Leofoto RH-1L panoramic quick-release clamp with quick-release plate

Leofoto RH-1L panoramic quick-release clamp with quick-release plate for precise panoramas

If you’ve ever tried to create a clean 360° panorama handheld, you know how quickly it turns into fiddling. The Leofoto RH-1L panoramic quick-release clamp with quick-release plate takes exactly that stress away and brings order, repeatability, and a very pleasant dose of comfort to your panoramic photography, landscape photography, and architectural photography.

The RH-1L has a round design and features an integrated panorama function that you operate via a smooth stainless-steel lever. No sticking, no guesswork. You turn, it runs. The base has a diameter of 5.2 cm without knurling; with knurling the width is 8.4 cm. The height is a compact 1.8 cm, and the weight is only 82 g without the quick-release plate. This makes the clamp a great fit for travel photography setups where every gram counts, without forcing you to sacrifice stability.

Arca-style compatible, flexible with common dovetail systems

According to the manufacturer, the Leofoto RH-1L is built to be Arca-style compatible and accepts a whole range of common dovetail profiles. These include the Leofoto dovetail, the Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail, Really Right Stuff dovetail, Wimberley dovetail, and Kirk dovetail. So you can continue to use your existing ARCA-compatible plates and L-brackets without having to convert your entire system.

The included quick-release plate integrates seamlessly into this system and ensures that your DSLR or mirrorless camera is clamped quickly and securely. The screw clamp operates smoothly and reliably so that your camera sits firmly in the clamp. Especially in panoramic or architectural photography, where every small shift will be visible later, this precise fit really pays off.

Panorama function with 360° scale for controlled image series

The RH-1L really comes into its own when you use the panorama function. The base is equipped with a 360° scale engraved in fine 2.5° increments. The scale is laser-engraved, including a clear center mark, so you can track your rotation precisely. For repeatable panoramas, clean series shots, and structured workflows, this is a real advantage.

Rotation is stepless, so there are no detents. That may sound unspectacular at first, but in practice it’s very pleasant because you’re not tied to fixed click stops and can choose your step size freely. You can rotate slowly and in a controlled way, or somewhat faster when the light is changing quickly. The scale and the center mark help you keep track nonetheless.

Robust aluminum construction, black anodized for continuous use

The Leofoto RH-1L is made of high-quality aluminum and is black anodized. This finish not only provides a discreet, low-reflection appearance but also protects the surface in tough everyday use. Whether you’re out in the landscape in all kinds of weather or shooting architecture in an urban environment, the clamp is designed for long-term use.

The combination of compact dimensions, low weight, and solid construction makes the RH-1L a reliable building block in your setup. It easily supports modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras with appropriate lenses while remaining pleasantly handy. Especially for travel photography, where you don’t want to walk around with oversized gear, this is a noticeable plus.

Precise screw clamp for a secure hold of your camera

The clamp uses a classic screw clamp. This means you tighten the quick-release plate with a grippy knurled ring until everything is free of play. This type of clamping is proven and gives you very direct feedback on how securely your camera is actually seated. No frantic lever-guessing, just controlled tightening.

Especially with longer focal lengths or when you want to stitch several individual images into a large panorama, a firm fit is crucial. Even the smallest movement between shots can later lead to misalignment. With the RH-1L’s screw clamp you significantly reduce this risk because the plate is clamped firmly and over a broad surface.

Well-thought-out mounting options for different tripods and heads

When it comes to mounting, the RH-1L proves pleasantly versatile. You can screw the clamp on in the classic way using a 3/8" UNC thread, for example onto a ball head or leveling base. Additionally, there is the option to screw it from above using a 1/4" UNC countersunk screw or an M6 countersunk screw. This allows you to securely attach the clamp even in more customized setups or on special bases.

The base with a diameter of 5.2 cm provides a stable contact surface so that the clamp stands securely even on compact tripods. Combined with the low height of 1.8 cm, your camera’s center of gravity remains low, which has a positive effect on overall stability.

Ideal for DSLR, mirrorless, landscape, architecture, and travel

We particularly recommend the Leofoto RH-1L for DSLR and mirrorless users who regularly work with panoramic photography, landscape photography, architectural photography, or travel photography. If you often shoot with wide-angle lenses and want to create clean, low-distortion panoramas, you’ll benefit from the precise 360° scale and stepless rotation.

On trips, the compact design really plays to its strengths. The clamp disappears easily into your camera backpack, adds hardly any bulk, and is ready for use in no time. At the same time, it’s robust enough to handle longer tours and changing weather conditions with ease. For anyone who doesn’t want to constantly rebuild their tripod system, the Arca-style compatibility is another practical bonus.

Clean laser engravings and clear center mark for structured workflows

One detail that is easy to underestimate is the cleanly executed laser engravings. The scale is easy to read, even in changing light, and the center mark helps you align your camera precisely. Especially with repeatable setups—such as when you regularly photograph certain panorama points or create series for time-lapse—this clarity in design makes a real difference.

The combination of scale, center mark, and stepless rotation enables a very structured workflow. You can note down rotation angles, reproduce setups, and plan your image series so that as little correction as possible is needed later in software. This saves time and nerves in post-processing.

Compact dimensions, low weight, unobtrusive but important component in your setup

With a width of 8.4 cm including knurling, a height of 1.8 cm, and a weight of 82 g, the Leofoto RH-1L is one of the more unobtrusive components in your camera bag. Nevertheless, it performs a central task in your system because it forms the connection between camera and tripod head and provides the panorama function.

We’d almost say it’s the kind of part you mount once and then just use without thinking much about it. And that’s exactly how a good panoramic quick-release clamp should be: it works, it holds, and it makes your work easier without pushing itself into the spotlight.