Bodypod and Facial stabilisation for long lenses
Dec 21, 2014 21:16:53 #
Some time ago I posted a topic about a contraption for lens support here - http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-183287-1.html - which I have since named "bodypod" .
Due to the proliferation of 150-600mm zooms I thought I should devote a topic to the support and stabilisation of these types of lenses. Having used a 300 2.8 W/2X and 100-300 f4 W/1.4X for the last 3 years has given me some valuable insights into managing bigger lenses - especially for fast action wildlife and sports.
Below is a an image of the main component parts of the bodypod which I have field tested at Viera - but would also be very effective at Circle B -or- anywhere for that matter. It is especially useful for BIF and is the next best thing to handholding IMHO.
1. On the left is the adapted painter's pole which adjusts from the top for ergonomics and speed. You could use a standard monopod here - if it would collapse short enough. But for birds, sometimes you need to go up high with the adjustment - in a hurry ! This pole has a Manfrotto 234rc tilt head on it. Not, shown here, but I recommend using a macro lens slide on the lense's tripod collar to adjust for proper balance. The 234rc can also be adapted for arca swiss mounting.
2. At the top are heavy duty workman's suspenders. These clip onto the fishing pole fighting belt to help distribute some weight to your shoulders and upper torso. They are not the latest fashion craze - and you can get away without using the suspenders - but once you try them you will really appreciate what they do ! - (especially for older/weaker people). Using the suspenders also extends the amount of time with which you can effectively obtain good images.
3. On the right is fish fighting belt - this one is hard plastic, but there are many varieties to chose from - but they must have a two slots in the front for the suspenders to clip into. Some varieties are all metal. If you are older/weaker, I recommend wearing a lower back elastic support of some kind under this belt.
4. At the bottom is the tethering strap worn around the neck and under one arm for insurance/safety and to allow hands free operations if needed.
The second image shows the upper "facial stabiliser" that is used in the accessory (flash) shoe on the top of the camera where the forehead is used to keep your face off the back of the camera and help stabilise the camera/lens. I do recommend the stabiliser be used with an eyepiece extension. This stabiliser is used in concert with the bodypod - but is also effective in handholding all lenses! There is also a lower stabiliser that can be held in the tripod socket of the camera to fit your chin.
None of this stuff is available commercially !
Due to the proliferation of 150-600mm zooms I thought I should devote a topic to the support and stabilisation of these types of lenses. Having used a 300 2.8 W/2X and 100-300 f4 W/1.4X for the last 3 years has given me some valuable insights into managing bigger lenses - especially for fast action wildlife and sports.
Below is a an image of the main component parts of the bodypod which I have field tested at Viera - but would also be very effective at Circle B -or- anywhere for that matter. It is especially useful for BIF and is the next best thing to handholding IMHO.
1. On the left is the adapted painter's pole which adjusts from the top for ergonomics and speed. You could use a standard monopod here - if it would collapse short enough. But for birds, sometimes you need to go up high with the adjustment - in a hurry ! This pole has a Manfrotto 234rc tilt head on it. Not, shown here, but I recommend using a macro lens slide on the lense's tripod collar to adjust for proper balance. The 234rc can also be adapted for arca swiss mounting.
2. At the top are heavy duty workman's suspenders. These clip onto the fishing pole fighting belt to help distribute some weight to your shoulders and upper torso. They are not the latest fashion craze - and you can get away without using the suspenders - but once you try them you will really appreciate what they do ! - (especially for older/weaker people). Using the suspenders also extends the amount of time with which you can effectively obtain good images.
3. On the right is fish fighting belt - this one is hard plastic, but there are many varieties to chose from - but they must have a two slots in the front for the suspenders to clip into. Some varieties are all metal. If you are older/weaker, I recommend wearing a lower back elastic support of some kind under this belt.
4. At the bottom is the tethering strap worn around the neck and under one arm for insurance/safety and to allow hands free operations if needed.
The second image shows the upper "facial stabiliser" that is used in the accessory (flash) shoe on the top of the camera where the forehead is used to keep your face off the back of the camera and help stabilise the camera/lens. I do recommend the stabiliser be used with an eyepiece extension. This stabiliser is used in concert with the bodypod - but is also effective in handholding all lenses! There is also a lower stabiliser that can be held in the tripod socket of the camera to fit your chin.
None of this stuff is available commercially !
