DIY Camera Sniper Stock

[sk66]

I've finished my DIY Bushhawk: here it is collapsed (under 1ft long)


Total cost around $70. Tapco T6 collapsible stock with pistol grip, about $45 on Ebay. Generic Arca Swiss clamp, About $20 from Ebay. 3 position rocker switch, $7 from Mouser. I had the 10 pin cable for nikon. I have about 50 of them. I think I paid about $3ea.

The stock required some minor modification: Sanding a nice flat spot for the arca swiss clamp (I chose to recess it a little so it couldn't twist). Relocating the mounting hole for the pistol grip. Drilling for the arca clamp bolt. Sanding a flat spot and opening up the grip to accept the 3way switch. And of course the wiring/soldering. (the extra wires are for my hacked together GPS from before you could buy them ready made)

Here it is attached to my 300-800mm f/5.6: Stock extended (about 16" fully extended)


It mounts to the arca swiss plate of any lens or body. Distance to the eyepiece is adjusted via the 6position stock. Additional positioning can be achieved by using longer plates and sliding along the clamp. (I need one a couple inches longer for this lens to fit well.) Also attached is my Gitzo Monopod. The monopod can be used as a second grip, in a collapsed position with the foot stuck into your belt (I'll probably make a heavy leather pouch to wear on my belt the foot can rest in). Or extended as a full support.

The assembly can also be mounted to a tripod ball/gimbal head, but it would require a really long mounting plate to get it to balance out well.

Here it is "in use" mounted to my 500mm f/4.5:


The pistol grip allows me to pull it in tight to my shoulder, my left elbow is able to rest on my ribs. Eye position feels natural (although it doesn't really look like it in the pic). It's a heavy setup, but I often shot this setup handheld. The stock should improve the percentage of good shots.

The 3 position switch is "none, focus, shutter" It latches into the none and focus positions, the shutter is a momentary contact. This suits me perfectly. I set my camera to C focus with tracking. place the switch into the focus position and it is continually focusing and tracking. Move the switch to shutter and it will take pictures as long as it's held down, release and the camera is focusing again on whatever it is pointed at. move it to the none position disengages the switch saving battery and the camera automatically displays the images taken for review.


Spring will be here before long....I'm looking forward to putting this into use!

[matneym]

That is quite a nice setup. Well done!

[sk66]

Thanks, and I saved almost $200 from the price of purchasing one.

[OsmosisStudios]

An interesting project, that's for sure, but I cant help but wonder how long before you get some extra-special looks from the local law enforcement.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

An interesting project, that's for sure, but I cant help but wonder how long before you get some extra-special looks from the local law enforcement.

Park rangers en-mass.
I think it's pretty obvios it's a camera....but who knows.

[matneym]

Originally Posted by sk66

Park rangers en-mass.
I think it's pretty obvios it's a camera....but who knows.

I would be careful on that. A lot of people will instantly focus on the stock and not pay attention to the rest. Might give the park rangers a heads up if you run into them.

[sk66]

LOL! F 'em.. If they get wound about this,...well, they have bigger issues.

[OsmosisStudios]

It's not so much the shape or the stock, but the pose. It looks like youre holding a rifle. I'm with matneym: i'd alert the rangers of your contraption

[tiny]

Great idea and project. And the pose really looks like you are holding a gun. If any one sees a partial view of you holding that thing, they might think that you are holding a gun.

[WooD]

Seems like it would be hard to change camera settings in a hurry.