Camera Car Window Mount - Need Advise

KensDigitalMedia · Jan 31, 2008

I plan to take some pictures on the back roads in Wisconsin, so beautiful in the spring - fall

and I have a tripod but I hate getting out, getting everything set up just to take a picture. I'm looking at a camera window mount for my camera.

I'm looking at a mount that has good construction, adjustable and a good price.

Can anyone give me some advice on a good mount?

Thanks

jstuedle · Jan 31, 2008

I have one made by Bushnell. It is solid enough for something up to a D80 or D300 and a short telephoto. I wouldn't put something as big as a 70-200 2.8 unless you use the pod mount under the lens. A 180 2.8 might be too much weight hanging outside. I've had it quite a while, I'm not sure they still have it in there lineup, but it was the strongest one I've seen. The problem is the strength of the window, they flex more than you think with not as much load as you would imagine.

MarcusM · Jan 31, 2008

wow, getting out and enjoying nature is half the fun...taking pictures from a car seems so tacky! :lol:

jwkwd · Jan 31, 2008

Kirk makes one as well, a bit on the pricey side, but a good product.

Spidy · Jan 31, 2008

What a great idea. There are many times I'm traveling, and when you are on the road a lot and there are a lot of areas of interest, I would think this would come in handy.

Make sure you post some shots on here, can't wait to see them.

Eupfhoria · Feb 1, 2008

You can always use a big bag of dried beans if you are willing to apply duct tape to your car (and keep a hand on your camera).

JerryPH · Feb 1, 2008

I made one for my video camera... so I can take vids of me racing down the track.

The nice part is that it costs very little to make.

http://syner-g.org/videocam.htm

It attaches to the bars that hold the head-rest of the passenger seat.

Enjoy!

JerryPH · Feb 1, 2008

MarcusM said:
wow, getting out and enjoying nature is half the fun...taking pictures from a car seems so tacky!

Tacky? How so? Some of the most interesting landscapes that my parents ever took was at 65 MPH from a moving car!

KensDigitalMedia · Feb 1, 2008

The Bushnell car window mount is what I'm thinking of getting. The price and features are good. Your right, the window movement may be a small problem but I'm thinking I can press on the window to make it more stable.

I've taken a look at the Kirk mounts and I just have to say.. Wow. The prices are high but they make some great designs. The Kirk window mount with the BH-1 ball head that interests me is $604.95. I guess I'll stick with the Bushnell mount for now.

JerryPH, I checked out your website and I have to say that's a great idea.

To MarcusM
Maybe I worded my post wrong, taking pictures from inside a vehicle may seem like I'm lazy or I don't want to enjoy my surroundings but thats not the meaning I was trying to get across.

Picture this, driving down a county road and you spot a deer or bear out in a field. You could stop, get out and setup the tripod to take some closeups only to look up and find that the animal took off, or that the bear is now 3 feet from you. I'm looking for a fast way I can stop and snap and a window mount makes sense.

Thanks everyone for your advise