Shooting from the car

[ABWildlifePhoto]

I am looking for a window clamp or a similar (sturdier!) type of thing to support my camera with 500mm lens... any suggestions?

 

[Bondy]

I am looking for a window clamp or a similar (sturdier!) type of thing to support my camera with 500mm lens... any suggestions?

Most of the clamps I've seen are not really suitable for a 500mm lens. I would use a large bean bag, perhaps something like this
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-stealth-gear-double-bean-bag-camera-support-urban-charcoal/p1522224

 

[artyman]

Clamping anything heavy or with any form of leverage onto a window is likely to see you visiting the dealer for a new side window. I would be wary about even clamping a DSLR with just a 50mm on it, as said just use a bean bag and rest it on it, much better.

 

[Orville]

Use a roof rack and get a metal worker / tradesman to weld a strong bracket and head on. It should be pretty straightforward to make it usable from within the car if that's what you need. A roof rack will be the only thing sturdy eneough to hold a long heavy lens.

 

[buckas]

'Grumpybadger' used to use a pretty tidy window bracket years ago, might be worth a forum search to find it

 

[artyman]

Using a suction clamp on the door may be an alternative solution, I think Manfrotto do something.

 

[Cagey75]

I would go with the bean-bag option under lens too, should do for reasonable shutter speeds.

 

[On the Huh]

Maplins use to sell summit for this. Not sure if they stll do. Can't find it anymore.

 

[postcardcv]

When shooting from a car I either use a large bean bag (much easier to move from side to side and grab for quick shots) or an Ergorest with head attached. The Ergorest hooks over the top of the window and rests against the door, it is a nice bit of kit and I have had no problems with my windows when using it.

 

[cosmicma]

iv'e always used a bit of pipe lagging from the local diy
dirt cheap and works a treat and if a want extra support i place a bean bag on top of the lagging

 

[joker2006]

Used thicker pipe lagging on the van windows before works well. Seeing as we have an abundance of it lol

 

[PickleB]

Most of the clamps I've seen are not really suitable for a 500mm lens...]

Kirk claim theirs is "ready to handle lenses up to 800 mm": see link.

More ideas (including bean bags); here.

 

[rowland]

have a look at the ram-mount kit (www.ram-mount.co.uk), there's 1000's of options and with a 1 1/2 or 2" ball you should be able to find something in there. The customer service from them in the UK is brilliant.