Chainpod vs. monopod: A chain pod seems like a good idea or even a string pod of sorts. How effective is this method compared to a monopod? I am traveling where it won't be practical...

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

A chain pod seems like a good idea or even a string pod of sorts. How effective is this method compared to a monopod? I am traveling where it won't be practical to carry a tripod and I am using a D7100 with a battery grip and a 70-200 f2.8 lens.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

In a pinch, I have used a strong string, with a 1/4-inch bolt tied to one end, and a large metal washer tied to the other end. Just make sure that string is a comfortable length from foot to eye.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

How well does it work compared to a monopod?I understand the theory, I think. Does the 1/4" bolt (machine bolt I assume)fit nicely in the bottom of the camera?

Nikonian72 wrote:

In a pinch, I have used a strong string, with a 1/4-inch bolt tied to one end, and a large metal washer tied to the other end. Just make sure that string is a comfortable length from foot to eye.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

I ment thread count. I know it has to be a machine bolt. A stupid moment.

amehta Loc: Boston

Pine1 wrote:

A chain pod seems like a good idea or even a string pod of sorts. How effective is this method compared to a monopod? I am traveling where it won't be practical to carry a tripod and I am using a D7100 with a battery grip and a 70-200 f2.8 lens.

The monopod also has the advantage of supporting the 4 lbs of weight. If it fits in your luggage, I think it's worth taking.

I went to Australia and New Zealand for 5+ weeks, carry-on only, with the gear listed in my signature, plus a RX100 and underwater housing and flash. I still didn't hesitate about taking a monopod.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

By far I prefer the mono-pod to anything else at the moment. If fits all situations BUT macro.

That thing (mono-pod) is unyielding in many ways , length, weight but the stability is far superior to 'pulling' up to gain stability. Pulling up is an unnatural motion while pushing down is, simple as that.

Another part of the chain/string I do not like is that you cannot use it if the ground is dirty wet or anything else. You bring whatever is down there to your hands then to your camera. A mono-pod keeps that stuff distant.

Just my experience and observation. A point of view, if you like.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Pine1 wrote:

How well does it work compared to a monopod?

A monopod supports the weight of camera + lens. Normally, your two legs complete the 'tripod' for stability. Using a string requires photographer to lift camera+lens, keeping the string stretched under tension. This is tiresome and can still be shaky. I carry one in my camera bag to use only in emergencies. The bolt is the same thread as a tripod head, which is easy to match at a hardware store.

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

Makes good sense. I have a monopod and I will need to work with it to gain experience. I use my tripod most of the time. Thank you all for the input.

Rongnongno wrote:

By far I prefer the mono-pod to anything else at t... (show quote)

ASR666 Loc: Singapore

the bolt may damage the tripod socket if too much pull is put on the chain ...

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

That's great information. Thank you as I tend to over do things.

ASR666 wrote:

the bolt may damage the tripod socket if too much pull is put on the chain ...

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Pine1 wrote:

That's great information. Thank you as I tend to over do things.

The bolt is a common 1/4" USS (coarse thread). The only other commonly found 1/4" thread is SAE (fine thread). I don't have the thread count handy but the difference is immediately obvious. The thread in your camera is 1/4" USS so the proper bolt is a perfect fit. Absolutely no way you can damage it unless you crossthread it and try to force it in. That would require a wrench. As long as you screw it in finger tight until it is snug it is impossible for you to exert enough pull to damage the threads.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Pine1 wrote:

A chain pod seems like a good idea or even a string pod of sorts. How effective is this method compared to a monopod? I am traveling where it won't be practical to carry a tripod and I am using a D7100 with a battery grip and a 70-200 f2.8 lens.

i tried a string pod that attaches the string directly to the bottom of the camera. It helped reduce tremors much as a heavier body would.

A much better result was obtained by screwing a 5" long 1/4 x 20 threaded ring bolt into camera and attaching string to the ring. With this rig the camera ia held perpendicular to the string and the movement is much more reduced with very little string tension. but the rig still fits in your pocket.

This is most effective on very light cameras when both hands support the camera body.

amehta Loc: Boston

Pine1 wrote:

Makes good sense. I have a monopod and I will need to work with it to gain experience. I use my tripod most of the time. Thank you all for the input.

You can get a Arca-Swiss style clamp for your monopod: RRS option (link), Wimberly option (link), Induro option with plate (link). This would make it easier to switch between mounting your lens and mounting the camera.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

LFingar wrote:

The bolt is a common 1/4" USS (coarse thread)... (show quote)

1/4-20 is the proper bolt. Just make sure to have a lock nut set at the proper point to keep from screwing the bolt too far into the camera, breaking into the bottom plate.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Wahawk wrote:

1/4-20 is the proper bolt. Just make sure to have a lock nut set at the proper point to keep from screwing the bolt too far into the camera, breaking into the bottom plate.

Hand-snug is all you need. If you are using a wrench to tighten the 1/4-20 bolt into the camera's tripod thread, you need to find a different hobby.