December 30, 2012

New Improved DDC Series QR Clamps from Sunwayfoto

Sunwayfoto DDC-37 QR Clamp w/ extra bubble level & hex key

At the verge of the 2012 year end, despite all the catastrophic scenarios and omens Sunwayfoto has released a new Quick Release clamp and has updated/improved three of the existing QR clamps of the DDC series.
The updated DDC series is sporting five different models ranging from 26 - 60 mm length covering a large range of needs.

Nevertheless, DDC series has more but specialized models as the DDC-G1 for the Gitzo traveler ball head and DDC-60X originating from XB-52 ball head.

DDC-26 Mini Screw-knob Clamp (Updated)

Sunwayfoto DDC-26 Mini Clamp Side-topview
Manufacturer Specification
Model DDC-26 Mini Screw Knob QR Clamp...
Jaw Length : 26 mm
Total Width : 70.2 mm
Height / Thickness: 15,5 mm
Bottom mounting thread : 1/4"-20 UNC
Weight: 47 gr
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Sunwayfoto DDC-26 Mini Clamp Topview
DDC-26 was updated with a captive-design knob with deep grooves instead of the older parallel lines. This reasults in better handling at all situations. Unlike other small clamps of its kind it comes with two safety stop-screw relief grooves and has laser engraved scales on both jaws besides a center mark.
Sunwayfoto DDC-26 Mini Clamp Bottomview
DDC 26 bottom is flat with a distinctive "+" mounting groove. Two DDC-26 Mini clamps may be joined together with the aid of a Sunwayfoto MPP-01 Mini Mate Plate Adapter, while their orientation may be changed by 90° to accept quick-release plates with dovetails running left/right and fore/aft.

DDC-37 Screw-knob Clamp (New)

Sunwayfoto DDC-37 QR Clamp Side-topviewManufacturer Specification
Model DDC-37 Mini Screw Knob QR Clamp...
Jaw Length : 37 mm
Total Width : 64.5 mm
Height / Thickness: 13 mm
Mounting Screw : M4
Weight: 44 gr
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DDC-37 originates from the recently released Sunwayfoto FB-28 Lightweight Ball Head where you can refer for more information.

Sunwayfoto DDC-37 QR Clamp Topview
DDC-37 also has the new deeply grooved captive-design knob. Comes with an embedded bubble level and 3 sets of offset bubble level mounting holes one at each side. It has two deep safety stop-screw relief grooves and laser engraved decimal scales on both jaws.
Sunwayfoto DDC-37 QR Clamp Bottomview
The clamp's bottom side follows the latest Sunwayfoto design with deep carving in order to remove any excess material possible, thus lowering the weight. The anti-twist groove is elongated reaching the clamp sides for the same reason.

DDC-42i Screw-knob Clamp (i=improved)

Sunwayfoto DDC-42i QR Clamp Side-topview
Manufacturer Specification
Model DDC-42i Screw Knob QR Clamp.
Jaw Length : 42 mm
Total Width : 67 mm
Height / Thickness: 13 mm
Mounting Screw : M6
Bottom mounting thread : 3/8"-16 UNC
Weight: 54 gr
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Sunwayfoto DDC-42i QR Clamp Topview
DDC-42i is a standard length screw knob clamp for smaller ball heads with the new type captive-design knob. Comes with an offset bubble level which may be optionally mounted at the sides in the appropriate mounting holes. It has two deep safety stop-screw relief grooves and laser engraved detailed decimal scales on both jaws.
Improvements versus the older version: Decrease of height/thickness by 2,5 mm, top surface carved, addition of bubble level mounting holes at the sides, 3/8"-16 threaded center hole (instead of 1/4"-20) and detailed decimal scales.
Sunwayfoto DDC-42i QR Clamp Bottomview
Looking at the clamp's bottom side the difference/improvements versus the older version are more obvious. Deep carving in order to remove any excess material possible and elongated anti-twist groove reaching the clamp sides both for decreasing the weight.



