No tripods allowed? Think chainpod (Page 2): http://www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/chain

Iron Sight Loc: Utah

http://www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/chain_pod.pdf

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Gene51 wrote:

I've not had much luck with chains and/or strings. I get results like your first image, which has a bit of shake evident in the text and hard edges. The second one is a lot better, but not a substitute for a tripod when the entire image needs to be tack sharp and vibration blur-free.

Sometimes you have no other choice.

dustywing Loc: North East WI

Thank you

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

Attach this to belt and use it to hold monopod.

https://www.grainger.com/product/13T131?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:MS:CSM-2295:TVRYAD:20501231&s_kwcid=AL!2966!10!79714726730287!4583314236888923&ef_id=f8b0565558a9145e5cbb3724671af87b:G:s&gclid=f8b0565558a9145e5cbb3724671af87b&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=f8b0565558a9145e5cbb3724671af87b

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Manglesphoto wrote:

I tried it 30 years ago, was okay, BUT you have to be steady on your feet, which unfortunately many of us aren't, at this point a tripod is they only way to go!!
Or High ISO and Shutter Speeds and or large f stops (small numbers), which may not give you the desired results!!!

Unfortunately true, as we "mature" our hearing fades... and the inner ear is the gyro of our soul. We could get special training, but I follow the same compensation that Manglesphoto suggests... We both have adapted to less balance which is one of the compensations for balance problems suggested by Mayo Clinic.

For sharp photography, Mayo Clinic suggests "Balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation). Therapists trained in balance problems design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises. Therapy can help you compensate for imbalance, adapt to less balance and maintain physical activity."
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/balance-problems/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350477

Words justify the cost for the same item...
Low cost is Balance retraining exercises from You-Tube, expensive is called "professionally vestibular rehabilitation!"

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Gene51 wrote:

I've not had much luck with chains and/or strings. I get results like your first image, which has a bit of shake evident in the text and hard edges. The second one is a lot better, but not a substitute for a tripod when the entire image needs to be tack sharp and vibration blur-free.

You are spot on.

Canisdirus

All I know is....I think the Mormons are up to something...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

daldds wrote:

Here is just one of many links:
https://www.google.com/search?q=photography+chain+pod&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS912US912&oq=photography+chain+pod&aqs=chrome..69i57.10138j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

That poor "inventor." Hasn't he ever heard of string? Using string as a "tripod" has been discussed here many times. That's a good solution for locations where tripods aren't allowed. Then there's the monopod/walking stick.
https://www.amazon.com/Trekking-Pole-Monopod/s?k=Trekking+Pole+Monopod

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

daldds wrote:

Google it, people. One can be made for less than $5.00. With a bit of practice, exposures of 1 second + can be made.
One of these was at 1/2 a second, the other at one second (Times Square temporary Ferris wheel).

What about something like a Joby Gorillapod? They don't want tripods sticking out and tripping people, but I would think something small like a Joby would work if you could wrap it around something sturdy. It's certainly not going to be in anyone's way.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

daldds wrote:

Google it, people. One can be made for less than $5.00. With a bit of practice, exposures of 1 second + can be made.
One of these was at 1/2 a second, the other at one second (Times Square temporary Ferris wheel).

The Ferris wheel shots are perfect examples for this--the inherent blur of the moving wheels makes the softer background acceptable if not irrelevant. This would also work well enough when large apertures and/or long lenses are used with intentional blur of background.

I imagine it would improve general photography with fast enough shutter speeds, too (as a tripod would, eved better).

I am not sure it is better than a monopod (I have one that passes for a walking stick), but it has the advantage of being ready to shoot almost instantly without clumsy apparatus.

As you say, a tripod is always better if possible--cameras should not be sold without a tripod, perhaps welded on, but that would preclude some photojournalism and some decisive moment stuff, such as criminals in action (in which case the tripod serves as a club, just as a chain might). Of course, sometimes people want a club or chain to beat off photographers without tripods...

RoswellAlien

Paracord works fine, lighter and takes up less space. Dirt cheap, too.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

daldds wrote:

Google it, people. One can be made for less than $5.00. With a bit of practice, exposures of 1 second + can be made.
One of these was at 1/2 a second, the other at one second (Times Square temporary Ferris wheel).

I've had a cheaper one than this for almost nothing. Take kite string, tie one end to a large washer and the other to your camera; put your foot on the washer. Good and firm when used as the chain. Also, after wrapping the string around the washer, much less room is taken in your camera bag.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Shoeless_Photographer wrote:

What about something like a Joby Gorillapod? They don't want tripods sticking out and tripping people, but I would think something small like a Joby would work if you could wrap it around something sturdy. It's certainly not going to be in anyone's way.

More expensive but I’m a fan of the Platypod. Very solid and flexible options for setup.

druthven

A sturdy monopod also doubles as a walking stick when you aren't the mountain goat you were 20-30 years ago. Having a third leg for stability makes a huge difference.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...the world is your tripod.