You lose time every time you unscrew a mount or fight with your rig. That time adds up—and kills your shot flow.
Quick detach clamps fix that by letting you move fast, stay locked in, and shoot without hesitation.
If you shoot multi-cam setups, you need to swap gear in seconds—not minutes.
This post shows you how to stop fumbling and start rigging like a pro.
| Gimbal / Product (Best For) | Specs (Weight / Payload / Battery) | Pros | Price / Link |
| SMALLRIG DSLR QR Clamp 🎬 (Best for Professional Shoots) | 110g / Up to 5kg / N/A | ✅ Fast Arca switch ✅ CNC build ✅ Great for DSLRs | 🔗 View on Amazon |
| ULANZI CU03 Super Clamp 💡 (Best Budget Option) | 180g / Up to 1.5kg / N/A | ✅ Clamps anywhere ✅ Dual ball head ✅ Budget-friendly | 🔗 View on Amazon |
| NICEYRIG NATO Clamp 🏃 (Best for On-the-Go Creators) | 95g / Up to 2kg / N/A | ✅ Ultra low-profile ✅ Great for cages ✅ Easy removal | 🔗 View on Amazon |
| SmallRig DSLR QR Clamp 🏆 (Best for Beginners) | 105g / Up to 4.5kg / N/A | ✅ Beginner-friendly ✅ Strong lock ✅ Arca-compatible | 🔗 View on Amazon |
| Nitze NATO Clamp + 15mm 🔧 (Best for Shoulder Rigs) | 210g / Up to 6kg / N/A | ✅ Supports rods ✅ Heavy-duty ✅ Modular setup | 🔗 View on Amazon |
Top Picks: Best Quick Detach Clamps for Multi-Cam Setups
Not all quick detach clamps save you time. Some lock up mid-shoot. Others wobble under pressure.
That’s why I’ve picked only the clamps that hold tight, switch fast, and actually work in real-world multi-cam setups.
If you shoot fast and move often, start with these.
1. SMALLRIG DSLR and Mirrorless Quick Release Clamp
🏅The Editor’s Choice | SMALLRIG DSLR and Mirrorless Quick Release Clamp and Plate for Arca Standard
Snap your camera in and out of your rig without missing a beat. This Arca-Swiss compatible clamp and plate make switching setups seamless and secure—ideal for fast-paced shooters who value speed and precision.
Pros
- Snaps into place instantly with Arca plates
- Durable CNC aluminum build
- Compact design fits on most cages and tripods
- Great locking force for heavier DSLRs
Cons
- Not ideal for non-Arca systems
- Lever may need manual adjustment to fit tighter plates
🎬 Best for Professional Shoots
You’re shooting an interview with two cameras. Switch angles mid-shoot by snapping one off a tripod and onto a slider—no tools, no downtime.
If you shoot multi-cam setups or bounce between handheld, tripod, and gimbal shots, this clamp saves your day.
You won’t waste time fiddling with screws or hoping a cold shoe holds. Lock in your camera, switch locations, and keep rolling.
It’s compact, so it won’t bulk up your rig, and strong enough to hold full-frame DSLRs. For documentary shooters or wedding videographers, it’s gold.
Drop it onto your Arca plate on a tripod. Snap off and move to a slider. No tools. No panic. You shoot, it obeys.
2. ULANZI CU03 Super Clamp Camera Mount
ULANZI CU03 Super Clamp Camera Mount, 360° Double Ball Head Adapter
Attach monitors, lights, or small cameras to just about anything—tripod legs, tables, rails—with this flexible clamp. Two 360° ball heads make angling your gear effortless in tight or awkward shooting spaces.
Pros
- Clamps onto any flat or round surface
- Full rotation via dual ball heads
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Supports accessories like monitors and lights
Cons
- Not made for heavy cameras
- Might require repositioning for extreme angles
🏷️ Best For Budget Option
You’re shooting a behind-the-scenes vlog. Clamp a GoPro to a lighting stand and get wide-angle time-lapse without bringing extra mounts.
You want flexibility? This thing grips rails, table edges, tripod legs—you name it.
And with dual ball heads, you get full freedom to position your gear exactly where you want.
Creators love this for one reason: it adapts. Clamp your light to a shelf for a YouTube talking-head video.
Throw on a field recorder while you shoot in tight locations.
Even vloggers can use it to mount a backup cam on a C-stand. It’s not flashy, but it does its job over and over again.
3. NICEYRIG Quick Release NATO Clamp
NICEYRIG Quick Release NATO Clamp with NATO Rail
Quickly attach or detach your monitor, handle, or mic arm with this low-profile NATO clamp and rail. It’s perfect for modular rigs where you need constant flexibility without rebalancing your setup.
Pros
- Slim profile won’t bulk up your rig
- NATO compatibility makes it fast to install/remove
- Great for small accessories
- Reliable locking lever
Cons
- Only works with NATO-compatible rails
- Might shift under high-torque attachments
🏃 Best for On-the-Go Creators
You’re vlogging on the go. Pop your mic off the rig for interviews, then snap it back on for B-roll without ever stopping your shoot.
You don’t have time to reconfigure your rig during a shoot. This clamp’s NATO compatibility gives you that tactical snap-on/off advantage.
It’s a blessing for vloggers, journalists, or anyone constantly moving between setups. Pop off your handle to switch to gimbal mode.
Mount your wireless mic and remove it instantly when jumping into editing mode.
This is how you keep your workflow tight without turning your cage into a Frankenstein.
Add this to your gear bag if flexibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement.
