Combo adapter

[Coues]

I have been thinking about this for awhile but can't come up with a good design. I want to find a way to mount 2 items (Camera/spotting scope/binocs/video) to tripod at the same time. For instance, if I am glassing a far away hillside with the binocs and want to quicky switch to the spotter, I either have to carry 2 tripods (that sucks) or take off the binocs and switch to the scope (that sucks too!)

I have thought about making a plate that attatches to the tripod head that is wide enough to mount 2 items. It just seems that the stability would suffer and what's the use in having a tripod if it is shaking in the breeze?

Another option would be to clamp or weld a window type mount to one of the legs.

My third idea would be to somehow fashion a tripod adapter that would allow me to mount the second item "piggyback" above the first.

Any of you Einsteins have any ideas?

Thanks

Jeff

 

[spectr17]

Hey Jeff,

I've seen people use these arms to mount external flashes etc. It would work for a spotter I would think or other glass.

There's one on Ebay right now. Bogen Manfrotto Variable Friction Magic Arm they call it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...&category=30080

I would definately go with a sturdy and heavier tripod with the spike legs to keep it right side up. Of course, heavier means more grunting in the hills.

 

[Coues]

I wonder if you could modify that thing so that the mounting head is on the same arm as the clamp? In other words, get rid of the extra arm. The way it is now looks like a back breaker weight wise.

I already have a decent tripod. It's a bogen 3001N that I cut down to lighten up. It's very steady, but it does not have spiked feet.

 

[spectr17]

Coues,

Bogen sells that adapter in 3 seperate pieces so you could get just that leg clamp. Then tap it for a 1/4 20 thread stud to mount up a spotter or another cam or binos.

I think balance will depend on what you mount and how close it is to the COG of the tripod. I'm gonna try and find a clamp and play with it myself.