Neat & Inexpensive Monopod Accessory

[rpcrowe]

I like using a monopod for many shots. However I don't always want to shoot with the camera attached to the monopod. When I have the camera detached, the problem is how to carry the pod without interfering with my shooting. Just having the pod strap around my wrist with the monopod swinging free is a not a good idea. I tried hanging the monopod over my shoulder on a strap and didn't like it swinging around. I tried slipping the monopod through my belt and that worked fairly well but would rub on my hip. I don't wear a backpack when shooting so the idea of securing the pod to a backpack is out. I also want to be able to get the pod in action quite fast. I was perusing eBay one day and saw this item so, I thought for the price I would give it a chance...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Nylon...EAAOSwqfZab4Zr

I received it the other day (it took about 3-weeks to get to me) and it works great. The pod is attached to my belt and is kept in place but, doesn't swing around. The pod is not rubbing against my hip like when I just stick it through my belt. It is also very easy to pull out the pod for shooting.

Another advantage is that this little gadget hasthat pocket into which I can place the foot of my retracted monopod making the rig into sort of a chest pod. That really makes for a solid rest but, one in which I have a lot of mobility.

I was pretty sure that, at this low price, the build quality would be pretty low and actually intended it as a pattern so that my spouse could fabricate one out of good material. I was quite pleasantly surprised at the build quality of this gadget and how well it works for my needs.

Two cavaets:

My monopod has twist locks. I don't think a monopod with snap locks would be a good fit with this holder.

The support pocket really works great with video for non moving shots. With the addition of lens IS and in-camera video IS (Canon 6D Mk2) it almost looks like I had the camera tripod mounted. However I have not been able to do as well when moving while shooting. Maybe I just have to get used to it,,,

The other accessory I received was this five dollar shield for the articulating LCD screen of my 6D Mk2.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Neewer-3-LC...53.m2749.l2649

The shield does a great job shading the LCD from the direct rays of the sun. I can view the LCD much more easily with this screen than without it. Since the LCD on the 6D Mk2 tilts, it is easier to shade the view from the direct sun rays. The unit is well made, lightweight and can fold down into a small package to fit in my camera bag. Best of all, I can still use the touchscreen of the camera while the shield is attached.

These are two simple accessories which cost only three dollars and five dollars that make my shooting a lot more pleasant...

[NorthernFocus]

I have the same dilemma when carrying a monopod. This is an interesting idea.

[Shadowman]

Nice, thanks for the link.

[Tronhard]

My monopod is SO heavy that I am considering one of these to carry it:


Obviously one would remove the tube-like device at the back, unless the monopod fits into it...

[rpcrowe]

I have the same dilemma when carrying a monopod. This is an interesting idea.

Might be worth the three bucks to give it a try.

I use a larger size Calumet Series 8000 Series 5 section 8x Carbon monopod. And that is the largest diameter leg that would fit in this holder. If anyone needs the diameter of my pod leg, just let me know and I will measure it.

[zen]

Yes. Looks like it would fit right into that round black thing on top.

[rpcrowe]

I saw a Tactical Flashlight Holder which could easily be converted into a monopod holder in a store yesterday. I did not jot down the manufacturers name because I thought that I could easily find it on the Internet but, I was wrong.

It cost about $8 U.S. Dollars but could easily be fabricated from two pieces of double sided Velcro material about one inch (~25mm) wide.

Simply make one piece of Velcro into a ring through which you can slide your belt. Insert the other piece of Velcro through the ring with the center point of the second piece attached to the ring. You now have a ring through which you can slide your belt and both sides of the second piece of Velcro ready to wrap around your monopod and secure it.

Lightweight, easy to fabricate and inexpensive. I will be passing the store next Friday when I take one of my rescue dog to the eye doctor. If anyone is interested in this monopod holder, I will get its manufacturer's name and/or grab a picture of it with my smartphone.