New Sunwayfoto MAC-14 Manfrotto RC2 and Arca Compatible Clamp

Sunwayfoto has recently become the second player in the Manfrotto® RC2 / Arca-Swiss® dual compatibility game, with their new 60 mm quick release clamp.
As you may recall from older reviews and update posts Desmond was the first with their Desmond DBA-1 QR Clamp more than a year ago, followed a few months ago by the lighter Desmond DBA-2 .

New Desmond DBA-2 Manfrotto RC2 and Arca Compatible Clamp

A little over a year ago I made an introduction to Desmond Photographic Distributors, USA and their mostly innovative products by reviewing the Desmond DBA-1 QR Clamp the first ever clamp accepting both Bogen® / Manfrotto® RC2 and Arca-Swiss® compatible quick release plates.

A few days ago, Desmond released the DBA-2 QR clamp not only with enhanced characteristics but with a lower price tag as well.

Manfrotto Q6 Top Lock QR Adaptor Compatibility Assessment

In concluding my presentation in the Manfrotto Q6 Top Lock Quick Release Adaptor Preview, I had expressed my admiration to the innovative design, while leaving a door open in regard of the inter-compatibility of the  Q6 quick release system with Arca-Swiss® compatible rails and plates made by other manufacturers.

Manfrotto Q6 Top Lock Quick Release Adaptor Preview

For many years I have been wondering why a pioneering manufacturer like Manfrotto, with great innovations in their account, had chosen to stick in proprietary quick release designs on their ball heads. Although these designs were very advanced at their time, they were not compatible even between them compelling both the users to have a limited choice of accessories and Manfrotto to maintain 3-4 different lines of products.
The continues expansion of the Arca-Swiss® dovetail design between competitors offered a large selection of support gear and accessories with great versatility, putting the once market leader Manfrotto almost in isolation in the ball head segment.
But it's never too late.

Desmond DBA-1 Bogen/Manfrotto - Arca Clamp Review

Having been a Manfrotto® fan myself, for quite some time in the past, I can understand the dilemma of numerous Manfrotto gear users that would like to taste the freedom of an Arca-Swiss® compatible system, but on the other hand are very thoughtful of their investment. By jumping to an Arca-Swiss compatible system changing only a clamp or the ball head will not be enough. All extra camera and lens plates purchased will be useless.