Car Tripod?

[jocko_nc]

We've had a couple of CLEAR nights lately around here, I am getting the urge to head up to the Parkway for some night sky shots.

A year back I picked up a monster camera lens, a Tele-Takumar 1000 / F8. With the glare shield up, it about a meter long. I did build a tripod out of telescope parts, however it is useless for the sky (vertical), since I cannot get down low enough to properly work the camera.

So...

I am thinking about a camera mount that ties into the roof rack on the back of my Suburban. I could pick my spot and open the barn doors. Lots of room and the camera would be mounted nice and high. It is not like I would be lugging that lens and case very far anyway.

Anyone ever seen such a thing? As seen in the photos, it won't mount to the window.

Photos not mine, borrowed from the web for illustration.

 

[chillwolf]

I think B&H or Adorama had some kind of camera mounts that could be clamped onto things. :scratch2: They might have something that could work for you.

 

[mhardy6647]

They make clamp on car-window "tripod" mounts. I know that ABA (American Birding Association) has 'em; I am sure that B&H and/or Adorama will, too (as just stated above).
EDIT: Here's one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/190921-REG/Bushnell_784405.html or here's the kit n caboodle: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=window+mount&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

Another handy option is to buy a collapsible walking stick that has a 1/4"-20 stud on top (usually underneath a screw-on hand grip). A "monopod" can come in handy on the trail (although of course it's not the best solution for big, big glass).

Here's an example: http://www.rei.com/product/745686

 

[jocko_nc]

This thing is 7.5 kg...

I was thinking a folding VEE made out of wood that would extend back beyond the rear of the truck, with the legs locking under the rails of the roof rack. I could wedge a bean bag chair under the VEE to prop it up and give it a stable rest. Maybe I need a sketch.

I originally though of something that could mount into the receiver hitch same as a bike rack, but that is not high enough.

This thing is essentially a "6 inch" refractor telescope.

 

[jocko_nc]

Something like this?

 

[gewoonmaf]

I don't think a Gorillapod is up to the job, but they're really nice for car mounts.