Ideesign Q Top Tripod Quick Release Plate 1/4x20" Screw TPQTP14

About this item

"Quick" is the ultimate rationale for any quick release, but the rectangular or hexagonal form of many conventional quick release shoes compromise quickness by forcing the photographer to carefully align them to their bases prior to mounting. Q-top features a circular shoe which can be joined to its base in any rotational position. But unlike the current quick release systems utilizing circular stud-type "shoes", the Q-top shoe features discrete internal indentations which mechanically block it from twisting on its base. In order to further promote the ease of attachment, the base of Q-top is exactly the same shape and size as the shoe - this simple trick allows the Q-top components to be joined by feel alone, allowing the active photographer to keep an eye on the subject.

Q-top is equipped with one of the simplest operating means known - the spring loaded pushbutton. The spring drives stainless steel pins against internal wedges in the shoe for a slip-proof and solid connection without the necessity of additional manual tightening. A push-button can be operated from either hand, and from any position. There is never a doubt as to which direction it should move, it cannot snag on anything and it is very difficult to damage. And most importantly, it works.

Q-top has a one-piece shoe/screw with a hand knurl permits the Q-top shoe to be quickly spun off the camera or lens without tools or a coin. The unique concentrically-arranged high static-friction o-rings allow a surprisingly slip-resistant, yet easily removable connection to the camera underside.

In order to achieve maximum strength with a minimum of complexity, Q-top is precision machined from solid, out of high strength aluminum alloys and stainless steel. It is not a riveted-together collection of inexpensively-formed parts. Q-top has an elegant solution: a safety pin which mechanically locks the shoe to the base is automatically activated upon release of the button. And since it is located directly opposite the button in a recess, it provides for immediate intentional operation while making inadvertent release virtually impossible.

Q-top has a unique internal shoe profile with 30° spaced indentation intervals allows the device to double as a revolving indexing platform for composite panoramic photography. No need to struggle to separately level the camera and its point of rotation, or to read off degree intervals on a pan axis - simply level the base using the integral bulls eye level then shoot off a frame on each consecutive rotational locking position for a precisely leveled composite panorama. Those creating digitally stitched panoramas will especially appreciate the convenience.