DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Hope there's someone here who has a camera support and can tell me if it helps. I have trouble holding a camera with a telephoto lens steady when shooting. Would a rig like this help me out?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0YXFlfnI4QIVD9vACh1qzAjEEAQYBCABEgJb5_D_BwE&is=REG&lsft=BI%3A514&pcur=CAD&sku=866723

Vietnam Vet

I would never use one of those, it just seems awkward. A good monopod would be better.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Deb Ann,

The one you are looking at can wobble on your shoulders. I use a Cotton Carrier with steady shot. that is a vest and the camera secures very well. I use it with my 200-500 Nikon telephoto. It is awesome. Cotton Carrier is made in Canada. You may beble to get a better deal.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818082-REG/Cotton_Carrier_779_SSV_0062_Steady_Shot_with_Camera.html

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Our own Imagemaster has been using and promoting what he called the "BellyPod". This is the same thing. His is more "user" friendly. Ask him.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Thanks Stan. I'll check that one out.
Deb

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

You can't easily use a monopod when you're sitting in a safari truck - I don't think. That's what I want it for.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Imagemaster isn't showing up in the Private Message addressee list. I did google BellyPod and it seems to be a dish-type contraption that sits in the belly of an aircraft, to which you fit GoPro cameras.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

It’s imagemeister.

Haydon

That's because it's spelled imagemeister.

Here's his profile:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-profile?usernum=8242

Be aware, Larry's rig is best suited while standing. I suspect sitting in a safari truck may not be conducive to his rig but it's still best to ask him first hand Deb.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

OK. Thankyou

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I wish I could advise you more specifically, however, with various kinds of support gear, much has to do your own size, shape, body mechanics and steadiness of hand.

Obviously, my first choice is a steady tripod with an appropriate head for the work I am doing. After that, a monopod would be my second choice where a tripod is not practical.

Thing is, with a body mounted rig, that's where my first paragraph kicks in. In my own case, I can steady a fairly heavy camera and longer lens, handheld, with my elbows at my waist and the camera at my eye level. I have used, or tried to use a shoulder rig and found it uncomfortable. What I find useful when I need extra support a is a simple L- bracket or pistol grip.

I do have a short monopod that can be steadied on a cup attached to my belt- sort of like a flag pole holder used in parades by marching flag bearers. I also have one that is steadied on what looks like a saxophone strap that I wear around my neck- the clip for the small monopod is at my waist level. These devices are inexpensive.

I once got a tip from a cinematographer friend of mine. He familiarized me with theses simple rigs and suggested that I try these out in front of a full-length mirror practicing some various shooting positions- standing, crouching, sitting, aiming the camera up and down vertically and panning. You can find how to plant your feet, distribute your weight and position your hands and grip the camera/lens. You will be able to develop some good steadying techniques with this practice and determine which device is best for you.

You need to find the camera/lens combination's center of gravity and try to balance it accordingly. I find my DSLR and a 300mm f/2.8 balances best with the small belt monopod secured to the tripod socket on the lens collar. Sometimes a small trigger type tilt head helps find the best angle depending on the tilt of the camera.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Get a regular cheap monopod. Attach a ballhead. You can stuff the foot of the monopod in your pocket, between your legs while sitting, behind a belt, even in a purse with a strong strap. Manfrotto makes a monopod pocket to hang from any belt. Then adjust and lock the ballhead to camera level.

Normal advice here is to NOT have a ballhead on a monopod. It is tilt head or no head. That severely limits the utility of a monopod.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Another technique is to extend only two legs of a tripod. Stuff the two feet in the pockets of your pants. You may look dumb to bystanders, but you won't believe how well it works until you've tried it.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Thanks E.L. Maybe I'll visit Vistek and Henry's here in Toronto and see if they have some things I can try out. I'm not a big person so I need something manageable. But I really need to get this figured out before going on safari. I would be devastated to come home with a lot of blurry images.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Let me know what you find. Both of those stores have branches in Ottawa- if you let me know what you are looking at, I can drop in and see it here and perhaps make a suggestion - I'm 10 minutes away for both locations on Bank Street.

I pretty sure you won't be disappointed with you safari results if you get a chance to practice at home and get the method down.

I have seen a few "chest-pods" online that can be used in different ways- check them out.

Regards, Ed