Andoer QR-50 Quick Release Plate Clamp Adapter with Built-in Bubble Level for Arca Swiss RRS Wimberley Tripod Ball Head

These Arca-style QR clamps work fine on the clamp side of things, but the screws are a terrible accident waiting to happen. The screw does not have a conical head, as would be customary for this application. The heads are more pan-like, with a slight bevel to allow them to center themselves into the clamp's center hole, which is clearly designed for a screw with a conical head. The idea, as best I can tell, was to allow the screw to be used as either countersunk from the top or against a flat surface from the bottom. The problem with this design is that there isn't enough material holding the head to the screw. With almost any other drive type, this might have been OK, but the hexagonal recess for the Allen wrench is as deep as the head itself and as wide as the diameter of the non-threaded part of the screw, leaving very little to hold things together. The result is that of the four clamps I bought, I broke the screws for three of them. I ended up using some conical 1/4-20 screws I had on hand. I've attached a photo showing the three broken screws (bottom); the surviving intact screw (top right); and the type of screw that Andoer should have included (top left).

First of all, this is a sub-$10 quick release clamp. We do not trust this clamp to handle very expensive glass or camera bodies. We use this clamp on a light, cheap tripod when we need to take a quick portrait or full body shot of someone in our building. So we are in a controlled environment, with no winds or elements, and I am in a real hurry. I only use it on a light camera, like the Canon 80D (prosumer camera) with a light zoom or prime. On the tripod it will clamp down onto the ARCA-Swiss compatible release plate just fine. There is a little roughness as the clamp comes together and tightens down. That doesn't really bother me because I probably use this clamp only about once a quarter, but I imagine the friction can't be good for longevity. Sometimes the tripod screw adapter will work itself loose, which again, is not really a problem. I just screw it down tighter and readjust the camera and tripod. Now, if this were a mission-critical application like sports or wildlife, then it would drive me nuts. But since I use it mostly for headshots of a willing subject, a little delay is not going to make me miss my shot. There are at least three levels on this clamp. I never use them because I use the level on the camera and tripod, but I guess they could be useful. See photos below for the clamp on the cheap tripod. I was going to say that this clamp should be used for someone just starting in photography. But on second thought, perhaps this clamp should be used by someone more experienced, who has experience using tripods and QR clamps and plates. Because you'll be more careful not to rely on this clamp too much, not to use it for heavy duty or critical applications, and use it appropriately. Someone just starting out on using support might think it is more secure than it is designed for.

Very fast shipping . Very good quality .

everything ok...unibk

super super useful. go arca swiss mount and never look back.