4. SmallRig DSLR and Mirrorless Quick Release Clamp
SmallRig DSLR and Mirrorless Quick Release Clamp
This quick-release clamp locks tightly onto standard Arca-Swiss plates. Compact and reliable, it’s an easy upgrade for mounting your camera securely during fast-paced shooting days.
Pros
- Works with most Arca-type plates
- Easy lever release
- High build quality
- Secure fit for DSLR and mirrorless cams
Cons
- No built-in plate included
- Doesn’t support every tripod head
🏆 Best for Beginners
You’re shooting client testimonials. You switch your camera between two tripods without touching a screwdriver—just click, lock, and go.
If you’re new to camera rigs, don’t waste your time with cheap, plasticky clamps.
This SmallRig QD model is the simplest upgrade you can make to speed up your workflow.
It locks in well, feels solid, and works with most Arca-Swiss plates out of the box.
Beginners love it because it “just works.” You don’t need tools, there’s no complex balancing act, and it’s one clamp you won’t outgrow.
Whether you’re shooting weddings, interviews, or your first YouTube review video—this gives you pro-level control without the learning curve.
5. Nitze Quick Release NATO Clamp
Nitze Quick Release NATO Clamp with 15mm Rod Clamp
Combine quick release functionality with rod-based setups. This NATO clamp supports 15mm rods, giving you flexibility to mount handles, follow focus, or other gear while staying quick to adjust.
Pros
- Dual-purpose: NATO + rod clamp
- Ideal for building shoulder rigs
- Heavy-duty build
- Compatible with most rod systems
Cons
- Adds weight to small rigs
- Slight learning curve for first-time users
🎥 Best for Shoulder Rigs
You’re filming a short film with a shoulder rig. Adjust your follow focus or EVF mid-shoot without tools, then reconfigure for a handheld tracking shot.
This one’s not just a clamp—it’s a foundation for full shoulder rigs or custom builds.
You get NATO speed with rod system expandability. That means handles, follow focus, monitor mounts—all slot into place fast.
If you’ve ever shot a music video or indie film scene where you had 2 minutes between takes to tweak your camera layout—this is your go-to clamp.
Real users love pairing it with Tilta or SmallRig cages to build compact but adaptable setups.
This turns your rig from “barely functional” to “fully modular.
What Are Quick Detach Clamps? (And Why You Should Care)
Quick detach clamps (QD clamps) lock and unlock your camera gear without tools. You press a lever, release the gear, and you’re ready to go. You snap your rig back in when it’s time to roll.
Most QD systems work with:
- Arca-Swiss plates (for tripods and sliders)
- NATO rails (for cages and handheld rigs)
- Rod clamps (15mm for modular builds)
- Super clamps (for light stands or unusual surfaces)
You get faster setups and more flexible rigs. That’s it. No fuss. No excuses.
Why Your Multi-Cam Workflow Needs QD Clamps
Multi-camera setups slow you down if you rely on friction mounts or screw-based attachments. You need to move quickly between:
- Tripods
- Gimbals
- Sliders
- Handheld rigs
Without quick release hardware, every switch means tools and wasted time. You shoot less and stress more.
Quick detach clamps change that.
Use them to:
- Mount your second camera in 10 seconds
- Swap your main cam from handheld to gimbal fast
- Lock in the same framing every time
- Tear down quickly after the final shot
If you shoot weddings, interviews, or events, you already know how little time you get between angles. This gear keeps your momentum intact.
What to Look For Before You Buy
1. Mounting System Compatibility
Make sure the clamp fits your plates or rails. Match Arca clamps to Arca plates. Match NATO clamps to NATO rails. Don’t guess.
2. Build Material
Stick with aluminum or CNC machined gear. Cheap plastic units wobble or break.
3. Payload Capacity
Know the weight of your gear. Most QD clamps list their max load. Stay under that limit.
4. Locking Strength
Test the clamp before trusting it. Tug on it. Feel for play. If it slips, return it.
5. Size and Setup
Small rigs need low-profile clamps. Shoulder rigs may need rod support and bulkier builds. Match the clamp to the job.
How to Use Quick Detach Clamps Like a Pro
Start simple. Replace your current monitor arm or top handle with a QD clamp. Practice removing and reattaching gear until it becomes second nature.
Follow these steps:
- Install a matching plate or rail (NATO or Arca)
- Align your gear with the clamp
- Lock in and tug to test hold
- Unlock and remount 3x to build speed
📌 Practice swapping between tripod and handheld modes. Time yourself. Try to beat your last attempt.
Gear That Works Well With QD Clamps
Add-ons that take your quick-release rig to the next level:
- NATO rails (SmallRig, Tilta)
- Arca-Swiss plates (Ulanzi, Manfrotto)
- Monitor mounts (Cold shoe + ball head)
- Cable clamps (for clean builds)
- 15mm rod accessories (for shoulder rigs)
These tools snap in and stay put. You move faster. You shoot better.
Common Clamp Issues (And How to Fix Them)
Why won’t my clamp stay locked?
Clean the mount. Check if the threads are stripped. If it still slips, replace it.
Why doesn’t my clamp fit?
You’re using the wrong mount type. NATO and Arca aren’t interchangeable.
What if my clamp wobbles with a monitor?
Add tension with the locking lever. If it still wobbles, your payload is too high.
SMALLRIG DSLR QR Clamp
ULANZI CU03 Super Clamp
NICEYRIG NATO Clamp
Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Your Gear Slow You Down
If you want better control over your shoot, start with your mounting system. Use QD clamps to cut setup time and stop second-guessing your gear.
Fast setup equals more footage. That’s the difference between catching a moment and missing it.
Swap out one mount today. Feel the time you get back.