Get Lower w/ SuperClamps!

[OdzBodkinz]

I'd like to share some of my newest acquisitions, as well as my enthusiasm for some new techniques.

I've had a SuperClamp for well over a year now, and I have really only used it to clip a speedlight onto a doorframe or something similar. I recently saw some neat applications in a magazine, so I wanted to share what I came up with.

I'm using two Impact SuperClamps ($20 each), the Bogen Superclamp ShortStud ($3) and an Impact Umbrella Holder($10).

The short stud replaces the standard stud and allows the ballhead to mount flush to the clamp. The standard stud allows to be fitted into the umbrella holder.

Now, I like to shoot flwoers close to the ground, and I was almost ready to buy a Kirk Low-Pod, but I think that this will satisfy my needs for the time being. While my tripod will allow me to invert the center pole, to make low shooting possible, I really hate operating my camera upside down....soooo, this option of mounting it to the leg, as low as I want becomes really handy. I can adjust the clamp to the height that I need and still retain the ballhead functions. I can spread the tripod legs as far as I need to get the stability, and I can even mount a flash offcamera for some nice side-ighting for closeups. I wanted to share with you, some of the images that I took of the whole set-up tonight.

[Harry]

Great reminder! I have been trying to find a way to mount one of my lights and totally forgot that I have a couple of these that I use with my video equipment.

[spector426]

That's a great idea. Where do I buy the super clamps and the standard stud Looks like a great way to shoot macro.
Rich

[OdzBodkinz]

Originally Posted by spector426

That's a great idea. Where do I buy the super clamps and the standard stud Looks like a great way to shoot macro.
Rich

Bogen makes Superclamps and all kinds of neat accessories. The clamps I have are made by Impact and cost less. The Bogens are $30, and the Impacts are $20. They seem similarly made. The Impact will take the Bogen accessories.

Bogen / Manfrotto Super Clamp System | B&H Photo Video

Super, Maffer & Jaw Clamps | B&H Photo Video

[Jacco]

Kewl, odz!

[ljh34465]

Hey, really nice post - thanks for sharing and have some K

[waple]

I'm not sure I understand what the stud is for and how you're using the umbrella holder. Would you mind elaborating?

[OdzBodkinz]

Originally Posted by waple

I'm not sure I understand what the stud is for and how you're using the umbrella holder. Would you mind elaborating?

The stud sticks up out of the clamp to allow a standard umbrella holder slide onto it, just like you would have on a lightstand. The umbrellas holder doesn't hold an umbrella in this application, but it does allow me some additional movement in directing the placement of the speedlight.

Let me know if I need to clear it up anymore. I may have missed something.