Question Using triple clamps instead of regular ones - any issues?

[the_jaguar]

I would like to know if there are any medium to long term issues if I were to use a triple clamp in place of a regular double clamp. Occasionally, I might connect another arm, etc to use up all the 3 slots, but most of the time, I will be using only 2 of them with the 3rd one being empty. I am aware that cheap clamps can cause all sorts of issues over time, so I want to clarify that I am planning to buy Ultralight clamps - thanks!

 

[Barryattle]

I just started recently with a triple (for video/focus light and GoPro on cold shoe), so can't comment on medium-long term, but you can't use one with only 2 things attached and 1 slot empty. So you'll either need to put a ball with not much attached in the 3rd spot or switch back to a double clamp when you only want 2 things.

 

[hedonist222]

I just started recently with a triple (for video/focus light and GoPro on cold shoe), so can't comment on medium-long term, but you can't use one with only 2 things attached and 1 slot empty. So you'll either need to put a ball with not much attached in the 3rd spot or switch back to a double clamp when you only want 2 things.

Correct.
Otherwise the two clamp plates will warp. I learned this the unpleasant way.

 

[the_jaguar]

Ah, got it - makes sense. I was hoping this wouldn't be the case. I guess the only other option is to have a dummy ball joint in there.

 

[Searcaigh]

I occasionally use a triple clamp if I wish to retain a focus light and my BackScatter MiniFlash on the cold shoe on top of my housing, but to be honest it's not the best configuration and takes time to sort out the MiniFlash with the snoot attached.

Plus if I want to use the MiniFlash off camera, the focus light has to be detached too, and it's a handful to manage.

A photo of your rig would be useful to see what you are planning to do.

As an FYI: I use primarily Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes fired electronically, and slave the Backscatter MiniFlash from my left hand strobe which is pointed away from the subject. The right hand strobe is either pointed away or switched off.

https://scubaboard.com/community/media/slr-3-strobe-jpg.212337/

 

[the_jaguar]

Thanks @Searcaigh - my rig is quite simple. It's a underwater camera tray with 2 arms for 2 video lights (kraken). I will be using a divevolk housing for my iphone. I plan on using stix floats for the arms to make it close to neutral buoyancy. I was thinking in the future, i might expand to add a strobe if I were to get into flash photography (rather than taking just videos), so was thinking about triple clamps instead of doubles.

Nothing fancy, just the basic setup - I am in the process of buying the arms, floats and clamps (I have a post in classifieds to see if anyone is willing to sell their spare clamps, arms, etc). I am specifically looking for Ultralight clamps because of all the reviews here regarding how good they are.

 

[js1221]

Ultralight is a great product, you won’t go wrong buying their stuff. I started off buying cheap from Amazon but ended up having to replace most of it after several months because it didn’t hold up to repeated use. My Ultralight clamps and arms still look new, even though they’re a couple years old.

If you get triple clamps, another option to fill that third slot would be to add a thin bouyancy arm across the top of your camera housing.

 

[the_jaguar]

Thanks @js1221 - I have read very positive reviews regarding ultralight, so decided to spend the extra $ to get them rather than having to deal with aliexpress/amazon 3rd party clamps.

Yes, that's a great suggestion regarding adding a thin buoyancy arm - will look into that.

 

[VsubT]

Here's an alternative to a triple-clamp - use a multi-purpose clamp + strobe mounting ball:

Long Multi-purpose (MP) Clamp ~with Shackle

In addition to being a clamp for attaching two 1" standard ball mounts together, the MP Clamp also features an additional socket equipped with a removable shackle for attachment of lanyards or other accessories. This clamp features a longer clamp body for use with flotation arms or other...

www.nauticam.com

Strobe Mounting Ball ~for Fastening on MP Clamp

When attached to SKU #72502 Multi-Purpose Clamp this provides an additional standard 1" ball mount to your lighting system.

www.nauticam.com

Remove the shackle from the MP clamp, and replace it with the mounting ball. The pin on the mounting ball base keeps it at the same 90 degree orientation and very stable. You can then use a normal clamp on the mounting ball for a third item when needed. I use the long MP clamps to allow for float arm clearance, but if you're not worried about that you could use the standard ones.

It's a more expensive solution, but very stable and configurable. Big thanks to the folks at Reef Photo for turning me onto this a few years ago.

Lance

 

[sea_ledford]

Thanks @Searcaigh - my rig is quite simple. It's a underwater camera tray with 2 arms for 2 video lights (kraken). I will be using a divevolk housing for my iphone. I plan on using stix floats for the arms to make it close to neutral buoyancy. I was thinking in the future, i might expand to add a strobe if I were to get into flash photography (rather than taking just videos), so was thinking about triple clamps instead of doubles.

I don't think you can synch a strobe to a phone for still photography. Profoto had an app that could do it with their strobes, not sure how well it actually works, or if it works with any other brands.

Back to the original question, triple clamps work, but they are pretty finicky. I always hated setting them up, three hands would make it a snap though. I would avoid unless you don't have other options.