Kirk TQR-1S quick-release clamp for tripod including small quick-release plate

Kirk TQR-1S tripod quick-release clamp incl. small quick-release plate, when switching just happens on the side

Do you know that annoying fiddling when you want to switch from the ball head to the gimbal and your whole setup almost falls apart? With the Kirk TQR-1S tripod quick-release clamp including small quick-release plate, that process becomes remarkably unspectacular – in the best possible way. You mount everything cleanly once, and after that you swap tripod heads almost casually, without stress and without endless screwing.

The system is designed as a quick-release system for tripod heads and consists of two perfectly matched components: the round tripod quick-release clamp for your tripod and the compact quick-release plate with integrated dovetail profile for your tripod head. Once set up, you switch between ball head, gimbal or other tripod heads without having to realign or remount every time. You twist, clamp, it locks. Done.

Precise quick-release clamp for your tripod head, robust, well thought-out, everyday-ready

The Kirk TQR-1S quick-release clamp is the heart of the system. It is mounted directly on the tripod and accepts your tripod heads via the matching quick-release plate. With a diameter of about 7.25 cm and a width of around 11.38 cm including the knurled knob, it offers a stable support surface that securely carries even larger heads, while still remaining pleasantly handy in daily use.

Inside you’ll find classic pro-grade material: 6061-T6 aluminum combined with stainless steel, anodized in black and satin silver. This material combination ensures high rigidity, corrosion resistance and a surface that doesn’t immediately look scratched even after many field uses. The weight is approximately 199 g – solid but not excessively heavy, right in the range where stability and portability meet sensibly.

Attachment to the tripod is via a 3/8" UNC mounting thread, supplemented by a set screw to prevent twisting. This means the clamp not only sits firmly, it also reliably stays in position even with frequent head changes, without you having to constantly retighten. For practical everyday use there is also a captive knurled knob integrated, which makes opening and closing the screw clamp easier. Nothing falls off, nothing gets lost somewhere in the grass.

Arca-style compatible, flexible thanks to 38 mm dovetail

According to the manufacturer, the coupling of the Kirk TQR-1S accepts Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail profiles. This means the system fits into the common ARCA world and can be combined with many existing components based on this standard. Clamping is done via a precise screw clamp that allows you to finely adjust the tension. You can tighten very controllably without having to worry about over-tightening or damaging your equipment.

Integrated bubble level and sensor-center marking for precise alignment

A bubble level is integrated into the quick-release clamp to help you align your tripod and mounted head accurately. This is a real advantage especially for architecture, landscape or repro shots, because it gives you better control over horizontal and vertical lines. In addition, the clamp features a laser-engraved sensor-center marking. This marking is essential for panoramic photography, because it helps you rotate the camera precisely around the optical axis and create clean, easily stitchable panoramas.

Small quick-release plate for compact tripod heads

The Kirk TQR-1S comes with the small quick-release plate, which is specifically recommended for tripod heads with a base diameter of about 5.7 cm and below. So if you mainly use compact ball heads, lightweight video heads or smaller specialty heads, this plate is exactly in the right range. For larger heads from around 5.71 cm base diameter, the larger plate of the system would be the appropriate complement.

The small plate has a diameter of about 5 cm and a height of approximately 1.14 cm. With a weight of around 43 g it remains pleasantly light without sacrificing stability. Here too, Kirk relies on 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel with satin-silver anodizing. The result is a robust yet visually discreet surface that blends harmoniously into modern tripod heads and camera systems.

Mounting the quick-release plate, compatible with 3/8" UNC thread

The quick-release plate is attached to the tripod head via a 3/8" UNC mounting screw. This makes the plate compatible with any tripod head that has a 3/8" UNC thread in its base. You simply screw the plate onto the head, tighten it, and additionally benefit from integrated set screws to prevent twisting. These ensure that the plate does not loosen or rotate unnoticed, even if you transport your setup frequently or subject it to angled loads.

Safety stop function and set screws, more margin against slips

The quick-release plate is equipped with a safety stop function. Together with the set screws that prevent twisting, this results in a clear plus in safety. The safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release coupling, even if the screw clamp is not fully closed. This way your tripod head remains held in the clamp until you deliberately release it, instead of sliding out forwards or sideways without you noticing.

Easy installation on the tripod, set up once, then work relaxed

The system has been deliberately designed for straightforward setup. You install the round quick-release clamp on the tripod, align it using the bubble level and secure it via the 3/8" UNC thread and the set screw against twisting. Then you mount the small quick-release plate with integrated dovetail profile on the tripod head. From that moment on you can quickly insert the head into the clamp, tighten it, and remove it just as quickly when needed.

If you equip several tripod heads with matching plates, switching between ball head, gimbal and other heads becomes a very smooth process. You don’t have to unscrew the head from the tripod every time; instead you switch via the quick-release system. This saves time, reduces wear on the threads and makes your overall workflow more relaxed.

Made in the USA, manufacturing quality with a clear signature

The Kirk TQR-1S tripod quick-release clamp including small quick-release plate is manufactured in the USA. This is evident in the very clean workmanship, the precise fits and the carefully finished surfaces. The combination of 6061-T6 aluminum, stainless steel and the two-tone anodizing is not only visually appealing, but also designed for long-term use. When tightening the screw clamp and inserting the plate, you can tell that emphasis has been placed on solid, repeatably accurate function.

In the end, with the Kirk TQR-1S you get a professional quick-release system for tripod heads that noticeably eases your everyday work in the studio and out in the field without pushing itself into the foreground. It simply does what it’s supposed to do: reliably, precisely and pleasantly unobtrusively.