Leofoto MPG-01L Monopod Head Side Mount with Arca-Type QR Clamp and Plate

Quality engineering - works perfectly.

I was skeptical of the lever release, but it is quick, very secure and the locking tension is finely adjustable. I use a heavy lens (OS 150-600mm) for bird photography. I wanted something more portable than the LeoPhoto leveling tripod and PG1 gimbal (both excellent btw) and have played with monopods - with and without a gimbal. Without a gimbal, the monopod and lens are too rigid in the vertical plane. And, while the traditional gimbal works, it unbalances the rig and adds too much weight for field work. This little side-mount is fantastic. I don't fuss too much about the tension knob, finding any reasonable tension allows me track, while simply putting hand pressure on the lens barrel steadies the rig. Once you get used to balancing the off-set mount it's really great. The lever release can be tensioned to provide secure hold of the plate- but it does not need undue force when closing. Thoroughly recommended. Ignore the twits who suggest adding panning or leveling bases to the monopod - the whole rig spins!!