Bike mount for DSLR

[elmoandzoey]

So I broke my ankle pretty badly which means that I'll be in need of an ECV for our upcoming trip to WDW :/ Of course I've already been thinking how'd I do that with my camera since I usually have it out ready to snap pictures. So I was thinking I was just gonna mount it to the ECV handlebar. I have a small clamp which I use to mount my smartphone to the tripod so I can control my DSLR by phone. That clamp isn't strong enough to use with a DSLR though. Does anyone have any recommendations for a clamp that I can use with a DSLR? Or any other kind of mount that's easy to mount to the handlebar and is strong enough for a DSLR? I think such a thing could come in quite handy, especially at dusk and at night when I'd need a tripod anyway for longer exposures.

 

[xlxo]

I recommend a GoPro.... DSLR's may not like all that vibration through the shutter and lenses.

 

[elmoandzoey]

What do I want with a GoPro? I think you may have misunderstood - I am not looking into filming while I'm riding the ECV. And obviously, a GoPro can't replace my DSLR for just taking pics. I'm just looking for a mount that I can put my DSLR on once in a while to take pics so I don't have to park the ECV, set up the tripod, mount the camera and break everything down again to store it just so I have to bring it out 5 mins later again. I can't carry the camera attached to the tripod like I normally would while riding an ECV so I was thinking if I mount it the ECV instead it'll be much easier.

I have a Gorillapod but I am not sure I'd be able to use that one to attach the camera to the handlebar tightly.

 

[xlxo]

As you ride over sidewalk bumps and various obstacles... the DSLR and len mass will get the worst of it mounted on handlebars/frames. As a result, a GoPro was suggested as there is no moving parts and it's relatively lightweight.

Hmm... have you considered the Manfrotto Super Clamp? Another option is the Friction/Magic Arm. However some people have problems with these extensions.

• https://www.google.ca/search?q=manfrotto+super+clamp&tbm=isch
• https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71PaVobqo7L._SL256_.jpg

I use the Super Clamp when the Gorillapod can't handle the load when attaching to tables, poles and stands.

 

[elmoandzoey]

I don't want to leave the DSLR on the ECV while I am riding. I can just wear it crossbody then and bring it up to take a pic when needed. I was looking for something to mount my DSLR to instead of a tripod while the ECV is stopped so I don't have to continually completely setup, breakdown and store the tripod which I usually would keep out and attached to the camera when I know I will continually need it (obviously that won't work while riding an ECV because I'll need both hands to ride the ECV and can't carry the tripod).

The Super Clamp looks like what I was looking for. My local music store actually carries it, huh. Their website says 30lbs punctual load which sounds pretty good. Oh wait - my brother has something like that in his music equipment. I wonder if it's the same? I think I gotta call him. If not, I wonder if I can manage a trip to the music store to actually look at that thing.

 

[jec6613]

If it's only for use on a stopped ECV, you could also use a GorillaPod, or at least pick up the Ballhead-X. It'll take Arca-Swiss plates, so if you have a strap that goes into the tripod mount you can switch between it and something like the B2-FABN.

 

[elmoandzoey]

I usually use my regular Manfrotto ballhead on the Gorillapod if I need a ballhead. What I am unsure though is if I will be able to get the Gorillapod tight enough around the handlebar so it'll allow me to take long exposure HDRs without moving. I usually don't have a problem with long exposure HDRs on the Gorillapod if I use it as a tripod but I've never really tried it with handlebars. That's why I was looking for something a bit more "stable" than that. Maybe I should just try it. I guess that would save me the expenses on the Super Clamp (though the clamp is only about 15€ which isn't very expensive). Of course using the Gorillapod would give me a wider area to use on the ECV than the clamp.....

I also have a Kirk quick release plate that I use with my Blackrapid, kinda like the B2.

 

[jec6613]

I usually use my regular Manfrotto ballhead on the Gorillapod if I need a ballhead. What I am unsure though is if I will be able to get the Gorillapod tight enough around the handlebar so it'll allow me to take long exposure HDRs without moving. I usually don't have a problem with long exposure HDRs on the Gorillapod if I use it as a tripod but I've never really tried it with handlebars. That's why I was looking for something a bit more "stable" than that. Maybe I should just try it. I guess that would save me the expenses on the Super Clamp (though the clamp is only about 15€ which isn't very expensive). Of course using the Gorillapod would give me a wider area to use on the ECV than the clamp.....

I also have a Kirk quick release plate that I use with my Blackrapid, kinda like the B2.

Yeah, I'm familiar with the Kirk clamp, but I use primarily RRS instead of Kirk.

The Gorillapod is going to be far more stable on the handlebars than the ECV is to begin with - remember, there's a suspension system and so on, it's not designed to be immobile so there's already more than enough movement in the ECV to cause trouble for critically sharp photos. Even a basic set of aluminum legs is going to be orders of magnitude better for stability than an ECV handlebar.

 

[elmoandzoey]

Yeah, I'm familiar with the Kirk clamp, but I use primarily RRS instead of Kirk.

The Gorillapod is going to be far more stable on the handlebars than the ECV is to begin with - remember, there's a suspension system and so on, it's not designed to be immobile so there's already more than enough movement in the ECV to cause trouble for critically sharp photos. Even a basic set of aluminum legs is going to be orders of magnitude better for stability than an ECV handlebar.

Oh, I never even thought about that. I have never used an ECV before. Of course that would make an impact on using the handlebars as a replacement for a tripod. Hm. I guess I have to rethink that then.