For years, I struggled with the cumbersome process of switching between horizontal and vertical orientations while shooting on a tripod or gimbal. The constant need to unmount, re-adjust, and remount my camera felt like a significant time sink, especially when working with demanding clients or trying to capture fleeting moments. This inefficiency wasn’t just annoying; it directly impacted my workflow and, at times, led to missed shots or compromised framing. I knew there had to be a more elegant solution, and that’s when a dedicated tool like the NEEWER CA-57 rotatable collar mount plate would have been invaluable to streamline my efforts.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s essential to consider what challenges a camera accessory of this type aims to resolve. For serious photographers and videographers, the ability to seamlessly transition between landscape and portrait orientations without altering the camera’s optical axis is a significant advantage. It saves precious time on set, maintains compositional integrity, and reduces wear and tear on tripod heads from repeated adjustments. If you’ve ever felt the frustration of missing a shot because you were fumbling with re-mounting your camera, then a solution like a rotatable collar mount is likely what you need.
The ideal customer for a rotatable collar mount plate is typically a professional or serious amateur photographer/videographer who frequently uses a tripod, monopod, or gimbal. This includes those who shoot portraits, real estate, product photography, or content creators who need to quickly adapt between formats for various social media platforms. It’s particularly beneficial for users with full-frame mirrorless cameras paired with heavier, professional-grade lenses, where balance and stability are paramount.
Conversely, if you’re a casual shooter who primarily handhelds your camera, or only occasionally uses a lightweight tripod with small prime lenses, this type of accessory might be overkill. It adds a bit of bulk and weight, which might counteract a minimalist setup. For such users, a simple Arca-Swiss compatible L-bracket might suffice for occasional vertical shooting, as it’s generally lighter and less complex, albeit without the quick rotation capability.
Before making a purchase, you should think about your camera and lens compatibility, the build quality you need for rigorous use, how it integrates with your existing quick-release system (e.g., Arca-Swiss or DJI RS), and whether it allows full access to your camera’s ports and flip screen. Furthermore, consider the overall weight and size implications for your gear bag.
- 【Flexible Angles & Improved Balance】This NEEWER CA-57 rotatable collar camera mount plate enables seamless quick horizontal to vertical shots with superior stability, and improves balance when...
- 【Quick Horizontal to Vertical Switch】The camera rotating plate rotates the camera lens collar 90 degrees and achieves a quick, easy switch between landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical)...
- 【Anti Twist Secure Lock】 The camera lens collar firmly fastens your full frame mirrorless camera on the mounting plate via the anti twist 1/4" screw, with the cross patterned rubber pads for added...
Unveiling the NEEWER CA-57 Rotatable Collar Mount
The NEEWER Rotatable Collar Mount Plate, specifically the CA-57 model, is an ingenious accessory designed to revolutionize how Canon EOS R5, R5C, R6, and R6 Mark II users switch between horizontal and vertical shooting. Its core promise is seamless, rapid orientation changes without disrupting your camera’s balance or optical alignment on a tripod or gimbal. When you purchase it, you receive the rotatable collar mount plate itself, along with two L-shaped hex keys for secure installation.
Compared to traditional L-brackets, which require you to unclamp and reclamp your camera to switch orientations (often shifting the camera’s centre of gravity), the NEEWER CA-57 offers a simple 90-degree rotation around the lens axis. This maintains the lens’s optical centre, providing superior balance, especially with heavier glass. While there isn’t a direct “market leader” in this niche for specific camera models, similar generic rotatable plates often lack the precise fit and secure anti-twist mechanisms tailored for Canon’s R-series bodies that NEEWER provides.
This particular mount is explicitly for owners of Canon EOS R5, R5C, R6, and R6 Mark II cameras who regularly mount their cameras to tripods or gimbals and need rapid, stable transitions between landscape and portrait. It’s also compatible with Canon EF EOS R mount adapters and control ring mount adapters, extending its utility to a wide range of RF lenses. If you’re someone who rarely uses a tripod or is fine with re-mounting your camera for every orientation change, this might be an unnecessary addition to your kit.
