Bird Photography Tips

This month we discuss a handy little gadget called the Bogen/Manfrotto Super Clamp. It is a nifty little device with special applications. It is a universal clamp that can be used to grasp objects like tripod legs, branches or railings. With appropriate adapters, you can attach nearly any tripod head to it. It also has a special socket for attaching a flexible arm (also made by Bogen/Manfrotto) that can be used to hold a flash.

In order to get low to the ground, traditionally you must flare the legs of your tripod out. A few problems arise when you use this method, if your tripod has a center post, it will limit your ability to get close to the ground.

The center column of many tripods is problematic once the legs are flared out as it prevents the legs from weight bearing properly. The entire unit then tends to "rock" on the center post. You must, therefore keep the unit at a certain minimum height to prevent this from occurring.

Additionally, often the tripod becomes less stable or bouncy when the legs are flared out fully. By attaching the super clamp to a tripod leg, it allows you to get as low as your back will stand without these shortcomings. Consider using this set up with shorebirds on sandy beaches or mudflats (see tips #18 on perspectives). Another problem that arises when tripod legs are flared out fully is that the "footprint" of the tripod becomes very large and makes it very challenging to lift and advance or retreat (especially if there is a lot of vegetation).

The tripod in this photograph is flared out fully. Even if the center post presents no problems, the large "footprint" or radius of the legs causes difficulties when you try to move. Not only is the unit heavy to lift, but you must also lift it very high to clear vegetation without the legs becoming entangled (it also tends to bulldoze plants down when used this way).

Changing the shooting height with the Super Clamp is simple. Just loosen and slide higher or lower. In comparison, to change height with the tripod, you must change the amount of tripod leg flare and/or change the length of the legs. To make matters worse, you must lift or tip the entire thing up while you make these changes. Because the legs do not need to be flared when using the Super Clamp, it is much easier to move forward or back without getting caught in vegetation.

At home, the super clamp can be used to attach your tripod head to the windowsill. This alleviates the need to drill and set a 3/8" tripod screw into your mahogany windowsill (which is often difficult to explain to your ever supportive spouse!). This allows you to get your lens flush to the window, which in turn allows more room for panning. If you have tried this with a tripod, you will know that it is very difficult to manipulate a tripod this close and remain stable.

If your windowsill permits, you can attach the Super Clamp directly to the ledge. This allows you to get the tripod head right to the window. In order to get this close to the window with a tripod, you would have to have two legs vertical against the wall, with the third extended out into the center of the room. This makes for an inherently unstable configuration. The side benefit of getting your tripod head right up to the open window is that you are able pan a much greater area.

The clamp can also be used to attach your tripod head to your car window, although it may torque the windowpane excessively (see tips #3 on Drive-by Shooting, and tips #26 on Beanbags for alternatives).

This photograph shows the Super Clamp itself. The large handle drives the upper jaw of the clamp towards the V-shaped lower notch (this is how it grasps round objects). A great deal of force can be applied with this, so be careful not to over tighten. Point number one shows the adapter necessary to attach a standard 3/8 inch bolt for mounting most tripod heads. Point number two shows the socket where the flexible arms are fastened.

This shows the device removed from the tripod.

In summary, as in previous tips articles, we have discussed a specialized device that can be adapted to solve specific technical problems. The Bogen/Manfrotto Super Clamp is quite economical and easy to use. One note of warning is necessary, avoid excessive tightening of the clamp or you may end up crushing your tripod leg.