SIGN UP FOR 10% OFF FIRST ORDER

XPAND SYSTEM

XPAND is a Patented modular rig-building ecosystem from 3 Legged Thing, designed for content creators and videographers who want a camera support solution that actually fits how they shoot.

Start with a Cheese Plate. Add a Riser. Lock it together with a Connector, join them to your camera with an XP Base or compatible L-bracket. Build from there — and keep building as your kit grows.

Scroll down to find everything you need to know about XPAND — then find the full product range at the bottom. Happy building!

3 Legged Thing XPAND Cheese Plates

Build your perfect camera rig — your way.

Introducing XPAND

Build the rig you actually want.

XPAND is a Patented, modular rig-building ecosystem from 3 Legged Thing, designed for content creators and videographers who need a customisable, robust camera support solution. Start with a plate. Add a riser. Connect everything. Build from there.

Patented Triple-Axis Connection System
MOD
Modular Every component connects to every other. Mix, match, and reconfigure for every shoot.
ROB
Robust Aerospace-grade magnesium alloy. Precision-engineered for professional, daily use.
EXP
Expandable Start with one plate. Add components as your kit and creative needs grow.

Step by Step

How to Connect

Every plate and riser has triple-axis XPAND slots built in. The Connector bridges two components and locks them together with two screws.

01

Choose your two components

Pick which plate and riser you want to join.

02

Align the XPAND slots

Line up the slot on each component.

03

Slide in the Connector

Insert across both slots — it seats firmly.

04

Tighten the screws

Thread two screws through on each side and tighten with a hex key.

1
Hand-tighten first

Loosely fit all screws before fully tightening — adjust the layout before locking in.

2
Try all orientations

Slots run in three axes — rotate a component 90° if something feels awkward.

3
Use Connectors

For heavier builds on plates with two slots, use a Connector in each to distribute load and prevent flex.

Tools needed

One hex key.
That's it.

JOHN ROURKE'S XPAND SETUP:

  • 25MM XPAND Riser
  • 50MM XPAND Riser
  • 75MM XPAND Riser
  • XPAND Base
  • XPAND Connectors

Inspiration

Example Rig Builds

Not sure where to start? Here are four popular configurations to get you going.

Starter

The Run & Gun

Minimal Travel Build

1× XP Base or XPAND-compatible L-bracket + 1× 50×50mm Plate + 1× 25mm Riser + 1× Connector Pack

Light and compact. Mount the small plate to your camera, connect a 25mm Riser, attach a mic or monitor. Perfect for vlogging and solo travel shoots.

Vloggers Travel Solo shooting
Popular

The Hybrid Creator

Versatile Mid-Size Rig

1× XP Base or XPAND-compatible L-bracket + 1× 90×50mm Plate + 1× 50mm Riser + 1× Connector Pack

Side-port access, QD strap socket, and clearance for a mic or top handle. The everyday rig for hybrid photo/video shooters.

Hybrid Events Documentary
Advanced

The Filmmaker

Full Production Build

1× XP Base or XPAND-compatible L-bracket + 1× 140×70mm Plate + 1× 75–100mm Riser + 2× Connector Packs

Maximum attachment points, Arri mounts, tall Riser for recorders or batteries. The full production rig.

Video-first Cinema Multi-accessory
3LT Owners

The L-Bracket Build

Extend Your Existing Kit

Alfie / Zaara / Lexie / Zadie + Any XPAND Plate or Riser + Connector Pack

Already own a 3LT L-Bracket? Swap the upright for an XPAND plate or riser and you're building. No extra base needed.

Existing 3LT owners Photo + video

Already a 3LT customer?

Works with your L-Bracket.

XPAND is designed to extend your existing 3LT kit — not replace it.

Native XPAND Slots

Lexie Universal

Built-in XPAND slots — connect any plate or riser directly. No adapters needed, just a Connector pack.

Alfie 3-Piece
Zaara 3-Piece
Zadie QD 3-Piece
Orig. Ollie Discontinued
Freya Discontinued

All of the above are 3-piece L-Brackets — remove the upright and replace it with any XPAND Cheese Plate or Riser using a Connector pack. Swap back anytime.

No compatible bracket?

The XPAND Base 70 mounts to any ¼"-20 camera thread and adds an XPAND slot instantly.

CHAD HIGGINS' XPAND SETUP:

  • 140x70 XPAND Cheese Plate
  • 90x50 XPAND Cheese Plate
  • 50MM XPAND Risers
  • 75MM XPAND Risers
  • XPAND Connectors

In Every Box

What's Included

Cheese Plates

All four sizes

1 x

Cheese Plate

Your chosen size

1 x

XPAND Connector

Ready to connect straight away

4 x

Stainless Steel Screws

Risers

25, 50, 75 & 100mm

1 x

Riser

Your chosen height

No Connectors included. You'll need a Connector Pack to attach your Riser — order one separately.