DDC-50i Screw-knob Clamp (i=improved)

Sunwayfoto DDC-50i QR Clamp Side-topview
Manufacturer Specification
Model DDC-50i Screw Knob QR Clamp.
Jaw Length : 50 mm
Total Width : 67 mm
Height / Thickness: 13 mm
Mounting Screw : M6
Bottom mounting thread : 3/8"-16 UNC
Weight: 59 gr
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Sunwayfoto DDC-50i QR Clamp Topview
DDC-50i is the most commonly used length screw knob clamp with the new type captive-design knob. Comes with an offset bubble level which may be optionally mounted at the sides in the appropriate mounting holes. It has two deep safety stop-screw relief grooves and laser engraved detailed decimal scales on both jaws.
Improvements versus the older version: Decrease of height/thickness by 2,5 mm, top surface carved, addition of bubble level mounting holes at the sides and detailed decimal scales.
Sunwayfoto DDC-50i QR Clamp Bottomview
Same with DDC-50i the clamp's bottom side shows the difference/improvements versus the older version clearly. Deep carving in order to remove any excess material possible and elongated anti-twist groove reaching the clamp sides both for decreasing the weight.

DDC-60i Screw-knob Clamp (i=improved)

Sunwayfoto DDC-60i QR Clamp Side-topview
Manufacturer Specification
Model DDC-60i Screw Knob QR Clamp.
Jaw Length : 60 mm
Total Width : 81 mm
Height / Thickness: 13 mm
Mounting Screw : M6
Bottom mounting thread : 3/8"-16 UNC
Weight: 70 gr
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Sunwayfoto DDC-60i QR Clamp Topview
DDC-60i is a screw knob clamp with the new type captive-design knob intended for larger ball heads or long lens plate applications. As its siblings, comes with an offset bubble level which may be optionally mounted at the sides in the appropriate mounting holes. It has two deep safety stop-screw relief grooves and laser engraved detailed decimal scales on both jaws.
Improvements versus the older version: Decrease of height/thickness by 2,5 mm, top surface carved, addition of bubble level mounting holes at the sides and detailed decimal scales.

Sunwayfoto DDC-60i QR Clamp Bottomview
Once again the clamp's bottom side shows the difference/improvements versus the older version clearly. Deep carving in order to remove any excess material possible and elongated anti-twist groove reaching the clamp sides both for decreasing the weight substantially.

Options
Sunwayfoto has also released optional Offset Bubble Levels as a product. Model LB-01 for those that would like to add one on the DDC-37 or FB-28 ball head add model LB-02 as an extra for the DDC-42i, 50i and 60i clamps.

Sunwayfoto LB-01 Optional Bubble Level
Optional LB-01 Offset Bubble level comes with two M3 screws and the appropriate Allen hex key.
Sunwayfoto LB-01 Optional Bubble Level on Sunwayfoto FB-28
For DDC-37 screw-knob clamp or FB-28 ball head.


Conclusion
DDC-37 originating from the FB-28 ball head is the new entry following the latest Sunwayfoto design standards. While the "i" on DDC-42i, DDC-50i and DDC-60i signifies major improvements implemented, regarding substantial weight decrease and functionality enhancement with the addition of extra bubble level mounting holes and detailed decimal scales.
Sunwayfoto designers and engineers seem to utilize the power of CAD and CNC machining precision in an endless race against volume and weight. On the other hand, as proved by some of my recent tests they still maintain strength and durability. All that at very logical and affordable prices. Well done gentlemen!

I hope you found the article useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos used by permission: © 2012 Sunwayfoto.com and Desmond Photographic Dist.

Prices and Availability:
The complete range of DDC QR clamps will be available in the market soon.
New prices range from US$ 29.95 to US$ 48.00.

DDC Series Screw-Knob Clamps are available from Amazon and from eBay


Referenced Articles:

Sunwayfoto MPP-01 Mini Mate Plate Adapter Review

New Sunwayfoto FB-28 Lightweight Ball Head Preview


Relevant Articles:


Sunwayfoto DLC-42 Duo Lever/Knob Quick Release Clamp Review

Sunwayfoto DB-36TRLR Traveler Ball Head Review

Sunwayfoto DDH-02 compact Panning Clamp Review

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