Really Right Stuff PC-LR panorama clamp with quick-release lever

Really Right Stuff PC-LR panorama clamp with quick-release lever for precise panoramas

With the Really Right Stuff PC-LR panorama clamp with quick-release lever, you add a tool to your tripod that looks more like precision mechanical craftsmanship than mass production. The clamp is specifically designed for photographers who don’t want to leave panoramas to chance, but instead need a clean, reproducible axis of rotation and a reliable quick-release coupling without having to question stability every time.

The PC-LR sits as a compact panorama unit directly between ball head and camera or lens plate. This lets you quickly level your setup and then rotate a full 360° in a relaxed way via the integrated panorama axis. It’s ideal if you frequently shoot in series, stitch multiple individual images into a large panorama, or simply need a defined rotation for recurring subjects.

Arca-style compatible: flexible quick-release coupling for your existing system

The panorama clamp is Arca compatible and thus integrates seamlessly into common Arca-style compatible quick-release systems. The coupling accepts 38 mm dovetail profiles, including Flexshooter 38 mm dovetail, Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm dovetail, Really Right Stuff dovetail, Wimberley dovetail, Pro Media Gear dovetail and Kirk dovetail.

The clamping profile on the underside is equally well thought out: it fits into ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Kirk clamps and the FlexShooter screw cross clamp. So if you already use an Arca-style compatible system, you don’t have to rebuild anything; you can simply integrate the PC-LR into your existing setup.

Made in the USA: robust construction for long-term use

The PC-LR panorama clamp is made from high-quality aluminum and stainless steel and is black anodized to provide a durable surface that still looks good even after many uses in the field. The aircraft-grade aluminum used ensures robustness while keeping the weight moderate. At 336 grams, the unit remains pleasantly portable without feeling wobbly.

This is typical Really Right Stuff construction: solid, precise, but not unnecessarily bulky. The base has a diameter of 7.2 centimeters, providing a very stable contact surface on your ball head or leveling adapter. The total height is 3.5 centimeters, so the clamp remains compact and does not shift your center of gravity unnecessarily upward.

Precise panorama axis with 360° scale in 2.5° increments

The heart of the PC-LR is the integrated panorama axis. It runs smoothly, continuously and without detents, meaning without click-stops, so you can set your rotation freely and in a controlled way. At the same time, the surrounding scale with 360° in 2.5° increments helps you achieve exact repeatability. The markings are applied by laser engraving, which makes them permanently easy to read and allows for a clean center mark.

This precise scale with laser engraving in 2.5° increments is particularly useful if you work systematically, for example with multi-row panoramas or when planning series of shots with defined overlaps. You can note down specific angles and later set them again exactly, instead of relying on rough estimates.

Lever clamp for fast everyday work

The PC-LR uses a lever clamp as its clamping type. This means you don’t fix your Arca-style compatible plate with a screw but with a quick-release lever. A short movement of the hand is enough to open or close the clamp. Especially when you’re standing outside in the wind or working with gloves, this is a real advantage because you don’t have to fiddle around with a small thumbscrew.

The enlarged locking knob for securing the panorama axis additionally ensures that you can reliably lock the rotation as soon as you’ve found the desired framing. This keeps the camera where you want it, even with heavier telephoto lenses or if the tripod is bumped slightly.

Thought-out mounting with 3/8"-16 UNC and optional through-bolt

The mounting options show that different setups were taken into account here. In the center there is a mounting hole with 3/8"-16 UNC thread, allowing you to screw the PC-LR directly onto a ball head. The classic 3/8" UNC screw-on connection is compatible with most high-quality tripods and heads.

In addition, the unit can be through-bolted from above using a 1/4" UNC socket head screw or an M6 socket head screw. This option is interesting if you want to connect the panorama clamp particularly securely to a base plate or a special adapter. This way you can integrate the PC-LR very flexibly into existing tripod solutions without having to rely on exotic adapters.

R-mount as anti-twist safeguard for reliable alignment

Another detail is the integrated R-mount, which serves as an anti-twist safeguard and stop. This design ensures that the clamp does not unintentionally rotate on the base when you pan the camera or put load on the setup. Especially for panoramas, where horizontal alignment plays a central role, such an anti-twist feature is worth its weight in gold.

In practice, this means: you level your tripod once, fix the PC-LR, and can then focus on rotation via the panorama axis without constantly having to check whether anything below the clamp has loosened or shifted.

Integrated bubble level for quick leveling

So that you don’t have to pull out a separate spirit level from your bag every time, a bubble level is integrated into the panorama clamp. This single level helps you bring the unit quickly into level before you start shooting. Especially for panoramas, where a clean horizon is important, this saves you some corrections in post-processing.

The combination of bubble level, clean center marking and the finely graduated scale makes the PC-LR a very precise tool for anyone who values technical accuracy without burdening themselves with too many additional accessories in the field.

Clamping length, dimensions and handling in everyday photography

The clamping length is 72 millimeters. This is a good compromise between a secure contact surface and a compact design. Even longer Arca-style compatible plates are held securely, while the unit remains handy enough to easily store in a backpack or use on different heads.

With a height of 35 millimeters and a base diameter of 7.2 centimeters, the PC-LR fits well on common ball heads without being disproportionately bulky. The weight of 336 grams is noticeable but not excessive, giving you a stable feel without unnecessarily weighing down your tripod. For outdoor use, travel or studio work, this is a very well-balanced ratio.

Direct installation on ball heads, often without an additional leveling adapter

A practical advantage of the PC-LR panorama clamp is that it can be installed directly on a ball head. In many cases, this means you no longer need a separate leveling adapter, because you use the ball head itself for leveling and then rotate only via the panorama axis.

This reduces the number of components between tripod and camera, which in turn increases stability and reduces overall weight. Especially if you’re frequently on the move, every part you can leave out of your backpack is a small plus in comfort.

Material, finish and long-term durability

The combination of aluminum and stainless steel ensures high stability along with good corrosion resistance. The black anodized finish is not only visually unobtrusive, it also protects the material from scratches and the elements. Anodized parts are less prone to visible signs of wear, which is definitely an argument for heavily used equipment.

Overall, the PC-LR feels like a component you don’t replace after one season, but use for many years. The precise manufacturing, the clean lever clamp and the smoothly running panorama axis all indicate that the focus here is on longevity and reliability rather than short-term effects.