Connector Pack

Sold separately

2 x

XPAND Connectors

One per joint

8 x

Stainless Steel Screws

4 per Connector

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

All
Getting Started
Components
Connection System
Compatibility
Using Your Rig
Product & Materials
22 questions Click a question to expand
What is the XPAND System?
+
XPAND is a Patented, modular rig-building ecosystem from 3 Legged Thing, designed for content creators and videographers who need a customisable, robust camera support solution.

Rather than a fixed, one-size-fits-all cage, XPAND lets you build a rig from individual components — Cheese Plates, Risers, and Connectors — configured to suit your exact camera body, accessories, and shooting style. Every component works with every other, and the system grows with you over time.
Where do I start?
+
Start with an XPAND Base Plate or XPAND compatible L-bracket. Mount it to the base of your camera using the ¼"-20 thread — adjusting the forward/backward position to sit where you want it. From there, add a Cheese Plate or Riser and lock it in using an XPAND Connector. That's your first build. Everything else is optional and can be added as your needs grow.
Do I need any special tools?
+
Just a hex key (Allen key) to tighten the Connector screws. The correct size is noted on the Connector packaging. No other tools are required.
How difficult is it to build a rig?
+
Very straightforward. Each component has triple-axis XPAND slots built in, and the Connector slides into place before being locked with two screws. Most first-time builds take under five minutes.

Not sure where to start? Our Getting Started Guide walks you through your first build step by step.
Which Cheese Plate do I need?
+
It depends on your camera body and how many accessories you want to attach:
  • 50 × 50 mm — best for the smallest action cameras and minimal, lightweight builds.
  • 70 × 70 mm — a versatile all-rounder for small mirrorless and hybrid cameras.
  • 90 × 50 mm — rectangular plate with Arri screw mounts and QD strap socket. Great for larger mirrorless and small DSLR cameras needing side-port access.
  • 140 × 70 mm — the largest plate, maximum attachment points, Arri mounts, QD strap socket. Ideal for full-frame or cinema-style bodies.

All plates feature ¼"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes and are available in black or orange.
Which Riser do I need?
+
Risers add height between components — for port clearance, cable routing, or accessory positioning:
  • 25 mm — a subtle lift for minor clearance or tight builds.
  • 50 mm — the most popular choice. Comfortable clearance for most cables and accessories.
  • 75 mm — extra height for larger grips, monitors, or mic mounts.
  • 100 mm — maximum clearance for complex or cinema builds. Includes Arri screw mounts.

You can also stack multiple risers together for more height.
How many Connectors do I need?
+
You need one XPAND Connector per joint. XPAND Cheese Plates come supplied with 2 Connectors and 4 screws. XPAND Risers do not come with Connectors.

  • Two-piece build (e.g. plate + riser) = 1 Connector
  • Three-piece build (e.g. plate + riser + plate) = 2-3 Connectors
  • Four-piece build = 3-4 Connectors

As a general rule: number of joints = number of Connectors needed. If you're joining the large Cheese Plates with two slots in the side, we recommend using 2 connectors.
Can I mix different sizes of plates and risers?
+
Yes — all XPAND plates and risers are fully cross-compatible. A 50×50mm plate connects to a 100mm riser just as easily as any other combination.
Can I expand my rig after I've bought it?
+
Absolutely — that's the core principle behind XPAND. Start with whatever you need today, and add components as your kit or requirements grow. Every new plate or riser integrates into your existing build with just a Connector.
How does the XPAND connection work?
+
Every XPAND Cheese Plate and Riser has triple-axis XPAND slots built into each side. To join two components, align the slots, slide an XPAND Connector into each component, and tighten the stainless steel screws on each side to lock it in place.

The triple-axis design means components can be connected horizontally, vertically, or at different angles — giving you flexibility to route around cables, ports, or accessories on your specific camera body.
How secure is the connection?
+
Very secure. The Connector spans both components and is fastened with two stainless steel screws on each side, creating a rigid, load-bearing joint.
What are XPAND Screws, and do I need to buy them separately?
+
XPAND Screws are the stainless steel fasteners used with the Connectors. Every Connector pack includes eight screws — enough for two full connections — so you won't need to buy them separately for a standard build.

