Most Stable GoPro Mount Ever? Pedco UltraClamp Review

If you’re tired of wobbly GoPro mounts, you’ll be interested in the UltraClamp. I’ve tested this mount on benches, trees, doors – even the top of a double-decker bus – and nothing can shake this super stable GoPro mount. Here’s my review.

I hate tripods!

(Well, that’s not entirely true.) But when we are traveling, I hate carrying a tripod.

On our last trip to the Galapagos, I traveled with a full-size tripod. While six pounds might not sound like much, it starts to get a little old after carrying it on my back for ten days.

Earlier this year, I discovered Pedco mounts. I bought the Pedco UltraClamp and UltraPod II, with the goal of never traveling with a full-size tripod again.

Most Stable GoPro Mount Ever: Pedco UltraClamp Review

While this mount will also work for DSLR, this review is based on my experience with a GoPro. 

The concept of UltraClamp is to use whatever object is nearby (rails, posts, benches) as the “legs” of the tripod. The UltraClamp then clamps down and provides a stable mount for your camera.

Like other Pedco mounts, the UltraClamp uses a double-jointed ball and socket head. This is easy to adjust and level.

Check out the UltraClamp on Amazon and B&H

The mount can be used vertically or horizontally – because the head so easily adjusts.

How the Sizing Works

The UltraClamp mount comes in three sizes: 1.5, 2.5, and 4 inches. I bought the 2.5-inch model for its versatility.

My 2.5″ mount will clamp to anything from 1″ to 2.5″ in thickness. The actual opening is just over 2.75″, but the inside of the clamp reduces the clamp-able space to 2.5″.

Why I Love the UltraClamp Mount

Not only is this mount stable (it locks like gator jaws) it is also really small. While it doesn’t look tiny, it folds down to 4 inches square.

I love that I can put my GoPro in one jacket pocket and the mount in the other. I don’t have to carry a gear bag or a tripod.

The UltraClamp is a tripod killer.

Tripods have their place – but generally not for travel photography. I’ve always traveled with my Joby Gorillapod (SLR model) and this works great for both the GoPro and our DSLR. But it has some limitations.

While the Gorillapod is great for stationary applications, the UltraClamp won’t lose its grip while in motion.

Where I’ve Used the UltraClamp

While the mount is fairly new for me, I’ve used the mount in many settings. Here are a few:

• Bus frame: on a city tour, I clamped my GoPro to the top of a double-decker bus (pictured below)
• Park bench: I’ve used this one the most – it is just so convenient (pictured below)
• Restaurant table: Who doesn’t love food photos?
• Antique door: At Cuenca’s flower market (pictured above)
• Patio railing: At our apartment in Yunguilla Valley – to shoot some magnificent cloud movement

While I haven’t used one yet, signposts seem to be the most versatile use for this mount. Tree branches should also come in handy.

Specs on the UltraClamp

Here are the details on the UltraClamp:

• Fits any device (camera, camcorder, binoculars) with a 1/4″ 20 tripod socket.
• Attaches to either round or flat object from 1″ to 2.5″ in thickness
• Holds up to 6 pounds
• Pan Adjustment: 360 degrees
• Tilt Adjustment: +/- 90 degrees
• Dimensions: 4 x 1-5/8 x 6-1/8 inches
• Weight: 6.5 ounces

In these next photos, you’ll see how I used the UltraClamp to mount the GoPro to a double-decker bus in Cuenca, Ecuador.

I shot a time-lapse video of the city tour.

The clamp is so strong that the camera didn’t budge for the whole two hours of bouncing along the cobblestone streets.

Looking for more? Check out our set of the most unique GoPro mounts available.

Final Thoughts

Even if you love your tripod, I think that the UltraClamp is a necessary addition to your gear bag.

Because it is faster to set up than a tripod, you’ll be taking more photos. And I don’t know of a better mount for shooting time-lapse video.

Your Turn

Have you used the UltraClamp? Where? What’s your favorite travel mount?