If you've spent any time researching tripods, camera plates, or mounting systems, you’ve likely come across the term “Arca compatible” or “Arca-Swiss compatible.” But what exactly does that mean, and why does it matter?
In this article, we'll break down the concept of Arca compatibility, why it’s important, and how it can simplify your photography gear setup.
What Does “Arca Compatible” Mean?
“Arca compatible” refers to gear that follows the Arca-Swiss quick-release standard, a widely used system for mounting cameras to tripods and other supports.
This standard was originally developed by the Swiss company Arca-Swiss in the 1990s, but it has since become a kind of open industry standard adopted by many other brands, including Vanguard who have only a handful of legacy tripods that are not Arca compatible.
At the heart of the system is a dovetail-style mounting plate or quick shoe, usually about 38mm wide, that slots into a corresponding two sided clamp on a tripod head, gimbal, or other device.
If both the clamp and the plate are “Arca compatible,” they should fit together securely, regardless of brand.
Why Arca Compatibility Matters
Quick and Secure Mounting: Slide the plate into the clamp and tighten it, and your camera is locked in place in seconds.
Cross-Brand Flexibility: Since many tripod manufacturers follow the Arca standard (such as Vanguard, Peak Design and Benro), it means that you can choose the best tripod/head for your style without worrying about fit, or needing to change your quick shoe on your camera every time you switch (for example between your travel tripod and your full sized tripod).
Use Specialist Quick Shoes: All tripod heads will come with quick release plate, but this may not be the best plate for the job. For example, a landscape photographer would probably prefer an L-Bracket, while a macro photographer may want to use a macro rail, and a spotting scope/telephoto lens may want a longer plate with a built in non-twist spring pin. With an Arca compatible tripod, you can source a specialist Arca compatible plate from any brand.
Included In Hardware: Many camera and optics brands incorporate Arca compatible solutions into suitable kit. For example, Arca compatible feet on telephoto lenses and spotting scope feet. This means that the hardware can be attached directly into the tripod clamp without the need for a quick release plate, delivering the most solid fit possible.
Replacements: Whether it's because you found an old tripod in the attic that's missing it's quick release plate, or you're on holiday and discovered you've forgotten to pack the right quick shoe, being Arca compatible means that your nearest camera shop will probably have a quick release plate you can use.
Stability: The dovetail design and locking clamp provides a strong, secure hold that reduces camera shake which is especially helpful for long-exposure, astrophotography or macro work.
Things to Watch Out For
No Official Global Standard: "Arca compatible" has evolved to become the unofficial standard for tripod heads and most brands adopting the format, but it means that manufacturers slightly modify their Arca designs. Whether it be the exact measurement of the base plate, or the exact angle of the dovetail mount, it's always worth checking the quick shoe fits onto, and can be removed, from your tripod head before you attach it to the camera.
Quick Release Systems: Due to the slight modifications, it is difficult for any brand to create a traditional quick release system where the plate was specifically designed for that head. Most brands use a "locking knob" based quick release system over a "lever" based quick release system as these can cope more easily with the variations between quick shoes and are generally more reliable over the longer term with less need to adjust the tension of the lever.
Non-Slip Safety Mechanisms: These are key to ensuring that your camera doesn't slip out of the clamp if the it is not properly tightened. "Traditional" Arca compatible plates include removable pins on the base that are designed to prevent the quick shoe slipping out, while some heads use "Spring Pins" built into the tripod clamp. Both systems work, but due to the variations between brands, these can be a cause of the quick release plate getting stuck on the tripod head. If this happens, you can generally slide the quick release plate out by removing one of the pins on a "traditional" style plate. On a "spring pin" system, this can be harder and if your tripod has this system, it is worth ensuring that there is a way to lower that spring pin manually. For example, most Vanguard tripods with this system have a spring pin that can be lowered with a button or an electrical screwdriver.
What Vanguard Tripods are Arca compatible?
We started the journey to Arca compatible over 10 years ago, so it's easier to highlight the tripods that are not Arca compatible. These are legacy products that have been on the market for over 10 years, and in our range, at time of writing include just:
- Alta Pro 263AB 100, but not for much longer...
- Alta Pro 263AP
- VESTA 203AP
- VESTA VS-82
Every other tripod in our UK photography and optics range is Arca compatible, though other countries may have a slightly different range.
A bigger challenge is on quick release plates where we hold a range of legacy quick release plates for older models, but you can click here to see all our Arca Compatible quick release plates.
In Summary
While it's not perfect, Arca compatible gear is built around a common quick-release standard that allows photographers to mix components from different brands seamlessly. Whether you're mounting a DSLR, mirrorless camera, telephoto lens or spotting scope, using Arca-compatible equipment makes setup faster, safer, and more versatile.
While we've highlighted the issues with the system, these are pretty rare and are massively outweighed by the benefits of the system. So if you are looking to upgrade your tripod or related kit, we'd have no hesitation in recommending you go down the Arca compatible route. Judging by almost all the other leading brands product development, we suspect they would agree.
Have we missed anything?
Please just leave a comment that we can add, and we will review the article to be as accurate as possible.