What a great tip.
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My In-Car Window Support Strategy
- Thread starter Steve
- Start date
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Mr. P
New member
Same here and it has worked great for the last 5 years. 
I cut up a pool noodle . I cut it to size for the window and it slides nicely on the window
Blutch
New member
A pool noodle works really well too. A bit thicker which gives you even more padding for your monster lens.
Sarajit
New member
This improvisation is so simple yet so effective. It saves a lot of money and will save in carrying another heavy accessory/equipment. And the best part is it has a motorized height adjustable featureI've had some questions about what I use when shooting from the car. It's WAY simpler than you think
Great tip
JLT
Member
Great Tip...Home Depot trip tomorrow!
Wilde
New member
This is a very useful tip, thank you Steve.
InaBouhuijzen-Fotografie
New member
Wauw, simple and great tip!
Nice tip and a good use for some excess I have on hand.
My wife made a couple of been bags using small stuffing pellets from a local craft store. She made to sizes - one for small lenses, one for larger lenses like the 80-400 or 500 PF. The bean bags allow the lens to settle in and provide a surprising stable motion free base.
My wife made a couple of been bags using small stuffing pellets from a local craft store. She made to sizes - one for small lenses, one for larger lenses like the 80-400 or 500 PF. The bean bags allow the lens to settle in and provide a surprising stable motion free base.
Thanks to Steve's advice....I've been using this method for about a year or so (I think it was featured in one of his earlier videos). It is incredibly simple and effective. I keep a section of the pipe insulation in my truck console, as well as another section in my camera backpack.
ProperFrame
Active member
Both pipe insulation and pool noodles work. I have used both at times. Currently I am working through a 5 foot pool noodle in one foot increments. Purchased at the dollar store. Huge expense - 20 cents per piece. Heartbroken every time one is lost or destroyed.
I do use the soft rubber pipe insulation on the Gitzo legs. Fits perfectly around the upper section, peel the plastic and stick the sides together, cover the joint and the top/bottom with gaffers tape. Lasts most of a year and then I spend another $8 and refit it during slow times.
I do use the soft rubber pipe insulation on the Gitzo legs. Fits perfectly around the upper section, peel the plastic and stick the sides together, cover the joint and the top/bottom with gaffers tape. Lasts most of a year and then I spend another $8 and refit it during slow times.
Shadow3829
New member
That is what I did. I work for a company that makes them.I cut up a pool noodle . I cut it to size for the window and it slides nicely on the window
GeorgeMutch
New member
Hi Steve, what a great tip! Piping already in the glove box for my next trip. Thanks.
Nice video. Thanks. We have a local wildlife refuge with an "auto-route" where you stay in your car and shoot. It is a one-way 4+ mile loop. Because it is 1-way, photo opportunities come up on either side of your car. This poses a problem for the driver's side arrangement - but I've seen folks take a 2x4 board braced by the back window ledge and the dash which is used as a camera/lens support to shoot out the passenger's side window. Much better than hand holding shooting out the pax window. I have a bean bag as well as a pool noodle for the driver's side window of my SUV, and I also have a Kirk window support system on which I can mount my Wimberley Gimbal. I kind of like that because it lets me easily move the lens around if birds aren't staying still - often the case.
Laurent Dieu
Active member
Thanks Steve, a great advice as always.
Thanks ... pool noodles do work if they are easier to get but they are bulkier. Guess I better go to the local plumbing supply store.I've had some questions about what I use when shooting from the car. It's WAY simpler than you think
will139
Active member
Excellent idea,
Flyboy
Active member
Outstanding tip! Thanx! Now, why didn't I think of that?I've had some questions about what I use when shooting from the car. It's WAY simpler than you think
fcotterill
Well-known member
I've used the insulation foam as support on a car window, after reading Steve's tip on this gadget back in 2018 Works well.
I bought the compact StediLens gadget. This was in early March, just before virus lockdown in S Africa; so I haven't tested it properly yet on a trip
www.stedilens.com
demo on window -
This gadget definitely allows more flexibility (eg compared to the bigger Badger groundpod on a beanbag) is where one can position a heavy telephoto rig. The PVC ballhead can be switched swiftly on and off a monopod or tripod, as well as window-bracket. And you can lift out to freehold. But never let go of the rig! I purchased directly from the designer, Peter Derichs, but a couple of retailers stock it eg
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
Works well.I bought the compact StediLens gadget. This was in early March, just before virus lockdown in S Africa; so I haven't tested it properly yet on a trip
StediLens – Telephoto Lens Stabilizer or Camera Stabilizer
www.stedilens.com
demo on window -
This gadget definitely allows more flexibility (eg compared to the bigger Badger groundpod on a beanbag) is where one can position a heavy telephoto rig. The PVC ballhead can be switched swiftly on and off a monopod or tripod, as well as window-bracket. And you can lift out to freehold. But never let go of the rig! I purchased directly from the designer, Peter Derichs, but a couple of retailers stock it eg
Badger Gear Ground Pod | Wildlife Photography | Outdoorphoto
Badger Gear Ground Pod is the perfect solution for shooting at ground level or from a flat surface. Works with all gimbal heads for large telephoto lenses.
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
StediLens Base Unit | Camera & Telephoto Lens Stabiliser
StediLens Base Unit is a camera and telephoto lens stabiliser for your beanbag, tripod or monopod. It lets you track action with smooth camera movements.
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
Badger Gear Ground Pod | Wildlife Photography | Outdoorphoto
Badger Gear Ground Pod is the perfect solution for shooting at ground level or from a flat surface. Works with all gimbal heads for large telephoto lenses.
www.outdoorphoto.co.za
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I've used the insulation foam as support on a car window, after reading Steve's tip on this gadget back in 2018
I bought the compact StediLens gadget. This was in early March, just before virus lockdown in S Africa; so I haven't tested it properly yet on a trip http://www.petersguide.co.za/index.php/stedilens
demo on window -
This gadget definitely allows more flexibility (eg compared to the bigger Badger groundpod on a beanbag) is where one can position a heavy telephoto rig. The PVC ballhead can be switched swiftly on and off a monopod or tripod, as well as window-bracket. And you can lift out to freehold. But never let go of the rig! I purchased directly from the designer, Peter Derichs, but a couple of retailers stock it eg
Interesting device.....do you know if it's available from anyone here in the U.S.?
MikeR
New member
Thanks!
Often the simplest solutions are the best.
Often the simplest solutions are the best.
I have used a rig like that for years. I usually carry an extra piece of two and often give one to a guy out shooting.
Stevie n
Well-known member
Brill once again Steve P
Kris850
New member
I've had some questions about what I use when shooting from the car. It's WAY simpler than you think
Kris850
New member
Steve once again keeping it simple..