Where can I find an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release lever clamp?

Asked 9/24/2012

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I want to add a quick-release clamp to my existing tripod head. I'm looking for an Arca-Swiss compatible lever-style clamp that locks the camera/plate securely when inserted, then tightens with the lever. I’m mostly finding complete tripod heads rather than standalone clamps. Are there good standalone options, and is cross-brand compatibility reliable with Arca-Swiss style plates and clamps?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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Really Right Stuff has been suggested; German company Novoflex also makes A-S compatible stuff. A bit more "agricultural" in appearance than the very sleek RRS products, it must be said. Other players are Kirk and Wimberley as well as Arca-Swiss themselves.

Mixing and matching across brands may not be a good idea though; I have some Novoflex lens plates that slide right through my tripod's RRS Quick-release mount... the manufacturing tolerances are just that tiny little bit off.

Originally by user3458. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user3458

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes — what you’re looking for is typically called an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release clamp or lever clamp base, not a plate. Brands mentioned by users that make Arca-Swiss compatible clamps/accessories include Really Right Stuff, Novoflex, Kirk, Wimberley, and Arca-Swiss.

One important caution: Arca-Swiss is a de facto standard, but tolerances can vary slightly between brands. That means mixing a plate from one maker with a lever clamp from another may not always fit safely or consistently; one user reported Novoflex plates sliding through an RRS lever clamp. Lever clamps are generally less forgiving of size variation than screw-knob clamps.

If secure locking is critical, the safest approach is to buy the clamp and plates from the same brand, or verify compatibility before purchasing. If you need maximum compatibility with plates from different makers, a screw-type Arca clamp may be a better choice than a lever clamp.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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