Quick Release Tripod Head for Arca-Swiss
The Arca-Swiss quick release system is based around a two-piece mechanism. The first is a 'plate' that is attached to the camera or lens. It is available in standard 'arca-style' 35mm wide form with a 45° dovetail, which can vary in length. The second bit is the mounting base, known as the 'clamp', to which the plate is attached and made secure. The clamp can be fully opened which allows the plate to be dropped in and secured, or it can be partially opened, allowing the plate to be slid into position.
The advantage of a quick release tripod system is that the plate can slide without the need to dismounting or mounting anything. Due to the ability of the plates to move up and down the clamps, it is easy to set up the camera and tripod for a variety of scenarios. They can be mixed-and-matched without the worry of compatibility problems. The camera can also be moved from side-to-side, as well as front-to-back, to allow for focus bracketing and fine tuning.
The camera plates, which vary in size depending on the camera, are attached using a single standard screw of 1 / 4-20 with a bottom quick-release side. Some plates are designed for the camera to be mounted on the bottom, or on the side using 'L'-shaped brackets to give maximum flexibility.
The Arca-Swiss quick release 80mm universal camera plate is suitable for most cameras available and also comes as part of a quick release conversion kit, adding to the positive locking Quick Release system to an existing tripod head or screw thread that has a monoball. The system is 3.15" long quick release plate with 1 / 4"-20 camera screw, and an anti-twist modern is also available. The Fliplock device is intended for use with Arca-Swiss plates and brackets only.
Suitability
Due to the versatility of the Arca-Swiss quick release system, it can be used for almost any type of any photography, from 3D and panoramic shots to more complex macro setups.
Since the plates can move up and down the clamps, opportunities for different setups are varied.
You can mix and match different equipment without having to worry about compatibility, as the standard for the plate is mostly the same.
Compatibility
The Arca-Swiss quick release tripod system can be used with a Gimbal tripod head that allows for very fluid motion of the setup. This is ideal for photographing fast moving subjects such as animals and wildlife.