SmallRig 5843 – Versatile Suction Cup Mounting Kit for Action Cameras

SmallRig 5843 Vehicle Suction Cup Support Kit for Action Cameras is designed for filming inside a vehicle and with a camera mounted on its exterior. Three suction cups, an adjustable telescoping pole, and various mounting components allow you to position your camera to achieve your desired shot. This kit is suitable for automotive videos, travel vlogs, and other footage captured from a moving vehicle, provided the manufacturer’s installation and operating requirements are followed.

Its modular design allows SmallRig 5843 to be assembled in several configurations. Depending on your shooting requirements, you can use a single, dual, or triple suction cup mount, as well as a telescoping pole or crab clamp. This flexibility lets you adjust both the camera’s distance from its mounting point and its shooting angle.

Adjustable Telescoping Pole for Different Perspectives

The telescoping pole adjusts from 45 to 120 cm. A shorter setting keeps your camera closer to its mounting point, while extending the pole positions it farther from the vehicle, bringing more of the car and its surroundings into view. Twist locks on each section secure your chosen length and help prevent unwanted movement between sections.

The manufacturer specifically highlights use with Insta360 X5, whose invisible selfie stick effect can create a drone-like perspective with a suitable shooting setup. This arrangement is useful for shots that show both the vehicle and its movement through the surrounding environment.

Pump-Activated Suction Cups and a Braced Support Structure

SmallRig 5843 includes three 4-inch suction cups with a pump mechanism that creates the vacuum required for attachment. A white safety indicator on each suction cup helps you monitor suction status. If this white line becomes visible during use, the manufacturer instructs you to pump immediately until it disappears.

An articulating arm with a crab clamp connects the telescoping pole to the support structure, forming a triangular brace. This helps hold your camera setup securely in position. A ball-head mount provides further adjustment of camera orientation, making it easier to achieve your desired framing.

Dynamic Load Capacity of up to 0.5 kg

This mounting kit has a maximum dynamic load capacity of 0.5 kg. According to the manufacturer, this limit applies to single, dual, and triple suction cup configurations, so adding suction cups does not increase the permitted load. The combined weight of your camera and any attached accessories must remain within this limit.

Its construction consists primarily of aluminium alloy, with nitrile rubber, ABS plastic, and stainless steel components. The manufacturer specifies a kit weight of approximately 512 g, making it practical to carry and transport between shooting locations.

Compatibility with GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 Cameras

SmallRig 5843 supports a range of action cameras. The manufacturer lists Insta360 X5, Insta360 X4, GoPro HERO12 and HERO11, and DJI Osmo Action 4 and Action 3 as compatible models. For other cameras, check the mounting interface, whether a suitable adapter is required, and the total weight of your setup.

Included in the kit are three suction cups, a telescoping pole, an articulating arm with a crab clamp, a ball-head mount, a base plate, an action camera mount, a safety tether, and two 1/4″-20 screws. These components allow you to adapt the mounting arrangement to different shooting situations.

Installation and Operating Conditions

Suction cups require a suitable smooth, non-porous surface. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, this kit is not suitable for painted surfaces, frosted glass, unfinished wood, or other rough or porous materials. Always check that your chosen mounting surface is suitable before attaching the kit to a vehicle.

When filming from a moving vehicle, keep your speed below 80 km/h, use the kit only on flat roads, and check suction regularly. The manufacturer recommends using the included 120 cm safety tether and inspecting it every two hours. Do not add extra extension poles, as they may reduce structural stability and mounting security.

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