camera tripod attachment
Comparison of quick release clamps and other mounts for tripods

My Original Manfrotto
Quick Release Tripod Head

Looking for a camera tripod attachment that makes your photography life easier? How about a quick release adapter? Like the rest of us, you don't want to waste time screwing your camera on and off every time you use your tripod.

Pour yourself a tall glass, a frosty mug, or whatever your favorite drink is and take a minute to relax. This ain't rocket science , but it can get confusing. This post will help you get a better understanding of your options. But first, what's the big deal about how you attached your camera to a tripod?

A quick release camera tripod mount saves you time and is the most popular selling tripod accessory on the market. Pretty much all tripods are sold now with a quick release camera-to-tripod attahment system.

The challenge is to find out which is the best system to attach you tripod to your camera. You want it to be safe, secure, easy to use, and affordable. The good news is that you have plenty of good choices. I've used 5 different quick release systems over the years and they've all worked fine.

After much internal debate, I recently switched my Manfrotto tripod over to Arca Swiss compatible and now I have several plates to mount my various camera bodies and long lenses to any of my tripods. I like the ability to grab any camera and any tripod and know that the mount is compatible. If you only use one tripod and one camera, you don't have to worry compatibility between your tripods and cameras. You can get any camera mount system. 

camera mount buying facts

1. The quick release plates that have a D-ring are the easiest to attach and remove.
2. Pu-50 is the most widely used Arca Swiss compatible.
3. Camcorders and heavier lenses work better with larger quick release plates.

The biggest issue with proper camera tripod attachment is compatibility. For example, although they look quite similar, my Rocketfish tripod head will not accept an Arca plate and vice versa. Make sure you understand the different shapes and sizes before you buy.

Some quick release systems are unique to the company that makes them and some are universal, like the arca swiss. You have lots of options.

camera mount screw size

Are you confused about what's the right thread size for your camera attachment? Here are the only two screw sizes used in the world of photography and tripod mounts. In the early 1980s when I was in photography school, we referred to the smaller threaded screws as American and the larger 3/8 inch as European.

standard camera mount thread size

1/4-20 tripod screw

Almost all cameras that you will ever use have a threaded mounting hole with a thread size of 1/4-20.

• A quarter inch width (1/4 inch) diameter
• 20 threads per inch

heavy duty camera mount thread size

3/8-16 tripod screw

Much larger cameras and heavy duty lens mounting holes take a larger screw thread size of 3/8-16.

• A three-eights inch width (3/8 inch) diameter
• 16 threads per inch

tripod attachment screw adapters

A variety of adapters make it easy for you to attach a 3/8 tripod mount system to a 1/4 inch system and vice versa. These tripod attachment adapters are very affordable and I usually order a couple at the same time because they are small and easy to lose of you're absent minded like me.

1/4 to 3/8 tripod adapter

Tripod screw adapter

Tripod screw reducer

where to read the specific reviews on camera tripod mount

I am an affiliate of Amazon. But, even if I wasn't I'd recommend amazon.com as THE PLACE to go to read reviews on cameras and photography equipment. You get more reviews and longer more detailed comments than even the dedicated online photography retailers.

As an Amazon affiliate I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

Quick Release Plates on Amazon

my quick release tripod attachment systems

Can you tell by the photos of my collection of tripod mount systems that I've played around with over the years that I;ve had some experience in this department?  In addition to the Arca on the left, I still have these 3 other quick release systems in my home, but I use the Arca system 90% of the time.

Arca Swiss
PU-50

Rocketfish QR
Has a Safety Pin

Cheap Ambico
All Plastic

Old Faithful
Manfrotto-Bogen

Here is a quick 90 second HD video that shows you these four different camera tripod attachment systems. Click the full screen option on the bottom right and you can really see these accessories up close.

The Rocketfish Quick Release has a simple spring-loaded pin that prevents the plate from sliding out if you neglect to tighten the clamp properly.

The Ambico, and similar all plastic models, come with cheap tripods. Although the plastic will function fine, especially for small cameras, the tripods they come with are not very steady and often break after a short time.

My ancient Bogen hexagonal tripod attachment system is long ago discontinued. I've had that tripod/head combination for over 35 years. It's heavy as can be but as solid as the rock of Gibraltar. 

One of the readers of Better Digital Photo Tips just bought this quick release plate. It's the universal PU-50. I've converted all but one of my tripods to the Arca-Swiss system.

You likely don't have a need for several tripods like I do, but It's really convenient for me to have interchangeable ways to attach my cameras to any one of my tripods.

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As an Amazon affiliate I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

CLICK FOR REVIEWS

ARCA SWISS PLATE
REVIEWS ON AMAZON

the arca swiss camera tripod attachment system

The Arca system is the most well known system and many companies now make their quick release attachment systems compatible with Arca Swiss. Even Manfrotto started the switch over in 2013.

Arca Swiss Camera Mounting Hardware

Genuine Arca Swiss camera mount hardware is pricey and of the highest quality, but there are plenty of cheaper, high quality alternatives. These are the Arca Swiss compatibles I currently own:

2 Arca Quick Release
Camera Attachments

"L" Plate Arca Camera Attachment System

3 Arca Swiss Compatible
P-50 Quick Release Plate

As an Amazon affiliate I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

I bought these particular ones based on reading Arca Swiss Plate Reviews

other camera tripod attachments

Whether it's a quick release mount to attach your camera to your tripod, or an attachment for another accessory, you've got lots of choices.

Tripod Heads

Tripod Leg Sleeves

Tripod Bags on Amazon

window camera attachments

If you want another unique way to attach your camera to something sturdy how about a car window mount?

There are spring clamps that can do this too, but an accessory like this should have a knob or lever to tighten the clamp onto your window. You get more control and security by being able to adjust the tension depending on the weight of your cameras and the position of the glass. 

Basic Camera Window Mount

Suction Window
Camera Mount

Tripod Window Mount
With Pan and Tilt Adjust

Your choices for the best camera tripod attachment, camera tripod mount, and camera mount hardware are numerous. A little bit of research and you're sure to find the right fit. Shoot more photos. Watch less TV.

ABOUT BRUCE LOVELACE

Bruce is the publisher of this website. He is the author of the book "Improve Your Photography Instantly."  Read more on Bruce on his Bio Page. He's been known as The Traveling Photographer ever since 1994. Read more about this website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram.   Visit the Facebook Page. Watch him on YouTube.  Bruce runs photo workshops for kids and adults, and provides one-on-one photography coaching.

Digital Photography Education Location on Google My Business

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where to buy camera tripod mounts and related gizmos

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