Desmond DAC-60 60mm QR Clamp 3/8" w 1/4" Adapter & Level Arca-Swiss Compatible for Tripod Head Quick Release

I'm pretty darn impressed with this little arca-swiss clamp. I used this to replace the quick-release clamp that was already installed on my Induro ball head. I really wanted to switch over to a Peak Design Slide Lite strap, wear it as a cross-body carry, but also retain easy tripod functionality. So, the easiest way to do that was to convert my tripod over to arca-swiss and get the Peak Design plate and strap. I decided on this Desmond 60mm plate and I'm quite pleased. Quality seems excellent. The pieces feel extremely nice, machining is solid, and the knob turns very smoothly but still has excellent engagement. It fits the Peak Design plate perfectly. Coming from a "quick-release" snap-in style plate (similar to the Manfrotto style) I was thinking this system would be slower and more cumbersome. It is admittedly a LITTLE BIT slower as you have to tighten it manually instead of it just snapping in, but I find the process of tightening manually more reassuring and satisfying. My old plate/clamp would sometimes "miss" and not grab the plate. Now I don't have to worry about that; when it's in it's in. It comes with a 1/4"-20 countersunk stainless screw and a reducer if you need to use a 3/8" screw. My screw was about 1/4" too long for my ball head so I cut it down a bit and all is well with the world. The clamp has so far been rock-solid and I feel very confident with it; even more so than the factory Induro quick-release plate I had before.

The only thing I hated about the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT tripod was the proprietary clamp on the SBH-250 ball head. All my other tripods are arca-swiss compatible and I keep arca-swiss plates and l-brackets on my cameras. This is just what I needed to now have compatibility with all ball heads. I did use a different screw than what came with the clamp, I thought it would add more security when I use big lenses. I really like this clamp and I'm very glad I changed out the proprietary Vanguard one. I have used other Desmond products and I think you get a great product for a good price.

The clamp on my 3 legged thing leo stopped working right, it was either too tight or too loose, so I had to replace it, see photo for size comparison. I was really impressed by the quality of this clamp, it's well-built and holds my camera (sony a7riv) perfectly still.You can mount the Peak Design Capture plate either way. I mounted it the wrong way because it was easier to tighten the knob.My only complaint is the unnecessary plastic in the packaging. But overall, this is a surprisingly nice piece of hardware.

Instead of spending a ridiculous amount of money on something new when I have a great tripod for my needs, this little piece allowed me to use my set of the Peak Design Capture. Only downside is the piece I took off to make this work had a second level for when you need to take photos in portrait layout. Can’t be too expensive to add, 5 stars if this ever gets added. Pretty simple install of removing the old piece, screw in the included adapter, then screw on new

Along with the Desmond Boss Adapter this was a quick switch with an Allen Key on a Manfrotto Ball Head. Works well with the Manfrotto 200 PL base plate or 3 Legged thing L bracket. I needed to use the bolt that came with the Adapter (same size as the bolt with the clamp, longer than the original) and used a drop of Loctite for good luck.

Two things to be aware of, one major and one minor. First, they provide a screw to attach the new mount to the tripod head, but they don't include what's called the boss adapter in this kit. It's a separate $8 or $10 purchase, which makes the price much less competitive than it initially seemed. There is another review that mentions buying the adapter, so I know it's not just an accident. The minor thing is, I have never broken an allen key before, until I tried using the provided one to loosen the Manfrotto mount. The mount itself looks nice and I wanted to like it, but the whole experience left a sour taste in my mouth, so I am returning it.

I now have the DAC installed on my Manfroto MHXPRO Ball Head. It seems to fit very solidly with the supplied mounting screw which is the same size but a tad longer than the Manfroto screw. The bottom of the Manfroto bracket is machined to fir into a 3/8" groove whereas the DAC is perfectly flat, but the connection with the screw seems very solid. Will give it a good try and report back if it doesn't stay solidly "glued" into place. The bracket itself seems very well made, and I think it will work very well.

Really solid adapter that came completely ready for using with my mini tripod. I recently reviewed the Peak Design clutch which comes with the Arca Swiss adapter and this woks perfectly with that. The adapter feels really solid and the knob is also solid and turns smoothly. It makes putting my DSLR on the tripod much easier and faster, and the attachment is secure and gives me confidence. I would definitely recommend this product if you need to turn a small tripod or something into Arca Swiss.