I’m looking for something like a camera-rig “super clamp” (crab style) like this SmallRig that is less bulky, lighter. It will be used to mount various flashlights.
The typical metal super-clamps work well but are too bulky and heavy.
Requirements:
It must have one of the 3 common mounting options:
1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 threads typically found on super clamps
cold shoe mount
Must open up to ~ 40mm (but a few mm less is OK)
Must have rubber inner pad for grip & protect finish of flashlight
No other attachments (ball head, rosette, etc)
Some things that caught my eye are Lumintop bike mount. It kinda looks like a hot shoe mount, but probably isn’t (waiting to hear back).
So, you’re looking for is a flashlight “clamping device” that has all the features of a super clamp, but can’t be a super clamp! So if ball heads and such are out, how are you planning on mounting the clamped flashlight to other objects? In fact, what objects are you planning to mount this flashlight… a bike, the exterior of a vehicle, a helmet, a tripod… what?
Does it need to be mountable to a variety of devices, or is it more of a permanent/semi-permanent situationt?
Also, what’s your budget if you have a limit?
I ask these questions because I’ve researched & searched for all types of flashlight mounts over the years and haven’t found anything more versatile/modular, stable, sturdy, and relatively inexpensive as a super clamp setup. However, I understand your desire for something lighter & less bulky.
Depending on your intended purpose(s), I may have other possible solutions for you to consider. You can PM me if you prefer.
Ha! Actually I’m looking for a super clamp that’s made from composite mostly for weight savings, it doesn’t need to be so super to hold flashlights for testing. It will be attached to 1/4"-20 post at the end of a 15mm rod (standard camera stuff).
Everything else about super clamp is fine, including cost (they are not that expensive). But I may have up to 4 of these mounted at the same time on a portable rig, which is why I’m trying to find one fundamentally lighter.
Gotcha! Although my searches were never for something like composite/lighter weight versions of super clamps, I still don’t recall ever coming upon something like that. If I do ever find something of interest, I’ll be sure to alert you.
Based on price and quality, Small Rig’s Super Clamps and accessories are a solid value.
With so many similar style mounts available on Amazon.com, I missed that brand, which has a 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Table Clamp that looks very solid. So thank you!
This is the model I have that reminded me of @runswithsnakes request for help, which I meant to include in my previous post, because it’s very lightweight and works great. Unfortunately, in addition to B&H no longer having it, I also can’t find it anywhere else either, but I’ll keep looking.
