If your ball head is a Bogen, Gitzo or Manfrotto model:

Most Bogen, Gitzo and Manfrotto quick-release clamps (QR) are not Arca-Swiss geometry and are not compatible with Wimberley Arca-Swiss style QR plates, thus cannot be used with the Sidekick. Most Manfrotto and Gitzo QR plate/clamp combinations include QR plates of a specific width, length and height that are contained within model-specific clamps with matching-geometry plate housings. This is to insure that you will use a the manufacturer’s plate with the manufacturer’s clamp and vice-versa.

Set-width, specific-geometry clamps will not readily accept the Arca-Swiss style plate geometry, and even if it appears that some will fit, it is highly likely that the plate/clamp connection will not be secure or safe. Arca-swiss style clamps (Wimberley, Kirk Enterprises, Really Right Stuff among others) are more universal, and they allow most any Arca-Swiss style plate to move forward and backward within the clamp, thus increasing the level of cross-compatibility between manufacturers and increased versatility for the consumer.

To use these ball heads with Wimberley QR plates or the Sidekick, it may be possible for you to remove the existing QR clamp (or mounting platform) and install a Wimberley QR clamp permanently to the ball head stem. However, due to the specific mounting configurations of Bogen, Gitzo and Manfrotto ball head stems, there are only a few models of Bogen, Manfrotto and Gitzo ball heads that will accept a Wimberley QR clamp. If you are mechanically inclined, we sell special C-10 clamps that are modified to fit (and/or packaged with the proper mounting hardware) to install them on the stem of the following ball heads:

Bogen & Manfrotto models 468(not MG) & 469 – order our QR clamp C-10BG ($79)

Gitzo 1277M, 1278, 1377M, 1378 – order our QR clamp C-10GZ ($79)
Manfrotto 468MG Hydrostatic – order our QR clamp C-10MG ($79)

This process may require using tools not readily available to you, so we do offer clamp installation for a shop fee of $20.

If your Bogen, Manfrotto or Gitzo ball head is fitted with the RCO hexagonal quick-release clamp, and meets all the other required criteria for Sidekick use, there is a Sidekick Adapter plate you can order that mounts to the bottom of the Sidekick and fits into this RCO clamp – part AP-950 ($15, available through Wimberley only). However, due to the fact that this adapter plate is a self-contained, geometry-specific plate, there may be a certain amount of flex or twist that occurs, especially when using larger lenses. The Bogen Hex Plate adapter for the Sidekick is therefore only recommended for lenses equal to or less than the weight of a 300mm f/2.8. AP-950

Please call or email our office if you would like more information or if you are interested in ordering any of these specialty parts for your ball head.