imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have been using a monopod for many years now - mostly necessitated by the 300 2.8 W/2X I was using. Today, many are finding the 150-600's to be a weight/stabilizing problem for them.

I was surprised to see so many here on the Hog that shun a monopod - for whatever reason !

Part of the attraction for using a monopod is it's speed of use. For this reason, I really like the ones that adjust from the top like the painter's poles I have converted or the Manfro 685 Neotek.

Recently I was working on a mini version of my bodypod - which inspired me to try putting a "T" on the bottom of a monopod to aid in stability with further stability being accomplished by putting your foot on one side of the "T" ! - The T being made from light weight PVC.

Also, be aware that Manfrotto and some independents make a monopod stabilizer that attaches under where the head attaches to the monopod and rests against your chest. https://www.ebay.com/itm/SE-V09-Light-Weight-Unipod-DSLR-Camera-Video-Shoulder-Support-Rig-Stabilizer/222457830003?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D50544%26meid%3De601ae015310465381737e6a8852ad1e%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D191090987933%26itm%3D222457830003&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850 -

Also recently, some manufacturers are making a pan/tilt head with provision for panning on the TOP. -https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Panoramic-Tilt-Ball-Head-with-Quick-Release-Plate-for-Monopod-Tripod/132249842987?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372 - it is because of this head rotating at the top that has allowed the main body of the monopod to be become stationary, stabilized and to allow the pod to be at an angle !

And, this one pans at the TOP and BOTTOM ! - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Haoge-Metal-Tripod-Monopod-Panning-Tilt-Head-w-58mm-Panorama-for-Benro-RRS-Arca/181999670417?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

What this does on a monopod, is allows the pod to be at an angle and still be able to make a true horizontal pan when properly adjusted. The ideal placement of the monopod being well in front of you and angled back slightly with your feet spread shoulder width apart. I also like the idea of using a video fluid head for following action on a monopod so I have one of each of these heads on two different monopods.

Especially if you use large lenses, I hope this may inspire you to become better friends with your monopod !

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painter's pole with "T"

(Download)


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modified painter's pole detail

(Download)

Manfro 685, video fluid head, manfro stabilizer

(Download)

cessnalvr Loc: West virginia

I like your thinking. Recently bought a nest tripod that i can use to make a monopod out of it also just havent got to do that yet.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks for stopping by .....take it out and practice !

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks Stan , I had been wanting to pass this along for some time now - we had a rain out day here today so that gave me some time .....

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Monopods rock.

I also have a pistol grip that works quite well.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

I like your gear, Larry. You don't have to convert me--I regularly use a monopod with a fluid head for my long range bird shots (& bee shots). What helps me tremendously is angling the monopod by placing the base well out in front, rather than having it perpendicular. If I can rest my back against something as well (car, post, tree, etc), it's almost as steady as a tripod. Earl.

corpsol Loc: Cape Cod

Any pictures of the pistol grip?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks Earl .......that is the optimum way to use. You might want to try the top panning /tilt head on your monopod which allows a horizontal panning when angled.

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Kuzano

I used a monopod until I discovered the String Pod, made from less than $5 worth of parts from your local hardware store. Carry it in your pocket, step into the loop and use upward tension for stability. Works well for me, and I can walk around with my camera, and use it in places where mono and tripods are not allowed.

One variation... youtube. Others abound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjqPuHFoqhE

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I imagine this works best with smaller/lighter camera/lenses.

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Froggy Loc: Guernsey Channel Islands UK

Looks great to me, it’s something I want to try as I am getting a bit shaken. Well done and thankyou for letting us see your great idea.

wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

Has anyone used the "SE-V09-Light-Weight-Unipod-DSLR-Camera-Video-Shoulder-Support-Rig-Stabilizer"? It looks like it would help to stabilize the monopod, but I'm not sure if you can lean into it enough to focus?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It is a dead ringger for the Manfro version that I am shown using in the last photo ....

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