Kirk TQR-3S tripod quick-release clamp incl. small quick-release plate

Kirk TQR-3S quick-release tripod clamp incl. small quick-release plate, compact solution for travel and backpack tripods

Sometimes a tiny detail decides whether you get a shot or not. The Kirk TQR-3S quick-release tripod clamp with small quick-release plate is made exactly for these moments: for ultra-light backpack and travel tripods with a mounting platform of up to about 53 mm, where every gram and every movement counts, but you still don’t want to do without a clean, secure quick-release system.

The system is deliberately kept small, but is surprisingly well thought out. You mount the round quick-release clamp permanently on your tripod, attach the matching TQR-MPS quick-release plate with integrated dovetail profile to your tripod head, and from then on you simply swap ball head, gimbal or other tripod head by placing them on and off, without having to screw things on and off each time. Once set up, it runs almost on autopilot.

Important before you start: The Kirk TQR-MPL quick-release plate is not compatible with the small TQR-3S quick-release clamp. For this system, the included smaller TQR-MPS plate is intended.

Made in the USA, precise manufacturing for photographers who want to know exactly

The TQR-3S system is manufactured in the USA with a focus on precision fit that you can literally feel when tightening the screws, making it clear that nothing is left to chance here. Kirk uses 6061-T6 aluminum in combination with stainless steel – a material choice you’re more likely to know from mechanical engineering. The surfaces are black and satin-silver anodized, which not only looks good but also protects against corrosion and makes the parts durable, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, whether in drizzle, in the mountains or somewhere between city and beach.

Arca-style compatible, flexible quick-release system for your existing workflow

According to the manufacturer, the coupling accepts a 38 mm dovetail in the Arca-style compatible standard. This allows you to integrate the system seamlessly into many existing setups that are already based on ARCA. If you are generally interested in ARCA-compatible solutions or want to expand your system, you will find further suitable components under ARCA compatible.

The clamping mechanism itself works with a classic screw clamp. This means: you turn the captive knurled screw until the dovetail sits securely and without play. No frantic lever guessing, no accidental opening by snagging on clothing, just controlled tightening as you would expect from a precise tool.

Well-thought-out quick-release clamp, compact, lightweight and with clear alignment

With a diameter of about 5 cm and a width of roughly 9 cm (including closed knurled screw and integrated bubble level), the round quick-release clamp weighs only around 81 g. That is pleasantly light, especially if you carry your tripod in or on your backpack for longer tours. The integrated bubble level helps you align quickly without constantly having to stare at the camera display.

The sensor-center marking is laser-engraved and ensures that you can position your camera exactly over the axis of rotation. This is essential above all for clean panoramic photography, because this way you really align the image sensor centrally and minimize unsightly offsets. In short: you save yourself a lot of fiddling in software later on.

The clamp is mounted on the tripod via a 3/8" UNC mounting thread. An additional locking screw prevents the clamp from twisting on the tripod platform so that nothing loosens or shifts unintentionally when you turn the head or realign the camera.

Small TQR-MPS quick-release plate, robust, secure and versatile

The included TQR-MPS quick-release plate is the second heart of this system. It is also made of 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel, satin-silver anodized and designed for durability. With a diameter of about 5 cm, a height of around 1.14 cm and a weight of approximately 43 g, it is compact enough to remain permanently on the tripod head without getting in the way or being bulky.

The plate is mounted to the tripod head via a 3/8" UNC mounting screw and is compatible with any tripod head that has a corresponding 3/8" UNC thread. This way you can equip ball heads, gimbals or other specialty heads with the TQR-3S system and swap them in seconds when needed. No constant unscrewing, no fiddling with adapters.

Safety stop function and locking screws, more reserves when it really matters

The TQR-MPS quick-release plate is equipped with locking screws to prevent twisting. These ensure that the tripod head does not loosen or rotate unnoticed on the plate, even if you pan the camera frequently or work with heavier lenses.

Additionally, the plate features a safety stop function. In combination with suitable safety stop screws, accidental slipping out of the quick-release coupling is prevented. Even if you have not fully tightened the screw clamp once or briefly loosen it while aligning, the unit remains safely guided in the clamp and does not slide out uncontrollably. This gives you a good extra dose of peace of mind, especially during outdoor shoots or on uneven terrain.

Ideal for ultra-light travel and backpack tripods, small but surprisingly versatile

The Kirk TQR-3S system was developed specifically for ultra-light backpack and travel tripods with a mounting platform of 53 mm or less. So if you use a compact tripod that you always carry with you, whether on city trips, hikes or fast reportage assignments, this system fits that use case very well.

You set up your configuration once: clamp on the tripod, plate on the tripod head, done. After that you switch between different heads as needed without having to touch the tripod itself. Especially if you switch back and forth between a lightweight ball head for on the go and a gimbal for telephoto lenses, this saves you time and nerves. And yes, sometimes also a few unsuitable words in the field.

Technical data at a glance, for all who want to know exactly

TQR-3S quick-release clamp

• Designed for ultra-light backpack and travel tripods with a mounting platform of up to approx. 53 mm
• Captive knurled screw for the screw clamp
• Material: 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel
• Finish: black and satin-silver anodized
• Laser-engraved sensor-center marking for precise alignment
• Diameter: approx. 5 cm
• Width including closed knurled screw and bubble level: approx. 9 cm
• Weight: approx. 81 g
• 3/8" UNC mounting thread for attachment to the tripod
• Locking screw to prevent twisting on the tripod platform
• Coupling accepts Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail (according to manufacturer)
• Clamp type: screw clamp

TQR-MPS quick-release plate

• Material: 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel
• Satin-silver anodized finish
• Diameter: approx. 5 cm
• Height: approx. 1.14 cm
• Weight: approx. 43 g
• 3/8" UNC mounting screw for attachment to the tripod head
• Locking screws to prevent the tripod head from twisting on the plate
• Safety stop function to protect against unintentional slipping out
• Compatible with any tripod head with 3/8" UNC thread

All in all, with the Kirk TQR-3S quick-release tripod clamp including small quick-release plate you get a compact, robust and very practice-oriented quick-release system that has been developed specifically for lightweight travel and backpack tripods, but in everyday use feels significantly larger than it appears on paper. If you want to noticeably simplify your workflow when changing tripod heads without unnecessarily inflating your setup, this system is a very coherent option.