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NATO Clamp and Rail System

15mm Rod and Clamp System

ARRI Rosette System

ARCA Swiss System

Bob Benward?? [email protected]

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There are a couple of brands: Smallrig, Camvate, Niceyrig, Tilta, Minifocus, Sunwayfoto.? There are more, but I can’t remember them all.? These will do you for now.

So, these are most of the brands I use.? I just recently discovered Minifocus. They are strictly Chinese and best purchased on AliExpress.? Amazon is like 3x the price.? I like Camvate and Smallrig.? I am using a handle from Camvate that clamps to a Nato Rail to pick up the scope.? ??I use the handle when I am removing my scope from my mount, providing a very nice firm grip to hold the tube. You can buy a combo handle and rail to save money.? I also used a Handle with the Rod and Clamps system.? You can see in one of the pics where I used the handle to extend the base of the Losmandy dovetail so I can grab the handle instead of the camera or focuser to swing the scope around the sky.

There are three systems used for DSLR video work:? The dovetail NATO rail and clamp system,?The 15mm Rod and Clamp system, and the ARRI Rosette system (from 35mm Move equipment).? There is also a 19mm rod and clamp but limited attachments, those are for larger framed camera systems like shoulder rigs.? Once you browse the catalogs you will find tones of solutions for the various things you want to clamp.? The catalogs can be big, but be persistent in browsing.

Most can be bought on Amazon, and of course for the highest prices.? You can buy direct on their website (most are China).? Minifocus does not have their own website last time I checked, but they have an AliExpress store.

The Minifocus online store on AliExpress:? FYI, I just another variation of the low end NATO clamp, $3.69

The minifocus stuff is so cheap, you wonder how they make money on it.? The whole idea is these gadgets are for the DSLR video industry which revolves around turning your Canon or Sony DSLR into a custom video camera system.? So there are cages with screw holes, brackets for monitors, special handles, cheese plates (rectangular plates with tons of 1/4-20 & 3/8-16 holes).? No need to make up shitty looking wooden or white aluminum brackets.? Also, you can replace your metric M5 cap or phillips screws with toggle handles (the red handle thingy).

Another system is the ARCA Swiss dovetail plates and clamps. The clamps are typically found on most new tripod heads, but the rails of significant length are available and the clamps are available without the head.

I’ve attached a few photos of my scope.? It’s a Losmandy converted to the Onstep drive system.? You will be able to spot some of the parts I used.? The 15mm rod system has 8” bridge with lots of 1/4-20 holes in it.? I maded a two tiered support system and I used it to clamp some power blocks, power meters, cable clamps and a USB hub, as well as a USB light (the long blue thingy in some of the pics).? Browse the links I gave, look at the pictures, and then ask more questions.

And don’t blame me if you spend your whole paycheck on this stuff!

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Regards,

Bob