Start with the right clamp for your tablet
The ProMaster Dovetail Tablet Clamp is designed to hold a tablet securely on a tripod or other support. Its jaws open to a maximum size of 7 1/2″ to fit most tablets. If your tablet is within that range, this clamp is the primary component you need.
The clamp offers two 1/4″-20 threaded ports for attaching to a flex arm, studio clamp, or other accessories. It also has an integrated dovetail (arca-type) foot, which lets you connect it directly to a compatible tripod head or clamp.
Tablet clamp key specs
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ProMaster Dovetail Tablet Clamp: Jaws open to a maximum size of 7 1/2″ to fit most tablets. Check your tablet's width against this limit before buying; it's the main compatibility checkpoint.
ProMaster Dovetail Tablet Clamp
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ProMaster Dovetail Tablet Clamp: Two 1/4″-20 threaded ports and an integrated dovetail (arca-type) foot. These mounting options let you attach the clamp to a tripod, flex arm, or studio clamp without extra adapters.
Mounting the tablet clamp on your tripod
You can attach the tablet clamp in two ways, depending on your tripod head or support system.
- Using the integrated dovetail foot: If your tripod head has an Arca-type receiver, slide the clamp's dovetail foot directly into the receiver and tighten the lock. This is the simplest method when your head is Arca-compatible.
- Using a 1/4″-20 threaded port: If your tripod has a 1/4″-20 stud, or you are using a flex arm or studio clamp with a 1/4″-20 thread, screw the clamp onto that thread. Ensure it is fully seated but do not overtighten.
- Securing the tablet: Open the jaws, place your tablet, and close the jaws until they grip the tablet firmly. The clamp is designed to hold tablets up to 7 1/2″ wide.
Adding the Mini Dovetail system for more flexibility
If your tripod does not have an Arca-type receiver, or you want a quick-release system for other accessories, the ProMaster MD (Mini Dovetail) Clamp and Mini Dovetail Plate can help. The MD Clamp has a 3/8″-16 threaded port and includes a 1/4″-20 threaded adapter, so it can connect to a flex arm, articulated arm, or other accessories. It works with the MD Plate and with all ProMaster XC-M tripods, which come with an MD plate preinstalled on the yoke.
The Mini Dovetail Plate is the matching plate for the MD Clamp. It can be used as a replacement for a lost plate or to add the MD system to other tripods, grip equipment, or accessories. Note that if you are replacing the plate on an XC-M tripod yoke, you should first peel off the soft pad from the plate to expose a machined impression that mates with the yoke and acts as an anti-twist measure.
Mini Dovetail components
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ProMaster MD Mini Dovetail Clamp: 3/8″-16 threaded port plus included 1/4″-20 threaded adapter. These threads let you attach the clamp to a wide range of arms and supports without extra adapters.
ProMaster MD Mini Dovetail Clamp
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ProMaster MD Mini Dovetail Clamp: Works with the MD Plate and all ProMaster XC-M tripods (every XC-M has an MD plate factory-installed on its yoke). If you own an XC-M tripod, you already have the receiving plate; you only need the clamp.
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ProMaster Mini Dovetail (M.D.) Plate – Universal: The M.D. Plate works hand-in-hand with the M.D. Clamp and is designed for fast attachment of photographic accessories. This plate is the foundation of the Mini Dovetail system; without it, the clamp has nothing to grip.
Check compatibility before you buy
The tablet clamp's dovetail foot is described as arca-type. Many tripod heads use Arca-type receivers, but not all do. If your head is not Arca-compatible, you can use the 1/4″-20 threaded port instead, provided your support has a matching 1/4″-20 stud.
The Mini Dovetail system is separate from the tablet clamp's Arca-type foot. The MD Clamp and MD Plate are a matched pair; the MD Clamp will not accept the tablet clamp's dovetail foot. If you want to use the Mini Dovetail system with a tablet, you would need to attach the tablet clamp to the MD system via a threaded connection, but the supplied information does not confirm a direct adapter between the two. In that case, using the tablet clamp's own dovetail foot or threaded ports is the straightforward path.
What the listings do not confirm
The supplied product information does not include tablet compatibility beyond the 7 1/2″ jaw opening, nor does it specify whether the dovetail foot is compatible with every Arca-type receiver. It also does not provide load capacity or torque limits for the threaded ports. For critical setups, test the clamp with your tablet and support before relying on it in the field.
- Tablet thickness: The jaw opening is given as a maximum width, but thickness limits are not stated. Ensure your tablet fits within the jaws without forcing.
- Arca-type compatibility: The dovetail is described as arca-type, but variations exist among Arca-type receivers. Check that your tripod head's receiver matches the clamp's dovetail dimensions.
- Load capacity: No load rating is provided for the clamp or the threaded ports. Use common sense and avoid overloading the support.