Here are the pros and cons of the NEEWER CA-57:
Pros:
* Rapid Horizontal to Vertical Switching: Effortlessly rotates 90 degrees without re-mounting.
* Enhanced Stability and Balance: Maintains the optical axis, crucial for heavy lenses.
* Robust CNC Aluminum Construction: Durable, anti-rust, and scratch-resistant build.
* Arca-Swiss and DJI RS Compatibility: Seamless integration with popular quick-release systems.
* Full Access to Camera Features: Doesn’t obstruct the LCD flip screen, ports, or controls.
Cons:
* Adds Some Bulk and Weight: While designed to be relatively lightweight, it’s still an additional component.
* May Obstruct Lens Switches: On some smaller or shorter lenses, it can cover the AF/MF switch.
* Installation Screw Can Be Fiddly: The 1/4″ mounting screw might require a tool to tighten securely.
* Rotation Smoothness Varies: Some users note a slight inconsistency in rotation pressure at certain points.
- Aluminum alloy construction, CNC precision machining,anti-rust and lightweight, to use.
- The tripod mount ring is designed for Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. It replaces Canon lens collar A-2/AII.
- 【Fix and balance your tele lens】It helps you fix and balance your tele lens which is heavy or long hanging off the front of camera.
Exploring the Core Functionality and Advantages
Having used the NEEWER Rotatable Collar Mount Plate for an extended period, I can confidently delve into the specific features that make it a standout accessory for my Canon R series camera. Each design choice contributes directly to solving the common frustrations photographers face when working with a tripod or gimbal.
Flexible Angles & Improved Balance
When I first attached the NEEWER CA-57, the most immediate benefit I noticed was the improved balance it offered, especially when using my heavier lenses like the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 or even the RF 100-400mm. Before, with just the camera body mounted to a tripod, the weight distribution could be front-heavy, putting strain on the tripod head and potentially leading to less stable shots. This collar mount effectively shifts the balance point closer to the lens, which is generally where the majority of the weight resides. It feels incredibly solid and secure, providing a far more stable platform. This is crucial when shooting long exposures or during video recording where even minor vibrations can ruin a take. The enhanced balance means less stress on your gear and, more importantly, sharper, more consistent results.
Quick Horizontal to Vertical Switch
This is the feature that sold me, and it genuinely delivers. The ability to rotate my camera 90 degrees from landscape to portrait and back again, without ever removing it from the tripod or gimbal, is a game-changer. The collar mechanism allows for a smooth, swift rotation, typically taking only a second. You simply loosen a knob, rotate, and tighten it again. This is vastly superior to the traditional method of using an L-bracket, which requires un-clamping the camera, rotating the entire setup, and then re-clamping it – a process that not only takes more time but also risks shifting your composition. For event photography, real estate, or even just capturing diverse social media content, this speed and precision are invaluable. My workflow has become significantly more efficient, and I spend less time fiddling with gear and more time actually capturing images. The NEEWER CA-57 rotatable collar camera mount plate ensures that my lens’s optical axis remains consistent, which is paramount for panorama stitching or maintaining consistent perspective in a series of shots.
Anti-Twist Secure Lock
Security is paramount when you’re attaching expensive camera gear to an accessory, and the anti-twist secure lock on the NEEWER rotatable collar mount plate provides immense peace of mind. The camera firmly fastens to the mounting plate via a 1/4″ screw, complemented by cross-patterned rubber pads that provide excellent grip and prevent any unwanted rotation or movement of the camera body relative to the plate. Additionally, the vertical camera mount features two tabs and curved edges on the collar itself, specifically designed to cradle and secure the camera lens. This multi-point contact system ensures that once your camera and lens are locked in, they stay put, even with heavy professional lenses attached. The included L-shaped hex keys are essential for achieving a truly tight and secure fit, which is a small trade-off for the superior stability it offers. I’ve never once felt concerned about my camera twisting or coming loose, even when adjusting the tripod or moving the entire setup.
