The Q-top does have some quite clever design details: A removable step-down thread plug matches to both the standard tripod mount sizes (1/4" and 3/8"). A second one is provided to match the upper part of the unit to camerasl featuring the larger size tripod socket.

The gray circular part is what is put on the camera. Just visible here are some cam-shaped cutouts around the inner rim on the underside of the attachment plate. These are spaced at 30-degrees intervals. Depressing the thick knob releases the lock between base and plate so that it can be either lifted off completely or rotated click by click.... with the 30 degrees steps providing just enough overlap in field-of-view between successive images shot using a wide angle lens of around 28 to 35 mm focal length (35 mm equivalent!) so that they can be successfully stitched together for a panorama without any visible seams.

Of course stacking the Q-top quick-release thing on top of the standard Manfrotto quick-release unit could seem a bit of overkill, but - lo and behold! - the distance between the center socket in the base of the Q-top and the two outer ones provided to store the step-down plugs when they are not in use just happens to match the standard 15 mm distance between a camera's tripod socket and the additional locking pin location, so there is no need to remove the locking pin when I want to attach the panorama setup to the tripod and to re-insert it when mounting the bare camera to the ball head.

I do not have either any personal connection with the manufacturer of the Q-top nor any financial interest in their product...... but it does really bristle with bright and cunny ideas: The small depression in the center of the circular mounting plate serves as a welcome location for your finger when you attach the plate to the camera!