ULTRALIGHT0.81oz/23g Arca Swiss Clamp with 0.37oz/10g Capture Clip Compatible Mini Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate

This clamp is absolutely tiny compared to any other ARCA compatible clamps I was able to find. The clamp is made of anodized aluminum, a detail I could not find anywhere in the description. It seems to clamp onto an ARCA rail just as strong as other clamps I have. The threads on the clamp are 3/8" and the clamp includes a 1/4" adapter. The mounting hole in the included ARCA plate has a hole that will only fit 1/4" threads and includes a mounting screw.Overall, this clamp is an excellent value especially for how lightweight and seemingly robust it is.

This is really small, but I have no concerns about it breaking or not holding the weight of my DSLR with heavy lens. I won't use it with my DSLR though, because the smaller form factor and lighter weight makes it perfect for my compact gear needs with my smaller action cameras and related pieces. This is 5 star quality for sure, but the high price is a deterrent because there are other options that are only slightly larger but cheaper and with release plates that I like better. If the smallest and lightest option is worth the extra money, this is a solid choice.It shows as being Made in USA, so that's great, and perhaps explains the higher price as labor costs more here. What I mean about liking other release plates better is that I strongly prefer the kind that has a built-in half-ring that allows for tightening and loosening without the need for a tool. In my 3rd photo, I show an example. But because this is the Arca Swiss fitting, the other release plates of that specification also fit.Another great thing about this, that I feel is essential, is that the knob to open and close the clamp has a limit to the amount it can be unturned. It cannot accidentally be unscrewed so far that the knob and internal springs can fall out. I have some parts like this and really want to replace all of them with ones that are designed as well as this.One drawback of this tiny design style is that there are no safety notches on the quick release plate to catch it and stop it from slipping out if the knob were to become slightly loosened. For my intended use, it's not a concern, but if you are intending to use this with heavier gear or expensive equipment, that is something to consider.

The most important thing to know about this Ultralight Mini Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate is that the total weight is only 1.18 oz. Let me repeat that: 1.18 oz. Now, if you haul around a tripod in your car, that isn't going to make any difference. But I like to take my camera on hikes, and sometimes I have wished I had a tripod when I came across a shot I wanted. However, I am not about to add the weight of a tripod onto the weight of my heavy camera and lens, along with the other gear I carry, when I am going up to twenty miles in a day. Every ounce I can save matters on a long hike.To truly appreciate this product, you have to consider it as part of a complete hiking tripod system, which is why I have included pictures showing my complete Ultralight tripod setup. In the photos, you will see that the tripod consists of two trekking poles (I borrowed my wife's for this photo), the Ultralight trekking pole leg, the Ultralight tripod adapter, the Ultralight mini ball head, and the Ultralight Mini Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate that I am reviewing here. Altogether, the Ultralight products, along with trekking poles I already carry, give me a stable, functional tripod with only 8.13 oz. of additional weight. That is roughly equivalent to carrying an extra cup of water. In contrast, a highly regarded $600 hiking tripod sold on Amazon weighs 2.8 pounds (45 oz.). I am not saying the Ultralight gear has the exact same functionality, but if weight is what matters, this is the way to go.As far as the Mini Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate itself, it is a high quality product. It is machined from aluminum, and the tightening knob works smoothly. The knob can easily be tightened enough to securely hold the camera plate in place. I have seen complaints about the lack of a safety catch, but the whole point here is to keep weight to a minimum, so I don't feel that is an issue. The plate comes with a 1/4-20 screw to attach to the camera. I have also seen reviews that question the price, but these are precision made specialty items, so I don't see the price as excessive. Also, Ultralight sells their products as a bundle at a considerable discount from the individual prices. This, and the other Ultralight products, are certainly not for everyone, but if you need the lightest tripod available for hiking, backpacking, hunting, etc., this is a great, five star product.