p.1 #1 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
Hello all,
I am trying to locate a support for my camera and long lens when shooting from the driver's seat out the passenger's side? The best I have come up with is setting one leg of a Gitzo Traveler tripod, series one 1541, in the driver's foot compartment, one leg between the driver's seat and the center console and one leg angled out to rest on the passenger's door. Naturally a passenger is not in the vehicle.
I happen to have a Toyota Highlander. The console is 9 1/8" wide with just a slight arc front to back. I would prefer something that would mount to the console with thin brackets either side to brace the whole setup.
p.1 #2 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
My solution is to place one end of a Gitzo GM3550 monopod on the passenger side dash and the other on the back of the passenger seat. I open the monopod as much as needed to get good contact. To protect the monopod & lens, I've added a length of pipe insulation to the relevant monopod bits. This has served me well in 2006 and 2017 4Runners, with setups as heavy as EF 500 f/4L (II) + 1D Mark IV (I now use it with R5 and Canon's longest RF zooms). The only thing is that I sometimes need to stretch a bit to clear the console. The good part is that it allows quite a bit of tracking range.
p.1 #3 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
Great idea Abbott. I will give that a go.
Ultimately I would like to have something that takes all the weight off me like a ball head but then, as you touched on, your tracking range is somewhat reduced due to the stationary pivot point.
p.1 #4 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
WildImages wrote:
Great idea Abbott. I will give that a go.
Ultimately I would like to have something that takes all the weight off me like a ball head but then, as you touched on, your tracking range is somewhat reduced due to the stationary pivot point.
Thank you!
Haven't tried it myself, but reading about Abbott's monopod setup made me think one could use a clamp on the monopod that has a 1/4 by 20 socket then mount a small ball head to it. Might just have to try that myself, as I do a lot of wildlife/bird shooting
p.1 #5 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
My temporary solution as it takes the weight of the camera set-up off your arms.
WildImages wrote:
Hello all,
I am trying to locate a support for my camera and long lens when shooting from the driver's seat out the passenger's side? The best I have come up with is setting one leg of a Gitzo Traveler tripod, series one 1541, in the driver's foot compartment, one leg between the driver's seat and the center console and one leg angled out to rest on the passenger's door. Naturally a passenger is not in the vehicle.
I happen to have a Toyota Highlander. The console is 9 1/8" wide with just a slight arc front to back. I would prefer something that would mount to the console with thin brackets either side to brace the whole setup.
p.1 #8 · Automobile center console heavy camera lens support?
It would be a good idea to attach the tripod to the seat belt attachment points below the seat back, so the camera is more secure in the event of a sudden stop (maybe accident are almost?). You don't want the camera crashing against the windshield or dash panel if anything like a sudden stop happens.
I always carry a hank or two of parachute cord (small and very strong rope) that I cut to length when needed like this, or when lifting my camera bag up to me when in high places. It works well to secure light stands, tripods, etc. to large rocks, railings, etc on very windy days too. A roll of Gaffer Tape is also kept handy, for when the Parachute Cord just isn't quite enough. I usually buy the Parachute Cord in bright orange, so it can be seen by anyone before they trip over it, but it comes in black and camo too. Walmart and Camping Gear are the best sources, but I think Amazon carries it too. It's 3/16 to 1/4" in diameter. New tall boot shoe laces will work too, but the parachute cord comes in longer lengths.
