Why use a Window Mount?
While driving along the road, I often see hawks and other birds perched on a fence or telephone pole or roadside tree. These birds are used to cars and pay no attention to them. But the moment I stop the car and get out to take a photo, the birds fly away. So how to photograph them? The answer is to stay in the car and use the vehicle as a blind.
When taking photos with a long lens, it is best to use a tripod to hold the camera steady. But this is not possible inside a vehicle. The solution is to use a window mount.
Manfrottos window mount model 243 with ball head model 342
I use the Manfrotto model 243. You simply put the window about 3/4 of the way down and slide the mount over the glass and tighten it.
I found that it works easier if you fasten the mount to the camera first, before putting it on the window. It simply screws into the hole in the bottom of the camera or a scope.
On top of the window mount, I have a Manfrotto ball head model 342. This enables me to tilt the camera in any direction. The window clamp and the ball head are two separate items that fit together. You could mount a camera or scope on the clamp without the ball head, but then it would not swivel. Some other models have a handle, but I found this to be unnecessary as I just use the whole camera as the handle and move it in the direction I desire.
If you have a very long lens, the weight might push downward on the ball head. The solution to this problem is to aim slightly above the object you want to photograph and then let the lens lower itself a bit afterwards.
I keep my window mount in my vehicle at all times and find it to be an indispensable tool for my wildlife photography.
I have also used this technique for roadside mammals such as badgers and bears. Besides using the vehicle as a blind, it also provides protection if a bear gets too close.
left – Manfroto window mount model 243 without ball head
right – Manfroto ball head model 494RC2
These items are inexpensive. The clamp runs about $40 and the ball head another $20. There is a more expensive version of the ball head called model 494RC2 which has a quick release plate like a tripod, but this item costs about $85.
Manfrotto products are strong and durable. They also make excellent tripods.