Announcement of Desmond DAC-383 and DAC-42 Quick Release Clamps

The new Desmond DAC-383 is a 38 mm quick release clamp with 3 strap bosses (loops) thus the model name 383. Besides the strap loops though the clamp bottom features also an RRS® compatible dovetail which allows it to be clamped on another clamp.

For older readers the DAC-383 is a very close relative to the Desmond DAC-25 Mini QR Clamp with Strap Bosses & Dovetail (extensive review) introduced about three years ago. In this review you may find applications of the clamp design.

The DAC-383 QR clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:	DAC-383
Height:	15.25 mm (0.60")
Jaw Length:	38.0 mm (1.5")
Center Mounting Hole Thread:	3/8"-16
Metal Conversion Bushing:	3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20
Weight:	68 gr (2.4 oz)
All Metal construction:	Aluminium

The DAC-383 differs from its predecessor by its silver color aluminium screw knob and the direction of the bottom dovetail. Given the width of the clamp is exactly in the spec of an Arca style dovetail width, the direction is parallel to the clamp body and perpendicular to the clamp jaws.

Desmond DAC-383 jaws are laser engraved with decimal scales and Φ center marks

Looking the clamp from below a cross type alignment groove is found around the center mounting hole allowing for choice in the orientation of placement of the clamp on a ball head.

Desmond DAC-383 bottom reveals the cross type grooves over the center mounting hole for alignment

Next comes the more classical DAC-42 quick release clamp which is intended for smaller ball heads where a 50 mm clamp like the DAC-50 is considered over-sized.

The DAC-42 comes in all black hard anodized color and features a yellow-green removable bubble level.

The DAC-42 QR clamp

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:	DAC-42
Height:	15 mm (0.59")
Jaw Length:	42.0 mm (1.65")
Center Mounting Hole Thread:	3/8"-16
Metal Conversion Bushing:	3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20
Weight:	88 gr (3.1 oz)
All Metal construction:	Aluminium

It is equipped also with decimal scales on both jaws but here numbered from 0 (center) to 10 on either side.
With a jaw opening range from 37.25 mm to 41.5 mm it can accommodate almost any Arca style plate from various makers.

The bottom of the DAC-42 is flat with only an alignment groove over the center mounting hole.

Desmond DAC-42 QR clamp flat bottom with one alignment groove.

The DAC-42 is accompanied by an M6 hex screw and the appropriate hex Allen key for mounting the clamp on almost all type of ball heads. Further than that it also includes a stainless steel 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 conversion bushing in the box.

I hope you found the information useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos by courtesy of  Desmond Photographic © 2017

Price & Availability:
Current price for the DAC-383 QR Clamp is US$ 16.95, while for the DAC-42 QR Clamp is US$ 24.95. Both items are available from Amazon or from eBay

Referenced Articles:

Desmond DAC-25 Mini QR Clamp with Strap Bosses & Dovetail Review

Relevant Articles:

Desmond DBA-1 Bogen (Manfrotto) / Arca Clamp Review

Desmond DAC-01 50mm Quick Release Clamp Review

Desmond DAC-04 Arca/Slidefix Quick Release Clamp Review