Leofoto DC-22 mini clamp with cold shoe mount

Leofoto DC-22 mini clamp with cold shoe mount for flexible photo setups

Sometimes a tiny part decides whether your setup is annoying or just works. The Leofoto DC-22 mini clamp with integrated cold shoe mount clearly belongs to the second category. Small, light, unobtrusive and yet amazingly versatile – exactly the kind of thing you buy once and then keep screwing on somewhere.

Arca-style compatible for 38 mm dovetail profiles

According to the manufacturer, the DC-22 clamp accepts Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail profiles and thus integrates seamlessly with common L-brackets, clamp plates and other ARCA systems. You can attach the mini clamp to the side of a suitable L-bracket and simply slide your hot shoe into the integrated cold shoe mount. No fiddling, no major reconfiguration. This makes the DC-22 a very practical solution when you want to use your flash or other accessories directly on the camera or on an existing ARCA setup.

Mini clamp, maximum lightweight

Weighing only 22 g, the Leofoto DC-22 is one of those parts you can easily keep in your bag at all times. It’s so light that it’s practically unnoticeable in your backpack, but in use it makes a noticeable difference. The width including the knurled screw is 68 mm; without the knurl it’s a compact 49 mm. The depth of 22 mm ensures that the clamp remains pleasantly slim and doesn’t stick out excessively on L-brackets or other mounts.

Screw clamp for precise hold

The DC-22 relies on a classic screw clamp. That means: you tighten the knurled screw until the 38 mm dovetail profile sits securely. No snap mechanism, no lever that can accidentally catch, but a controllable, finely adjustable clamping action. Especially with small setups where you mount a speedlight or lightweight accessories, this type of clamping is very reliable and pleasantly predictable. Once tightened, everything stays stable without you having to constantly readjust.

Integrated cold shoe mount for flash and accessories

The heart of this mini clamp is the integrated cold shoe mount. You can slide your hot shoe in directly and securely fix the flash or compatible accessories. Ideal if, for example, you want to mount a system flash on an L-bracket without having to carry an additional flash holder. But small LED lights, radio receivers, microphones with hot shoe adapter and similar accessories can also be attached quickly this way. Particularly practical when you want to stay flexible on the go and don’t want to rebuild the entire rig every time.

1/4" UNC thread for even more combination options

In addition to the Arca-style compatible clamp, the DC-22 comes with a 1/4" UNC thread. This standard thread opens up a whole range of options: you can use the mini clamp on small tripods, magic arms, ball heads or other mounts with a 1/4" screw. This quickly turns the inconspicuous clamp into a link between different systems, helping you place light, sound or radio triggers exactly where you need them.

Robust material: CNC-milled 6061-T6 aluminum

The Leofoto DC-22 is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a material that has proven itself in photography for years. The parts are CNC-milled, which ensures clean edges, precise fits and an overall high-quality feel. The black anodized surface (type II) protects the metal and gives the clamp a discreet, professional look. Visually, it matches modern cameras, L-brackets and tripods well without standing out as a foreign object.

Compact dimensions, big impact in everyday use

On paper, the numbers may look unspectacular – 68 mm width with knurl, 49 mm without, 22 mm depth – but in everyday use you notice how well thought-out it all is. The clamp is slim enough not to get in the way on the side of an L-bracket, while the knurled screw is large enough to grip securely even with cold fingers or in fast-paced situations. Especially if you frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientation or need to adjust your setup on the fly, this combination of compactness and ease of use is very pleasant.

Versatile use in photo and video

Whether you mainly shoot photos, record videos or mix both, the DC-22 mini clamp can be used sensibly in many scenarios. A flash on the side of the camera for more three-dimensional light. A small LED light for vlogging. A radio receiver for off-camera flashes. Or a microphone that you don’t want to mount directly on the camera shoe but slightly offset to reduce vibrations and noise. The combination of Arca-style compatible clamp, cold shoe mount and 1/4" UNC thread makes the DC-22 a very flexible tool in your setup.

Discreet helper for streamlined setups

In the end, the Leofoto DC-22 mini clamp with cold shoe mount is one of those parts that is easy to underestimate. It’s not a big, spectacular accessory, but it ensures that your equipment works together better. You save yourself additional mounts, reduce the weight in your backpack and can make meaningful use of existing Arca-style compatible components. If you value a tidy, functional setup, this small clamp fits in perfectly.