imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The photos below show my latest contraption for lens support. Usually, I am using a well articulated monopod or a home made "crutchstock" for BIF - mostly with a Sigma 100-300 F4 W/1.4X - and they have worked well for me ! But lately, I have been thinking more and more about using my 300 2.8 W/2X for BIF. The 300 with 50D - as I use it - weighs 10lbs. I have used it handheld for very short spurts but it is not something I look forward to. This support consists of a deep sea fishing gimbal rod holder around my waist ( $20 at flea market) and a telescoping paint roller holder ($19 at Home Depot which functions as a short monopod ) adapted to accept a Manfrotto 234rc swivel/QD at top for holding camera/lens. There is also a neckstrap that attaches to the base of the lens mount for insurance and hands free operation if need be. I aim to field test this during the upcoming birding season here in Fla., but so far it seems quite comfortable and agile, much faster and more flexible than using a tripod/gimbal ! - and maybe better than my monopod for using a lens this size for BIF -but proof will be in the results......and my stamina !

ocbeyer Loc: Baltimore

Very innovative. I've tried to cook up something similar with less success. Fishing rod holder? Hmm...

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Or, a 'flag holder' like is used in parades.....
Maybe use a monopod instead of the paint roller? then you could pull it out of the holder for regular monopod use?

Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)

Sweet set up. Very innovative..
Mike

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Great job. It should work just fine.Most of the parts are easy to get except the rod holder. Thanks for showing this.

RicknJude Loc: Quebec, Canada

Very impressive project. Thanks for sharing.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Part of the inspiration for this came from Nancy Elwood's bird photography and her "Quick Action Harness" - You can see her website here - http://www.naturesportal.net/ - and the QAH here - http://quickactionharness.com/ .

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have seen other newer rod holders - but they are mostly plastic - not metal like this one. As soon as I saw this rod holder a bell went off in my head !

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Marching band flag "holster" choices......

http://www.flagsexpress.com/indoor_parade/carrying_belts.htm

EDIT: Or another "HomeMade" idea?
http://www.ehow.com/how_8619481_homemade-parade-flag-holder.html

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, I have already made a monopod out of the larger paint roller holder ....only a couple dollars more. You do have to buy some hardware and drill some holes but still relatively easy. You can also make good monopods out of pick-up truck cargo stabilisers from Harbor freight ! - They are all steel, so a bit heavier to carry.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, I rather like the heavy duty one - but a little pricy at $92 !

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very clever! By the way, that's a lovely flower you have in your hair in the first shot. :D

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks Jerry, I was wondering if someone would notice that - my wife took the picture - I thought it was "interesting" .... It is an orchid .

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Miester, that looks like it will do a pretty good job. It's almost like a steady-cam.
But what I really like, is that flower you have in your hair. Do you wear it every time you shoot as Camo? That's even a better idea than the pod!! :lol:
SS

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It was an "observance test" - you passed Sharpshooter !