Tilta has just announced a new car mounting system: the Hydra Articulating. This easy-to-use system consists of three suction cups and magic arms connected to a ball head with a Manfrotto quick-release system. The system can take a maximum payload of up to 20kg/44 lbs. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
Rigging cameras to moving vehicles is not new for Tilta, which already has multiple car mounting systems, such as the fully featured Hydra Arm Mini that attaches to your car’s roof and side rails or the Hydra Alien system we reviewed. Also, the company has just released a handy new Hydra Electronic Suction Cup module to remove the fear of losing pressure on a suction from your head.
However, if you don’t need to attach a camera to a car every day, or if you’re shooting with a small cinema or mirrorless camera, investing in a large car mounting system might not make the most financial sense. To solve that problem, Tilta has announced a more “budget-friendly” and compact option: the Hydra Articulating car mounting system.
Tilta Hydra Articulating car mounting system – features
The Hydra Articulating car mounting system has three main components: three suction cups, three magic arms, and one ball head. Let’s start with the 6″ suction cups that attach to your car. On top of the suction cups are NATO rails with safety pins and 1/4″-20 mounting points.
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Next are the 11″/28cm magic arms with NATO clamps on both ends. One side of the magic arms attaches to the suction cups, and the other end connects to the ball head. This versatile system lets you raise, lower, adjust, and level the ball head quickly.
According to Tilta, the magic arms have a maximum payload capacity of 7.9kg/17.5 lbs. The maximum payload capacity of the entire system is 20kg/44 lbs.
The last component of this system is the ball head, which consists of several parts. The first part is the 75mm/100mm ball adapter that connects to the magic arms. As its name suggests, this part allows you to mount your own 75mm or 100mm ball head directly to it. According to Tilta, you have 15° of adjustment to properly level your camera.
If you don’t want to attach your tripod head to it, don’t worry. The kit also includes a 75mm ball head tie-down adapter, a Manfrotto quick-release module, and a Manfrotto/Arca quick-release plate.
Price and availability
The Tilta Hydra Articulating car mounting system is available for preorder and should start shipping on June 7th for $449.
For more information, please visit Tilta’s website here.
What do you think about this multi-suction cup car mounting system? Do you have a car mounting system, or do you rent it when you need it? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
