Name for Tripod Part Quick Release Connects To?

<p>I've built a little homemade steady cam that I want to add a quick release to so I don't have to screw/unscrew my camera to/from it all the time. Rather than buying a whole quick release system, I was hoping I could use my same quick release from my tripod (QSX - Digipro 8500) and just buy the part that connects the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247946-REG/Sunpak_620_732_Quick_Release_Plate_for.html">quick release</a> to the tripod. Is there a specific name for that? Is it just the head of the tripod? The name of the quick release is Sunpak SP620-732 Quick Release, shown <a href="http://www.tripodquickrelease.com/Sunpak_Quick_Releases.htm">here</a> (the third one down).<br>

Any suggestions on where to look to buy that piece or a better way to do this? It would be nice to just have one plate that could connect to both my tripod and my steady cam. The best I can think of it just to buy one of those tripods and unscrewing the head from the tripod and mount that to the steady cam, but that seems like over kill when I only need the piece that the quick release plate connects to.<br>

Thanks for any help!<br>

<strong><br /></strong></p>

<p>I think what you are seeking is a "quick release adapter," which is what you would use to provide quick release on a tripod without it. Unfortunately, although you can get such things from Manfrotto, Slik, and other manufacturers for their own systems, I see none for Sunpak or Quantaray. However, I did not look very hard for Sunpak, so maybe they have something I missed.</p>

<p>One of the most versatile systems, and one for which you can readily buy adapters and various plates, is "Arca Swiss," and its many Asian knockoffs. Many tripods nowadays come with Arca Swiss (or sort of Arca) heads, and you can also buy the adapters, and this might be a good way to go. Unfortunately, to make it work on the current tripod you'd have to buy another adapter for that one, which you'd attach to its quick release plate, making for a double quick release. </p>

<p>That's kind of silly in a way, but it does open the way for replacing the tripod with one that has an Arca Swiss release already on it. You'll end up spending nearly as much for the adapters and release plates as for the tripod. You might consider just getting the one adapter for the steadicam, and changing plates on the camera as needed for now.</p>

<p>Really Right Stuff has a wide selection of plates and clamps. They are not inexpensive, but they are absolutely bulletproof and reliable. I use their L brackets on my cameras and quick release lever clamps on my heads. I like and trust them more than most of what comes with the tripods. They are closely compatible with true Arca Swiss components.</p>

<p>Ebay is full of Arca Swiss compatible plates & adapters. Take a look there to get an idea of what's available.</p>

<p>Most come from China and take a while to get. I bought a couple of adapters and a bunch of plates recently and they are well made.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>The part you address is usually called a "clamp".</p>