Car window mount: Has any one used one? If so is there a recommendation? I have a Bushnel 78 44 07. It is OK, but could be improved.

WAL

Has any one used one? If so is there a recommendation? I have a Bushnel 78 44 07. It is OK, but could be improved.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

WAL wrote:

Has any one used one? If so is there a recommendation? I have a Bushnel 78 44 07. It is OK, but could be improved.

In a car, I recommend using a "carpod' - a short monopd adjustable from the top that rests on the floor between the seat and door and has a Manfro 234rc tilt head with quick release.

LouT Loc: Maryland

A slit piece of foam water pipe insulation placed on the partially opened car window makes a good monopod when shooting from an auto. It's cheap and minimizes engine vibration effects on the camera shutter.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

WAL wrote:

Has any one used one? If so is there a recommendation? I have a Bushnel 78 44 07. It is OK, but could be improved.

Call Carter @ The Camera Cottage. You need his Puffin Pad Pro. You can reach him here @ MTShooter. Great little piece of pre-cut foam that is very practical. Works on windows, doors, fence posts, etc. :lol: :lol: :lol:

plessner Loc: North Dakota

davidrb wrote:

Call Carter @ The Camera Cottage. You need his Puffin Pad Pro. You can reach him here @ MTShooter. Great little piece of pre-cut foam that is very practical. Works on windows, doors, fence posts, etc. :lol: :lol: :lol:

I have one of these and I love it

Bob Boner

I have one but I no longer use it. Instead I use a large bean bag with the window down on the driver's side window. It is much easier to manage than the window mount, especially in cold or rainy weather.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

LouT wrote:

A slit piece of foam water pipe insulation placed on the partially opened car window makes a good monopod when shooting from an auto. It's cheap and minimizes engine vibration effects on the camera shutter.

Are you unable to shut off the engine to stop engine vibration?

Dennis

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

There can be annoying interference with lens zoom and focus adjusting when using pads and bags.....

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

imagemeister wrote:

There can be annoying interference with lens zoom and focus adjusting when using pads and bags.....

Oh let's face it Imagemeister...
You need an Intervention.
You are hopelessly ensnared in monopods and require fellow Hedgehogs to come tear your hands free to open you up to a truly interesting world beyond.
That said.... yeah, I can see your point.
Now, what-if... what if the shooter cradles the lens in their palm, and rests their hand on the foam? :shock:
;) :lol:

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

SonnyE wrote:

Oh let's face it Imagemeister...
You need an Intervention.
You are hopelessly ensnared in monopods and require fellow Hedgehogs to come tear your hands free to open you up to a truly interesting world beyond.
That said.... yeah, I can see your point.
Now, what-if... what if the shooter cradles the lens in their palm, and rests their hand on the foam? :shock:
;) :lol:

You are not going to like my answer, - because then your hand becomes an interference to exacting precision intentional control ! My experience is you cannot have ANYTHING coming in contact with the zoom or focus controls at or near the moment of exposure for fear of unintentional movements.

Since I am 45 years in photography - not bragging, but I have used a few tripods as well as other support systems in my days - they (tripods) are fine for static subjects with slower shutter speeds neccessitated by using film and in blinds and around nests and feeders and - with super large and heavy lenses like 600 f4.

Digital higher ISOs and shutter speeds has freed us up to use monopods more effectively - and ergonomically ! - as well as other supports like bodypods and handholding.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

imagemeister wrote:

You are not going to like my answer, - because th... (show quote)

What's not to like about your answer?
I've got your leg, and I'm pullin it.
I'm not sure I can get my Sirui Monopod down the seat/door crack, but I'm going to try it.

But you still need an intervention... (ducks...runs...) ;) :lol:

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

SonnyE wrote:

What's not to like about your answer?
I've got your leg, and I'm pullin it.
I'm not sure I can get my Sirui Monopod down the seat/door crack, but I'm going to try it.

But you still need an intervention... (ducks...runs...) ;) :lol:

Your Sirui should work once you get it adjusted for correct height - the only disadvantage ( I think) is inconvenience and slowness of height adjustments. Hopefully you have a tilt head of some kind on it also....

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

One step better is a swim noodle. Cut to desired length then slit it half way through so it fits over the glass, adjust window to correct height for you & shoot. Turn off the car engine if possible to eliminate vibration.

LouT wrote:

A slit piece of foam water pipe insulation placed on the partially opened car window makes a good monopod when shooting from an auto. It's cheap and minimizes engine vibration effects on the camera shutter.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

imagemeister wrote:

Your Sirui should work once you get it adjusted for correct height - the only disadvantage ( I think) is inconvenience and slowness of height adjustments. Hopefully you have a tilt head of some kind on it also....

It does, and I do.
Actually, I bought it for it's ability to become very compact for traveling. And I'm very happy with it's adjustments. The sections drop by gravity, with one lone exception. That one needs a touch of help.
And yes, a ball head for those rare occasions it can help with angular settings. Had I to do it over, I would get the tilt head instead. ;)

Bob Boner

imagemeister wrote:

There can be annoying interference with lens zoom and focus adjusting when using pads and bags.....

The bean bag gives much more flexibility for aiming the camera. If it is setting on the tripod collar lens foot (as your lens is on the monopod) there is no interference from the bag for zoom and/or focus. In fact, the focus ring on the lens does not move when focusing using autofocus (at least that is so for my Canon lenses). Raising or lowering the window adjusts the camera to eye level faster than changing the length of the monopod. Most of the folks I know who do wildlife photography from the car use the bean bag. In many places, the car is a pretty good blind because many of the subjects are used to cars. Open the door and they are gone.