Wimberley C-30 quick release

Wimberley C-30 quick release clamp, precise control for heavy photo equipment

Sometimes a small component decides whether a shoot runs smoothly or turns into a shaky, nerve‑racking experience. The Wimberley C-30 quick release clamp clearly belongs to the first category: a robust, cleanly manufactured screw clamp, developed specifically for the older Wimberley Head WH-100 and WH-101, which did not yet have an integrated clamp. Especially when you work with long telephoto lenses or massive setups, this clamp provides a steady, reliable base.

The C-30 is 10.4 cm long (4.1 inches), giving your quick release plates a pleasantly generous contact surface. In the center there is a 3/8-inch thread for mounting on a tripod or tripod head; in addition, there are further 3/8-inch threaded holes on both sides, each 27 mm from the central hole. This allows you to adapt, combine, or use the clamp in special setups very flexibly, without constantly having to improvise.

Arca compatible, flexible with 38 mm dovetail

The Wimberley C-30 quick release clamp accepts 38 mm dovetail profiles designed to be ARCA compatible, i.e. the widely used dovetail standard. This means you are not limited to Wimberley plates, but can also use plates from other manufacturers that support this standard, for example from Kirk or other high-quality brands. For you in everyday use this means: continue using existing plates, mix setups, stay flexible.

According to the manufacturer, the clamp is Arca-style compatible and thus a solid basis for a modular tripod system. Especially if you use several cameras or lenses with different plates, this compatibility makes the workflow noticeably more relaxed, because everything fits together smoothly.

Screw clamp for secure hold without rush

Instead of relying on a fussy lever mechanism, the Wimberley C-30 uses a classic screw clamp. That may sound unspectacular, but in practice it is extremely reliable. You can fine-tune the clamping force, move plates into position in a controlled way, and then lock them securely. The locking screw is designed so it cannot be lost; it remains attached to the clamp even when you loosen it completely. That saves you the annoying search for small parts in the grass or in the studio.

The spring-groove design protects the internal mechanics of the clamp from dust and dirt. At the same time, the deep groove ensures high stability, even when you open the clamp wider to hold broader plates or special setups. This is particularly practical when you are out in the field and cannot pay attention to perfect cleanliness every second.

Manufacture-built, high-quality materials, well-thought-out details

The C-30 is made in a small-scale manufacturing process from extra-hard 7075 T6 aluminum, a material also used in aircraft construction. This provides a very good ratio of stability to weight. The surface is precisely machined, edges are cleanly deburred, and the mechanism operates smoothly without sticking. You can tell that the clamp is designed for continuous use and not just for the occasional Sunday outing.

The scope of delivery includes a set of screws for twist-proof mounting as well as the appropriate wrenches. In addition, a thread reducer bushing is included, allowing you to adapt the 3/8-inch thread to 1/4 inch if required. This means the C-30 can easily be mounted on a wide variety of tripods and heads without you having to look for extra adapters.

Made in USA, engineered for tough everyday photography

The Wimberley C-30 quick release clamp is made in the USA and clearly geared toward professional requirements. Especially in nature and sports photography, where heavy telephoto lenses, fast movements, and changing situations are the order of the day, a stable clamp plays a crucial role. The flat safety recesses on both sides accept the safety pins of suitable quick release plates and at the same time allow optimal longitudinal adjustment of the plate to balance the center of gravity of your setup precisely.

We would say: if you want to sensibly upgrade your Wimberley Head WH-100 or WH-101, the C-30 is the logical addition. Wimberley itself points out that for most other applications the smaller C-10 is sufficient. The C-30 is therefore more the solution for anyone who wants to operate an older Wimberley gimbal or a special high-load setup cleanly and safely.

Stable connection, clear limits, what fits and what doesn’t

The C-30 is designed for 38 mm dovetail profiles and thus optimized for the Arca-style compatible standard. Conversely, this means: this clamp does not fit most tripod heads from Manfrotto and Bogen, which use their own quick release systems. So if you have previously relied on such systems, it is worth taking a quick look at your existing equipment before switching.

Thanks to the integrated set screw located about 9 mm next to the central hole, an anti-twist safeguard can be implemented. This keeps the clamp reliably in position even under high load, without loosening or twisting unnoticed. Especially with long focal lengths, where the smallest movements become visible, this is a noticeable advantage.

Scope of delivery and practical everyday use

With the Wimberley C-30 quick release clamp you receive:

• the 10.4 cm long quick release clamp with screw clamping and 38 mm dovetail mount
• a central 3/8-inch thread plus two additional 3/8-inch threaded holes, each 27 mm from the center
• an integrated set screw for anti-twist protection
• a set of screws for twist-proof mounting including matching wrenches
• a thread reducer bushing to adapt from 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch

In use, the C-30 feels pleasantly calm and straightforward: insert the plate, finely adjust the position, tighten the screw, done. No rattling, no play, no sense of “it’ll probably hold.” It is simply one of those components that you mount, adjust, and then, in the best possible way, forget about because it reliably does its job.