Getting the Correct Tripod Screw Size for Your Camera

Professional and amateur photographers know how important it is to have a good tripod.

However, did you know that there are different tripod screw sizes?

In this guide, I’ll tell you all you need to know to find the correct tripod screw size for your camera.

I’ll also tell you what to do if you have equipment with different screw sizes, which accessories are more likely to have one or the other, and so much more.

So whether you own a travel tripod, heavy-duty tripod, or something in between, this guide will be useful for you.

Let’s get started!

What is the Standard Size Tripod Screw?

 

If you’re looking for a tripod that fits your camera or camera accessories, you might have noticed that there are different types.

Most tripod manufacturers work with the unified thread standard (UNC), which uses imperial units rather than metric. They also use coarse thread in the UTS standard, indicated by the C in UNC.

You can’t use screws with a metric thread as both systems aren’t compatible. Also, consider that some manufacturers may use custom sizes, so you can only use tripods and accessories from the same brand.

Now that we’ve cleared things, let’s get back to the original question – what is the standard size tripod screw?

There are two standard tripod screw sizes. They are usually 1/4-20 UNC, but many tripods use a 3/8-16 UNC.

Let’s look at these two sizes in more depth.

1.         1/4-20 UNC Thread Size

The standard tripod screw size 1/4-20 USN is the most common. The numbers 1/4-20 mean that it has a diameter of 1/4 inch and 20 threads per inch.

You’ll find this mounting screw size in most tripods, quick-release plates, and smaller cameras. It’s also possible that it fits some lenses and even LED panels.

I’ll talk more about cameras and camera accessories later in the article.

2.     3/8-16 UNC Thread Size

The standard tripod screw size 3/8 – 16 UNC is often used in larger professional cameras and modern equipment. It’s also common to find it in ball heads.

It’s become a standard for larger cameras because it’s bigger than the 1/4-20. It has a 3/8-inch diameter and 16 threads per inch, which provides more stability.

Many ball heads and quick-release plates with a 3/8-16 mount come with 1/4-20 adapters.

Camera Gear That Has a Specific Tripod Thread/Screw Size

Whenever you buy a camera, a tripod, and other accessories, you need to ensure they can be attached to each other.

Let’s see some of the most common examples.

Camera Bodies

All camera bodies have a female thread where you can attach the screw from the tripod or the quick-release plate.

Most cameras have a 1/4-20 camera mount.

Tripod Mounting Plates

The mounting plate is a detachable part of your tripod that attaches to the bottom of the camera. The most common ones are quick-release plates, which can be L-brackets or standard plates.

They commonly have a 1/4-20 screw thread, but they may have a 3/8-16 one or both.

Lens Collars

Long telephoto lenses often have a built-in tripod mount. However, using a lens collar, you can attach any lens to a tripod or a monopod.

Lens collars – AKA tripod mounting rings may have 1/4-20, 3/8-16, or both screw threads.

Specialty Camera Straps

 

There is such a wide variety of specialty camera straps that it’s difficult to say which standard thread you’ll need.

Many of them work with a universal quick-release plate, making them widely compatible. However, you may need an adaptor to change between thread sizes.

Tripod Heads

Most high-end tripods allow you to buy the head and the legs separately. This way, you can get what’s more suited for your type of photography or have different types of heads to use with the same legs.

The tripod head has a female screw thread that connects with the screw from the tripod. Tripods built to support heavier equipment will have a 3/8-16 screw, while lighter tripods mostly have a 1/4-20 screw.

Tripod Screw Adapters

 

Tripod screw adapters allow you to use accessories with a different screw thread – here are some of them.

1/4” to 3/8” Adapter (Male to Male)

This accessory allows you to connect two pieces of equipment with a female screw thread of different sizes. For example, you can use it to mount equipment onto tripods or light stands.

3/8” to 1/4” Adapter (Male to Male)

Like the previous one, this adapter connects two pieces with female threads, where one of them has a 3/8-16 and the other one a 1/4-20 thread.

Male to Female Adapter

A male-to-female adapter has a screw on one side (male) and a hole (female) on the other. They’re used when one piece of equipment has a different screw diameter than the other.

One example would be to use a lightweight tripod which typically has a 1/4-20 male screw with a heavy-use ball head that has a 3/8-16 female thread.

Male to Female Adapter

This adapter works like the previous one, where the male and female sides have different standard screw threads.

FAQs on Tripod Screw Size

Why aren’t tripod mounts metric?

In the late 19th century, the Royal Photographic Society suggested the 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 using the British Standard Whitworth (BSW).

This was used until the ISO issued an international standard for connecting cameras and tripods, adapting the 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 to the UNC.

Since then, there hasn’t been enough motivation to convert tripod mounts to the metric system, as this would make the equipment already produced incompatible.

Is the screw for attaching tripod heads to tripods standardized?

Yes, most tripods, cameras, and accessories use standard screw sizes. Mostly, they use a 1/4-20 screw, but larger cameras and more professional equipment often use 3/8-16 screws.

Some adapters allow you to use 3/8-16 tripods with 1/4-20 cameras.

What size is a 3/8 tripod screw?

The 3/8 tripod screw has a 3/8 of an inch diameter and 16 threads per inch.

What is the screw on a tripod called?

The screw on a tripod may be called camera mount screw or mounting screw.

What size hole is a tripod head?

The head of lightweight tripods usually has a 1/4-20 screw thread, while the heavy-weight ones have a 3/8-16 size. To be sure, check the specifications of the specific tripod head you want.

What is the tripod screw size in mm?

Tripod screws work with the imperial inch system, and they’re not compatible with the metric system. If you use a screw in mm, it may not work with your photography equipment.