an ultra portable "tripod" for less than $1?

[rtphokie]

Basically it's string with a 1/4" bolt tied to one end and a large washer tied to the other. Bolt goes in the tripod mount on your camera and you step on the string. Pull it taught and it controls the shake. The author claims that it "virtually eliminates vertical shake and significantly reduces horizontal shake."

"Construction" video

I wont carry a tripod in many situations (like WDW) but this could be easily stuck in your pocket or tucked into the camera bag.

It's so small you might not even look that dorky using it.

 

[MOmousefan]

You are so right about the benefits of this device. In fact our photography instructor where I teach uses a dog chain for the same purpose. The only problems with the chain is security and the weight.
Thanks for the post.

 

[MICKEY88]

y'all are joking right..??

 

[dburg30]

y'all are joking right..??

Probably not, same idea as using a sling wrapped a certain way when shooting a rifle from a standing position, that opposing force will stabilize it a lot. It's a lot easier to put a constant pressure one way, then to try to keep very still..

 

[AndrewWG]

Ok, I guess I will say that it may stabilize the camera a bit. But in place of a tripod? I don't think it will take the place of a tripod. Even a monopod isn't a great tripod substiute. Your photos may be better, but only if they were real bad to begin with I would think. If someone here makes one, let us know how it works.

 

[mabas9395]

It's so small you might not even look that dorky using it.

I've heard about this technique on other boards. It's supposed to be better than no tripod but few people believe it until they try it out.

But if looking like a dork is a concern to anyone, photography may not be the hobby for you. My kids get pretty embarassed when we go out in public and I have my big ol' backback on. I've been thinking about getting the belt-harness or photog vest to wear to their soccer games. That would truly make them social outcasts.

 

[MICKEY88]

Probably not, same idea as using a sling wrapped a certain way when shooting a rifle from a standing position, that opposing force will stabilize it a lot. It's a lot easier to put a constant pressure one way, then to try to keep very still..

I understand using sling with a rifle, it helps keep the rifle from kicking upwards, however, since the most common form of camera movement related blur is a heavy shutter finger, pushing down on the camera, how does a string keeping the camera from upward movement also prevent downward movement

 

[rtphokie]

Ok, I guess I will say that it may stabilize the camera a bit. But in place of a tripod? I don't think it will take the place of a tripod. Even a monopod isn't a great tripod substiute. Your photos may be better, but only if they were real bad to begin with I would think. If someone here makes one, let us know how it works.

I've not tried it yet but I'm thinking it could be just as good as a monopod.

A monopod, held by 2 hands is a tripod of sorts (though an less stable one). It's supported by 3 points (2 hands and the monopod).

Same thing here, (2 hands and the string). though since the one of the forces is opposing, it might actually be a bit more stable than the monopod.

 

[dburg30]

I understand using sling with a rifle, it helps keep the rifle from kicking upwards, however, since the most common form of camera movement related blur is a heavy shutter finger, pushing down on the camera, how does a string keeping the camera from upward movement also prevent downward movement

No. It's to take left, right, up and down motion out..
Who cares if the gun kicks upwards (within reason) once the trigger is pulled, the bullet is on the way.


Take a zoom lens at full zoom and aim it handheld. Then just try this setup, or even just tie a string around the lens barrel and stand on the string and try again
Now, there will be people that are rock steady, in that case it's not going to help you much

 

[MICKEY88]

No. It's to take left, right, up and down motion out..
Who cares if the gun kicks upwards (within reason) once the trigger is pulled, the bullet is on the way.


Take a zoom lens at full zoom and aim it handheld. Then just try this setup, or even just tie a string around the lens barrel and stand on the string and try again
Now, there will be people that are rock steady, in that case it's not going to help you much

still don't understand how it prevents downward camera movement from a heavy shutter finger,

that's where a good 2.8 lens comes in handy. and if I'm shooting something that I know I need support I carry monopod or tripod..

 

[Anewman]

still don't understand how it prevents downward camera movement from a heavy shutter finger,

It will not "prevent" any movement, but it may "REDUCE" it.

And what helps reduce the downward movement of the camera is muscle power pulling upwards even during shutter release, if one squeezes the trigger instead of pushing down on it there should be no reduction on the upward tension.

The effectiveness likely depends on ones shooting skill/style to begin with, but I do not see how it would even match the effectiveness of a monopod.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Interesting...

 

[jann1033]

Ok, I guess I will say that it may stabilize the camera a bit. But in place of a tripod? I don't think it will take the place of a tripod. Even a monopod isn't a great tripod substiute. Your photos may be better, but only if they were real bad to begin with I would think. If someone here makes one, let us know how it works.

it seems like it would be just as hard to keep the string taught as it is to hold the camera steady...but having not tried it some law of physics or something must apply( and no i don't care what that law is)

 

[jann1033]

I've not tried it yet but I'm thinking it could be just as good as a monopod.

A monopod, held by 2 hands is a tripod of sorts (though an less stable one). It's supported by 3 points (2 hands and the monopod).

Same thing here, (2 hands and the string). though since the one of the forces is opposing, it might actually be a bit more stable than the monopod.

i thought the monopod "=" the third leg of the "tripod" due to your 2 legs, which is what confused me about this, your hands are what are away from your body( even with good technique they have to stick out some) and most likely to move anyway, you legs being supported by the ground aren't as likely to ...someone try it and see, it sure would be lighter than a monopod or tripod in a pinch if it really works

 

[Groucho]

I saw this recently mentioned elsewhere, it's more like a "really, really poor and poverty-stricken man's image stabilization" - might give you an extra stop or two.

Someone else pointed out, quite rightly, that if you do this, you'd better make sure to use a neck strap on the camera! Otherwise, a momentary case of butterfingers will send your camera crashing to the ground.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm going to make one with a kevlar thread, a carbon fiber dowel rod, and a titanium mounting screw. I want to make sure that I have the really high end low end solution.

 

[MICKEY88]

I'm going to make one with a kevlar thread, a carbon fiber dowel rod, and a titanium mounting screw. I want to make sure that I have the really high end low end solution.

only you would think of such a thing...

 

[MICKEY88]

I wonder how many people will strip out the threads on their camera socket, using the wrong size and thread pitch screw..

 

[MICKEY88]

here is a slightly more expensive alternative..


http://www.ken-lab.com/

 

[cpbjgc]

I've seen this device discussed extensively on many boards with three common themes:
"That's interesting"
"I don't don't see how that can work"
"I haven't tried it"

In fact, the only person I have ever seen use it is the guy in the video!

(And just for the record, the three themes apply to me too!)

I think I'll go with the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizer recommended by Mickey88- I'll be easier to spot at the parks now