Dec 21, 2014 21:21:14 #
The converted painter's pole is also effectively used as a "carpod" where it is positioned betweeen the driver's seat and the door and adjusted for height
Dec 21, 2014 21:27:12 #
Sorry, only the converted painter's pole and the facial stabiliser are NOT available commercially .....
Dec 21, 2014 22:55:01 #
imagemeister wrote:
Sorry, only the converted painter's pole and the facial stabiliser are NOT available commercially .....
Here is an image using the bodypod at Viera .......http://fineartamerica.com/featured/great-blue-heron-flight-2-larry-nieland.html
Dec 22, 2014 08:11:53 #
Dec 22, 2014 08:39:45 #
Cool. The contact pad and fishermans fight support are both very clever. ;)
Dec 22, 2014 08:54:04 #
Just got the Sigma 150-500 and your parts list may be my next stop. Thanks for the voice of experience!
Dec 22, 2014 10:02:43 #
Imagemeister, thanks much for the parts list and all the explanations. While I do not have an immediate need for this type of set-up, I have it saved in my bookmarks for future reference. I'm hoping one day to save a zoom lens to require such a support.
Dec 22, 2014 14:01:48 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Wow! That's quite a kit! You're a clever guy.
Thanks Jerry ! This has all been evolving over the last year or so......This year I will be chasing more BIF's with this set up.
Dec 22, 2014 14:04:27 #
Db7423 wrote:
Cool. The contact pad and fishermans fight support are both very clever. ;)
Thanks so much Db7423 ! I hope you can put some of this to good use for yourself !
Dec 22, 2014 14:07:22 #
Mr PC wrote:
Just got the Sigma 150-500 and your parts list may be my next stop. Thanks for the voice of experience!
Thanks Mr PC ! - necessity was the mother of invention !
Dec 22, 2014 14:12:24 #
Picdude wrote:
Imagemeister, thanks much for the parts list and all the explanations. While I do not have an immediate need for this type of set-up, I have it saved in my bookmarks for future reference. I'm hoping one day to save a zoom lens to require such a support.
Thanks Picdude ......I hope you will get a chance to use it ! :) - Whithin the next 6 months or so, I believe you will see many 150-600's for sale by people who are unable or unwilling to cope with the size/weight of these lenses - so there will be some good bargins out there.
Dec 22, 2014 14:28:38 #
If you are going to use arca swiss mounting, it is better to start with a plain Manfrotto 234 tilt head like this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-234-Monopod-Tilt-Head-NEW-for-Manfrotto-Bogen-Monopods-/221610062411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3398fd324b#ht_2813wt_925 - if you can find them ...and screw the adapter on top.
Dec 24, 2014 07:44:15 #
Imagemeister, "The second image shows the upper "facial stabiliser" that is used in the accessory (flash) shoe on the top of the camera where the forehead is used to keep your face off the back of the camera and help stabilise the camera/lens. I do recommend the stabiliser be used with an eyepiece extension. This stabiliser is used in concert with the bodypod - but is also effective in handholding all lenses! There is also a lower stabiliser that can be held in the tripod socket of the camera to fit your chin."
I saw one of your other posts with the shoulder stock made from a crutch and the "facial stabilizer" interested me, as I wear glasses, which makes it difficult when shooting with my 80-400mm 4.5-5.6G ED Nikon mounted on Manfruto and monopod and stay steady. So I used your information and made my own, a little learning curve to remember to use enough pressure to stabilize and some other long lens techniques, it has made an improvement in my keepers. Now that I see a close up of your "facial stabilizer I will cut the end off of the T-brace I used and maybe paint it so it is not so noticeable on the camera.
Thank you very much for sharing your inventions.
Mike
I saw one of your other posts with the shoulder stock made from a crutch and the "facial stabilizer" interested me, as I wear glasses, which makes it difficult when shooting with my 80-400mm 4.5-5.6G ED Nikon mounted on Manfruto and monopod and stay steady. So I used your information and made my own, a little learning curve to remember to use enough pressure to stabilize and some other long lens techniques, it has made an improvement in my keepers. Now that I see a close up of your "facial stabilizer I will cut the end off of the T-brace I used and maybe paint it so it is not so noticeable on the camera.
Thank you very much for sharing your inventions.
Mike
Dec 24, 2014 09:52:55 #
Homer60 wrote:
Imagemeister, "The second image shows the upp... (show quote)
Thanks Homer60 ! Yes, eyeglass wearer's benefit greatly from this stabiliser !
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