Clamps are handy little pieces of gear every shooter should have available in their kit. The images may not be the exact same clamps shown in this article, but it's a good reference of how i've used clamps in the past to mount accessories such as the Zoom H4n.
Here's a couple of different little clamps to mount your 1/4-20 accessories to a tripod leg, or maybe even a light stand. The first clamp (below) is a recent product which opens to 4cm, is of metal construction, and offers a 1/4-20 male threaded mount which can be used to mount your accessories directly. Starts under $8 dollars/each via eBay (Found Here).
Super Mini Tripod Clamp
This next clamp has been around for a while, one of my favorites, and it's something that I use in combination of a short Friction Arm. The clamp offers a 1/4-20 thread and 3/8" thread. Since you'll need to add an additional friction arm, this is the more expensive solution to clamping your accessories. Starts around $9 dollars/each via eBay (Click Here)
Super Mini Clamp with 1/4-20 & 3/8" Thread Clamp
Here's another Mini C Clamp that works equally well with round rods (a.k.a tripod leg/light stand) as well as with flat surfaces like a table. It offers a 5/8" lightstand mount and a 1/4-20 threaded tip. With a bit of modding, you can remove the lightstand adapter and drill a new hole to mount a ball head for more flexibility. This C Clamp runs about $7.50 US/each via eBay (Click Here)
Mini 1/4-20 Threaded 5/8 Light Stand C Clamp
Darren Levine
I have one of these, which aside from the rubber grips, is all metal. I love it. Like emm mentioned, this type is better for tube surfaces, but if you take care when mounting, can work on flat surfaces very securely as well. i've even used it to rig an RX10 to a railing, perfectly solid.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PMJVS8/dlevi-20
Sandman
Just wanted to add that I received the type 1 clamp yesterday and it is actually of plastic construction (apart from the bolt and nut) rather than metal as mentioned in the article. For me it is actually even better, as weight is an issue when using it for action cameras (e.g. at the end of a ski pole), however, the longetivity and sturdiness will probably be worse than if it was metal. Just FYI.
Emm
Post author@Filmari nunti - This was done on the Sony RX100 point and shoot camera. I did not use a LAV microphone.
Filmari nunti
Thanks so much Emm. Your reviews are always very good.
Can you please tell me what lavalier mic you use for this review?
Its seems very good.
Thank you !
Workimage Video Production
Thanks, I have been looking to get some of these for a while, Need to add my audio recorder into my rig and try to tidy everything up.
Not really a fan of cages, so these should help.
Alex
Pete
"problem I have is that devices will sometimes spin at the tripod socket since it’s screwed on–especially when it’s on the friction arm. So if it’s top heavy, it will spin top to bottom. Anybody have a DIY tip to avoid this?"
I use these sorts of clamps frequently with friction arms. The only way to prevent them loosening when holding something quite heavy like a TM900 cam that I have found is to angle the friction arm in such a way that the weight of the accessory acts to tighten the screwin rather than to loosen it. In other words don't have the arm and accessory perpendicular to the clamp.
Pete
Rob S.
Thanks Emm. Maybe I'll give that a try.
Sandman
Unfortunatelly, the first one is sold out in both Ebey and Amazon and also I can't seem to find a clamp with this type of screw/handle. This could be very useful also for action camera shots (e.g. attaching to skipoles).
Emm
Post author@Steven, yes they can grip pretty good.
Steven
Think these would work good for mounting a gopro in a car car or to a bike frame/fork?
Emm
Post author@Rob S. - The one that can clamp to flat surfaces can be drilled out (replace the light stand adapter) and you can mount a small Quick Release plate. This will lock an accessory in place and won't spin. It wil also be an easy way to get the accessory on and off.
Rob S.
I have some of the miniclamps and use them all the time. The only problem I have is that devices will sometimes spin at the tripod socket since it's screwed on--especially when it's on the friction arm. So if it's top heavy, it will spin top to bottom. Anybody have a DIY tip to avoid this? Torquing it down works to a point but...
jonyoshi
Just ordered a couple of SupMiTripod clamps. Great price. If they hold up, I'll get a few more. Thanks for all the great posts!
jayhas
Thanks Emm for reminding me I need to get some of these:) I just ordered the super mini clamp/7" friction arm combo from the same dealer.
Emm
Post author@Chris - Yes of course. I suggest pairing any of these clamps with a friction arm to open up options.
Chris
Can this clamp be used on a boompole to attach a Zoom H4n, so that the recorder doesn't need to go in a pocket? 😀
Scott
As much as the other clamps are nice, I'm partial to the Super Mini Clamp. I've never had one fail me, and I keep seeming to buy more of them. Combined with a magic arm, they really are the cat's meow.
Uses:
- Monitor Clamp
- Mic Clamp
- Flag Clamp
- Boom Clamp (Combined with ball head & second SMC)
- Light Clamp (Combined with 3/8 > 1/4" adapter)
... the list goes on.
Thanks again for giving me the original heads up on these, Emm.