My In-Car Window Support Strategy

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I've had some questions about what I use when shooting from the car. It's WAY simpler than you think :)

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 feature 😃
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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

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


 
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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 :) 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 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.?
 
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