Leofoto GS-1 dovetail adapter for NATO and Picatinny rails

Leofoto GS-1 dovetail adapter for NATO & Picatinny rails, precise adapter solution for PICATINNY MIL Std 1913 and NATO rail

Sometimes all that’s missing is one small part for your setup to suddenly look as if it had been planned that way from the very beginning. This is exactly where the Leofoto GS-1 dovetail adapter comes in: a compact, cleanly milled adapter solution that turns your NATO rail or PICATINNY MIL Std 1913 rail into a fully-fledged ARCA-compatible interface – no tinkering, no improvisation.

As tripod accessory, the GS-1 is specifically designed to equip standardized NATO or Picatinny rails (MIL-STD-1913) with a reliable quick-release option. You simply place the adapter at the desired position under your rail, align it and tighten the three hex socket screws. That’s basically it. No rocket science, more of a “Why didn’t I do this earlier?” moment.

With its compact dimensions of 6.0 cm in length, 3.8 cm in width and a height of 1.7 cm, the adapter remains pleasantly unobtrusive, doesn’t add bulk and fits well into setups where a slim design is important. The weight is around 80 g, light enough not to weigh your system down unnecessarily, but solid enough to feel stable and confidence-inspiring.

Arca-style compatible, ARCA compatible for 38 mm quick-release clamps

Once the GS-1 is mounted, your NATO or Picatinny rail becomes ARCA compatible in no time. According to the manufacturer, the clamping profile fits Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps and thus integrates seamlessly into modern tripod and ball head systems. You can use the adapter on ball heads and tripods from Leofoto, but also on many models from other brands that support Arca-style standards.

Especially if you switch between different tripods, optics or weapon platforms, this Arca-style compatibility gives you a lot of flexibility. You simply clamp the adapter into your quick-release clamp, lock it in place and can position your equipment quickly, repeatably and securely. For hunting and shooting sports, but also for precise photo or observation tasks, this is a real comfort upgrade.

With QD strap anchor mount, QD compatible for flexible carrying options

The GS-1 features a QD strap mount, i.e. a QD compatible interface that lets you quickly attach and detach a suitable carrying strap. This is particularly practical if you sometimes want to carry your system on a tripod and sometimes on your body, without constantly having to screw things on and off or improvise.

Important to know: To use this QD strap mount, you need a strap with suitable QD strap anchors. You can find a suitable strap here: strap with QD strap anchors. Once you’ve used such a system, you generally won’t want to go back to makeshift attachments with carabiners or similar stopgap solutions.

Robust 6061-T6 aluminum, CNC-milled for precise fit

For the material, Leofoto relies on 6061-T6 aluminum, an aircraft-grade aluminum that offers a very good combination of strength, weight and corrosion resistance. The adapter is CNC milled, which ensures precise shaping and clean edges. We’d say: more tool character than decorative piece.

The surface is classically black anodized, which not only looks good but also protects against abrasion and the elements. Especially in hunting use or shooting sports, where equipment often scrapes along blinds, sling swivels or vehicle edges, this robust design pays off. You can use the adapter quite roughly without it immediately looking “used”.

Safety mechanism with 2 safety stop screws, more margin in the quick-release clamp

Two safety stop screws are integrated, serving as an additional safety mechanism. These screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp does not fully close or loosens slightly under heavy movement. Especially with heavier optics or valuable equipment, this is a reassuring detail.

This gives you a small but crucial plus in safety: even if you don’t double-check everything in the heat of the moment, this mechanism ensures that the adapter cannot simply slide out of the ARCA clamp to the front or rear. It’s not a spectacular feature, more of a silent lifesaver for your equipment.

Versatile mounting, 1/4" UNC internal thread and flexible positioning

In addition to direct mounting under NATO or Picatinny rails, the GS-1 comes with a 1/4" UNC internal thread that opens up additional mounting options. This allows you to attach the adapter to compatible screw connections or integrate it into existing setups based on the classic 1/4" standard.

In practice, this means you can use the adapter not only as a pure interface between rail and tripod, but also integrate it creatively into mixed setups, for example in combination with camera plates, special mounting bases or custom brackets. For users who like to optimize and customize, this offers a pleasant degree of freedom.

Optimized for hunting and shooting sports, stable, quiet, unobtrusive

The Leofoto GS-1 is particularly recommended for hunting and shooting sports. There are several reasons for this: the compact design doesn’t get in the way when you move through the forest or work from confined positions. The black, matte surface hardly reflects any light and remains discreet. And the ARCA interface allows you to quickly and repeatably secure your weapon or optic on a suitable tripod or ball head.

Whether you’re working from a blind, shooting precision strings at the range, or out in the field with observation optics, a stable, reliable adapter like the GS-1 ensures that you can focus on what really matters. No fiddling, no “it’ll sort of fit”, but a clean, reproducible connection between rail and tripod.

Compact dimensions and well-thought-out design for mobile setups

With a length of 6.0 cm, a width of 3.8 cm and a height of 1.7 cm, the adapter integrates harmoniously into modern, rather slim systems. It is short enough not to protrude excessively, but long enough to provide a stable clamping surface in Arca-style compatible clamps.

The weight of about 80 g is a good compromise between stability and mobility. You’ll hardly notice it in your backpack, but as soon as it’s in the system, everything feels significantly more solid. All in all, you get an adapter that feels like a firmly integrated part of your equipment, not like a tacked-on accessory.