Quick Release Camera Mounting (Arca-Swiss & DJI RS Compatibility)
One of the most practical aspects of the NEEWER CA-57 is its integrated quick-release base plate. This plate is universally compatible with the Arca-Swiss system, which is the industry standard for tripod heads and mounting plates. This means I can seamlessly attach it to virtually any of my existing tripods or monopod heads without needing additional adapters. But what truly elevates its versatility is its compatibility with DJI RS 3 Pro, RS 3 Mini, RS 3, and RS 2 Pro, RS 2 gimbals. This is a huge win for hybrid shooters who switch between still photography on a tripod and dynamic video work on a gimbal. The ability to transfer the entire camera-and-mount setup between different support systems without re-rigging saves a tremendous amount of time on location. Furthermore, the bottom of the bracket includes multiple mounting threads (4 x 1/4″ and 1 x 3/8″) which are incredibly useful for attaching additional camera rigs, hand grips, magic arms, or other accessories, expanding the setup’s functionality. This thoughtful design makes it a truly versatile hub for your camera system.
CNC Aluminum Build & Full Access to Screen
The construction of the NEEWER Rotatable Collar Mount Plate is nothing short of impressive. Made from CNC anodized aluminum alloy, it feels incredibly solid and premium in hand. This material choice ensures robustness, durability, and resistance to rust and scratches, which is vital for gear that will see regular use in various environments. Despite its sturdy build, it manages to remain relatively lightweight (6.38 ounces), which is a key consideration when every ounce matters in your camera bag.
Perhaps equally important is the design’s consideration for camera ergonomics. Even when switching orientations or mounted on a tripod, the NEEWER CA-57 rotatable collar mount plate allows full and unobstructed access to the camera’s LCD flip screen. This is critical for composing shots from awkward angles, reviewing images, or navigating menus without having to remove the camera or compromise your setup. All ports and functions remain accessible, ensuring no interruption to your workflow, whether you’re connecting a remote trigger, external monitor, or charging cable. This attention to user experience truly sets it apart, ensuring that the convenience of quick rotation doesn’t come at the cost of usability.
User Experiences: Social Insight
I’ve scoured various photography forums and online reviews, and it’s clear that the general sentiment towards the NEEWER Rotatable Collar Mount Plate is overwhelmingly positive. Many users highlight its exceptional build quality, often describing it as “fantastic” and noting its “cast aluminum with machine faces and machine screws.” Photographers have praised its effectiveness in quickly switching between landscape and portrait orientations, describing it as “much easier and faster to use” than traditional methods. Even users with non-listed compatible cameras, like the Sony A7iii, have found it works perfectly due to the adjustable base plate, calling it a “game-changer” for convenience and productivity. The secure anti-twist lock and the integration with Arca-Swiss and DJI RS systems are frequently lauded. While some have mentioned minor inconveniences such as the potential obstruction of a lens’s AF/MF switch or the screw being a bit fiddly to tighten, these are generally outweighed by the significant workflow improvements and robust performance. Overall, the consensus points to a highly practical and well-engineered tool for serious photographers.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The problem of time-consuming and disruptive camera re-orientation on a tripod or gimbal is a very real pain point for serious photographers and videographers. Without an efficient solution, you risk missing crucial moments, disrupting your creative flow, and even introducing instability into your shots. This inefficiency simply has no place in a professional or semi-professional workflow.
The NEEWER Rotatable Collar Mount Plate is an outstanding solution to this very problem. First, its ability to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shots in seconds, without changing the optical axis, is a massive time-saver and maintains perfect composition. Second, the robust CNC aluminum construction ensures your valuable camera and lens are held securely and stably, even with heavier setups, greatly improving overall balance. Lastly, its compatibility with both Arca-Swiss and DJI RS systems makes it an incredibly versatile addition, integrating seamlessly into existing professional rigs. For Canon EOS R5, R5C, R6, and R6 Mark II users seeking to streamline their on-location workflow and achieve greater stability, this mount is an indispensable tool. To discover how it can transform your shooting experience, Click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API