Which accessory is used to quickly mount and dismount the camera to the tripod head?

• A. Quick Release Plate or shoe
• B. Spreader
• C. Jib Arm
• D. Aperture

Answer: (A)

The accessory that lets you mount and dismount the camera from a tripod head quickly is the quick release plate (also called a quick release shoe). A plate is attached to the bottom of the camera (usually with a single screw), and the tripod head has a matching clamp. You simply slide the plate into the head and lock it in place for fast setup; to remove, you unlock and lift. This system saves time between shots and helps keep the camera level, since the plate stays attached to the camera.

Spreader is used to stabilize the tripod legs, not for mounting the camera. A jib arm is a crane-like device for extended, smooth camera moves, not for quick mounting. Aperture is a camera setting that controls how much light enters the lens, unrelated to mounting hardware.