50 http://www.amateurphotographer.co.ukDO YOU ever nd yourself wishing you could t your
phone onto your tripod? If not, this intriguing device
from Benro isn’t for you. But if you ever make use
of smartphone features that aren’t readily
replicated by conventional cameras, such as
panorama or night modes, or you would like
to be able to lm video clips from a stable
support, this might just be the answer.
In essence, Benro has designed the
ArcaSmart 70 as a dual-purpose holder to
work with Arca Swiss compatible tripod
heads. Used in its folded-down at mode, it’s
a relatively conventional camera plate
measuring 4.8x7cm, although at 13mm deep, it
adds quite a lot of bulk. The camera screw slides
along a 3cm groove, giving some leeway to attach it
without blocking your battery compartment door.
Textured rubber grips provide a decent degree of
resistance against twisting, while removeable safety
screws at each end should prevent your camera
from sliding expensively off your tripod.
When you wish to use it for your phone instead,
simply pull up the hinged rectangular frame. This
reveals an extremely sturdy clamp that can accept
devices up to 8.5cm in width, which means pretty
much any current smartphone. For example, I found
it had no trouble accepting the Samsung Galaxy
Note20 Ultra in a chunky protective case – one of
the largest devices you can currently buy. Attach the
protective rubber cover to the camera screw, and
you can use it to hold the lower edge of your phone
in place more positively. There’s even a cold shoe
on top for microphones or lights, and while it’s
rather slim, you should still be able to clamp them
rmly in place.
Build quality is exemplary, thanks to machined
aluminium-alloy construction. Unlike cheaper
holders, this one provides full con dence that it’ll
hold your precious smartphone tightly in place.
Likewise, I’d happily entrust it with a high-end
camera. The biggest caveat is that, because the
screw only slides in one direction, it won’t
necessarily be a perfect t for cameras whose
tripod sockets are positioned towards the front of
the body, which is quite common with mirrorless
models that include in-body stabilisation.Ve r d i c t
The Benro ArcaSmart 70 is a well-designed,
robustly made device that does what it’s designed
to do very well. While it’s quite large and pricey,
there aren’t many other Arca-compatible
smartphone clamps around. The big question is
whether you can see a use for it; but if you can, it’ll
ALL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE STREET PRICESdo the job extremely well.If you’d just like a simple clamp
for occasionally fitting your
phone onto a tripod, take a look
at the Joby GripTight ONE (£20).
It’ll hold most
devices, and its
neat folding
design makes it very
easy to carry. It’s
also available in a
bundle with a
mini tripod stand.ALSO CONSIDER
Andy Westlake tries out a
two-in-one quick-release plate
● £40 ● http://www.benroeu.com
Clamp
The fold-up, sprung
phone clamp is capable
of holding the largest
devices, even when
housed in a
protective case.Screw
The camera screw can
be fastened using a coin,
hex key, or its sturdy
folding D-ring.ACCESSORIES Testbench
Benro ArcaSmart 70
At a glance
● Arca Swiss compatible
● 7cm wide camera plate
● Phone clamp for devices up
to 85mm wide
● Built-in accessory shoeCold shoe
A 6mm-wide cold shoe is
incorporated at the top of
the phone clamp for
holding a light or
microphone.Grips
Patterned rubber grips
provide a secure hold on
the camera and
smartphone.RecommendedAbove: The plate fits
Arca Swiss-type
release clamps50 Accessories Mar6 AW.indd 50 19/02/2021 16:50