Does XPAND work with my existing 3LT L-Bracket?
+
In most cases, yes:
  • Lexie Universal — built-in XPAND slots. Connect any plate or riser directly, straight out of the box.
  • Alfie, Freya, Ollie, Zaara — 3-piece L-Brackets. Remove the upright and replace it with any XPAND Cheese Plate or Riser. You'll need a Connector to complete the connection.
  • Zadie — single-piece L-Bracket with XPAND slots on both base and upright. Attach a Cheese Plate or Riser using a Connector.

If your L-Bracket doesn't have native XPAND slots, the XPAND Base is a compact adapter plate that mounts to your camera base and adds an XPAND slot — it comes with one Connector and two screws included.
What is the Short XPAND Base?
+
The Short XPAND Base is an Arca-Swiss compatible release plate that brings XPAND connectivity to any camera. It mounts to your camera's ¼"-20 base thread and provides an XPAND slot for connecting Cheese Plates, Risers, and other components.

It comes supplied with one XPAND Connector and two screws, so you can connect your first component immediately.
Will XPAND work with my existing camera accessories?
+
Yes. All XPAND Cheese Plates and Risers feature industry-standard ¼"-20 and 3/8"-16 threaded holes, compatible with the vast majority of third-party accessories — cold shoe adapters, clamps, magic arms, monitors, microphone mounts, and more.

The 90×50mm and 140×70mm Cheese Plates, and the 100mm Riser, also feature Arri screw mounts with locator pin holes for cinema accessories such as monitors, handles, focus motors, and audio mounts.
Is XPAND compatible with all camera brands?
+
Yes. XPAND Base Plates mount using standard ¼"-20 threads, which are universal across virtually all camera manufacturers including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Lumix, Blackmagic, and more.
What can I build with XPAND?
+
Almost anything — the system is designed to be as versatile as possible. Common builds include:
  • Compact run-and-gun rigs for travel, vlogging, and solo shooting
  • Hybrid photo/video rigs with side-port access and strap attachment
  • Multi-accessory filmmaker setups with monitors, microphones, and follow focus
  • Cinema-style rigs with Arri-compatible accessories
  • Streaming and studio setups with mic, light, and camera on one platform
  • Multi-level stacked rigs with accessories at different heights

Every component connects to every other — reconfigure your rig between shoots as your needs change.
What does a Riser actually do — do I need one?
+
A Riser adds vertical clearance between components. The most common reason is to keep your camera's ports — HDMI, USB-C, microphone input — accessible without cables being pinched or blocked.

If your build is minimal and port access isn't an issue, you may not need one. But for most video-focused setups, a Riser is a worthwhile addition from the start.
Can I use XPAND for both photo and video?
+
Yes. For photography, Cheese Plates provide mounting points for grips, straps, and accessories without unnecessary bulk. For video, Risers and larger plates give you the clearance and attachment points for a full production rig.

If you own an Alfie, Freya, Lexie, Ollie, Zaara, or Zadie L-Bracket, you can also swap between standard portrait-orientation L-Bracket mode and a full XPAND rig using the same base.
The QD socket — what is it and what does it work with?
+
QD stands for Quick Detach. Selected XPAND Cheese Plates and Risers feature a built-in QD socket, compatible with 3 Legged Thing Axis Camera Straps — letting you attach a shoulder or wrist strap directly to your rig without a separate adapter.

The QD socket is included on the 90×50mm and 140×70mm Cheese Plates, and on all four Riser sizes.
What are XPAND components made from?
+
All XPAND Cheese Plates, Risers, and Connectors are precision-engineered from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy — exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, rigid and robust enough for professional use without unnecessary weight.

The connecting screws are premium stainless steel for long-term durability and corrosion resistance.
What colours are available?
+
All XPAND components — Cheese Plates, Risers, and Connectors — are available in black or orange. You can mix colours across components, which can also help you quickly identify sections of your rig when assembling in low light.
Is XPAND covered by a warranty?
+
Yes — XPAND components are covered by 3 Legged Thing's standard 5-year product warranty. Visit www.3leggedthing.com/faq for full terms and details.
Camera setup with a microphone and camera on a wooden surface

EMILIE TALPIN'S XPAND SETUP:

  • 50x50 XPAND Cheese Plate
  • 25MM XPAND Riser
  • 50MM XPAND Riser
  • 100 MM XPAND Riser
  • XPAND Base
  • XPAND Connectors

THE XPAND SYSTEM - BUILD YOUR RIG

COMING SUMMER 2026

ALREADY WORKS WITH:

  • FREE International Delivery

    on orders totalling over $400

  • 5 Year Warranty

    Our products are covered for 5 years by our global warranty.

  • Dedicated Customer Support

    Email or phone us with queries about our products.

Compare /8