Anyone used a "Camera Arm"?

[Redlineracer12]

I am looking for something I can use to hang my XTi from in the tree for support while snapping wildlife pics. I have considering building my own "arm" that could anchor to the tree and use a regular ball head to hold the camera. While doing some google searching I found these used for video: Ameristep Archer's Choice Camera Arm - Cabelas (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon-cat20057&id=0057275418632a&navCount=1&podId=0057275&parentId=cat20057&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=QX&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233) Here is another that lists a 6lb capacity Lone Wolf Adjustable Camera Mount - Cabelas (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=netcon-cat20057&id=0039063417486a&navCount=1&podId=0039063&parentId=cat20057&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=QX&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233). If worse came to worse, I could remove the included head and mount a decent one but I would still need the main arm to be somewhat strong.

Has anyone used something similar or know of other products that would work for what I'm trying to accomplish? I'm worried the weight of the XTi w/battery grip and 200L + 1.4x hanging 2-3 feet from the tree might be a bit much for the above designs. I was considering building something like the above but with thicker/stronger tubing.

[Redlineracer12]

Doing some more searching I came across this: http://www.huntercamcradle.com/new/cam_mounts_hunt_HCC_pro.html
that's rated at 12lbs, but a little more than I was looking to spend. The lighter model is rated for 6lbs but thats still nearly $300.

[FlyingPhotog]

Doing some more searching I came across this: http://www.huntercamcradle.com/new/cam_mounts_hunt_HCC_pro.html
that's rated at 12lbs, but a little more than I was looking to spend. The lighter model is rated for 6lbs but thats still nearly $300.

Along the same lines as a quality tripod .. why risk your gear and skimp?

Especially if you're out in the wilderness where it could fall, get scooped up by rabid raccoon and end up 50' up a tree before you could do anything about it?

Ok, I'm kidding about the 50' part... :D

If that sucker can hold an XL1 and lens, you should be good with say a xxD and a moderate lens.