compatibility with non-standard rigs; ensure hole spacing lines up with your existing components.
DINESK Multi-Functional Cheese Plate DK-1268
The DK-1268 is a large, durable cheese plate with 1/4″ and 3/8″ threads and wide spacing suitable for mounting monitors, articulating arms, EVF mounts, and batteries. It excels for larger rigs or when you need a solid base to distribute weight. Limitations include its bulk, which may not suit compact setups or portable gimbals.
SmallRig Extension Cheese Plate 4887
4887 adds multifunction interfaces including cold shoe mounts and a dedicated ARRI locating hole. It features 9 mm hole spacing for compatibility with common cages and plates, making it a practical expansion piece. Choose this if you need extra attachment points without overhauling the main rig. Note that added components may introduce more setup steps during quick changes.
NICEYRIG Camera Cheese Plate
NICEYRIG offers a versatile switching plate with 1/4″, 3/8″, M3, and M4 threaded holes spaced at 9 mm. It is designed for railblocks, dovetails, and short rods, enabling quick transitions between configurations. Best for users who need fast switching between components on a compact rig. A potential limitation is the range of mounting hardware depending on the existing setup.
SmallRig Cheese Plate 1091
1091 is a compact, do-it-all cheese plate with multiple 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 holes. It’s ideal for DIY camera mounts and on-camera gadget mounting. It helps consolidate small accessories onto a single plate. Avoid using it as a primary support for heavier systems; it’s best used as an auxiliary mount or for lightweight rigs.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Cheese Plate Mounts
- Mounting hole compatibility: Ensure the plate offers 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threads to match your existing rigs, cages, and rails.
- Hole spacing: Standard spacing (often 9 mm) improves compatibility with common accessories and plates.
- Material and build: Aluminum alloy plates with solid fasteners yield durability for frequent changes and heavier loads.
- Accessory ecosystem: Look for plates with ARRI locating holes or cold shoe mounts if you plan to attach monitors, EVFs, or micro-mound accessories.
- Size and weight: Larger plates offer more mounting options, but can add heft; balance with your camera body and tripod load.
- Use-case fit: Choose based on whether you need a large base for stability (DK-1268) or a compact, switchable platform (NICEYRIG).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a cheese plate in camera rigs? A cheese plate is a flat mounting plate with multiple threaded holes that lets you attach various accessories in flexible configurations.
- Why choose a plate with ARRI locating holes? ARRI locating holes improve alignment with ARRI-standard gear, which is common in professional rigs.
- Are 9 mm hole spacings standard? Many plates use 9 mm spacing to be compatible with a wide range of cages, baseplates, and rails.
- Can a cheese plate support monitors or EVFs? Yes, if the plate includes appropriate threaded holes and cold shoe options for mounting arms or adapters.
- Should I buy a large cheese plate or several small ones? Large plates offer more mounting choices and stability; smaller plates are useful for lightweight, modular builds.
- Are these plates compatible with all cameras? Most plates use standard 1/4″-20 or 3/8″-16 threads and fit rigs with compatible mounting points; verify with your specific cage or rig.