Suction cup mounts - Fat Gecko, anyone used it? Alternatives?

[BLWNHR]

I spotted the Fat Gecko dual suction cup mount at my local camera store yesterday. I've been looking around for user opinions and haven't found any yet (apart from the manufacturers web site).

Product link – http://www.delkin.com/products/accessories/fat-gecko.html

Has anyone seen these around? Has anyone used one?

It says it will support 8 pounds (3.6kg), I was thinking of mounting a D700+16-35 VR on it which weighs about 2kg combined, so well within the scope. I just wanted to to a few car rolling shots to supplement some work I've been doing. I don't indend to use it at speed, around walking pace would be enough for what I want.

Camera House want $199, VideoGuys.com.au around $130 delivered and they can be had for around $110 out of the US.

Are there any alternate options people know of?

[Xebadir]

Yeah, I am more than fairly familiar with suction mounts. I use a Camzilla:
www.camzilla.com.au

Mainly I use them for an effective dashcam with a HD video, but I have done some alternative lightning shots from a passenger seat using the mount system with a D300 and a Sigma 10-20 (and a 24-70).
Even the single mounts can hold a DSLR within reason, but 2-3 point suction mounts are definitely going to be better balanced and more reliable. You can certainly get better prices than the ones listed if you order from these guys direct

[R1titan]

Ive previously owned/used one of these Fat Geckos.
During the time i used it, one of the suctions (luckily not both) came lose once whilst i was driving around.
I found that even with a UWA lens, its still not positioned far enough for rolling car rig shots where a boom would be better.

[Namus]

This link recommends a few different parts: http://www.diyphotography.net/take-cool-car-photos-with-a-diy-specialized-car-rig

Not sure if that's what you're after; the F1000's are highly recommended by the guys I know who've used them

[BLWNHR]

Yeah, I am more than fairly familiar with suction mounts. I use a Camzilla:
www.camzilla.com.au

Thanks. The Triple Suction Mount Assembly (http://www.camzilla.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cat=70&item=217) looks good, but the 'arm' the camera mounts on doesn't look very long. Do you think it would be possible to make something longer (I was thinking about 8-10")?


one of the suctions (luckily not both) came lose once whilst i was driving around.

I don't plan on driving around with it, just low-speed shots. Something to keep in mind though, thanks.


Not sure if that's what you're after; the F1000's are highly recommended by the guys I know who've used them

It isn't really (at this stage), but thankyou. Any idea where to get the F1000's locally?

[rellik666]

I have the fat gecko and it is brilliant...I have had my DSLR on the side of my car...

This was taken with my D300s and 18-200mm lens.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4643745365_a20b44c0f4.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clubmini/4643745365/)
Day1-3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/clubmini/4643745365/) by clubmini_vic (http://www.flickr.com/people/clubmini/), on Flickr

I have never had any problems with it and I think what ever it is attached to would come off before it. In fact it has been sat on my windscreen for months. Great piece of kit.

The arm is very short though and it could do with a bigger ball fitting. But generally excellent.

Hope this helps.