Archive for Sunday, April 20, 2008
Behind the Lens: Makeshift monopod good in low light
A simple eye hook and nylon cord can provide a cheap, pocket-sized alternative to expensive monopods and tripods. While this do-it-yourself device doesn't provide complete stabilization like a tripod does, it does come in handy for shooting in low light situations, panning and macro photography.
April 20, 2008
Advertisement
A few weeks back, a friend of mine introduced me to an online tutorial about how to create a monopod, made of string of all things, for $2. Yes, that's less than your morning latte.
Monopods and tripods can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars, so this tutorial definitely struck a chord with me. While this doesn't provide complete stabilization like a normal monopod does, it does help minimize camera shake.
Here is what you need:
¢ 1x1/4-20 stainless steel eye hook or eyebolt, 2 inches long or shorter.
¢ 1x1/4-20 nut (may come with the eye hook).
¢ 6 feet of braided nylon and/or poly cord (parachute cord is recommended).
Simple instructions:
1. Tie one end of the cord to the eye hook.
2. Thread the eye hook into the base of the camera.
3. Step on the cord.
4. Pull the cord tight.
5. Take picture.
You can use this method to do accurate panning photography; that is, moving the camera with a moving subject. It can also come in handy when doing close macro photography of plants and insects.
More like this
- For garden shots, try macro lens January 8, 2009
- Back into focus 2 comments / January 6, 2008
- Behind the Lens: Different accessories allow you to use flash off-camera 1 comment / April 13, 2008
- Trade tools: There's more to news photography than a camera April 18, 2004
- Holiday focus: Photographer Mike Yoder offers tips for great seasonal pics December 22, 2008
Top ads RSS
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Blog: How Has Obama's Stimulus Helped You? November 21, 2009 · 77 comments
- Blog: The Day Patrol November 26, 2009 · 3 comments
- Obama to promise 17% cuts in U.S. emissions in next decade November 26, 2009 · 35 comments
- Blog: Mangino Vs. Perkins Speculation November 23, 2009 · 24 comments
- Quiet revolution taking place in America November 25, 2009 · 126 comments
- At Fambrough’s urging, fans show support for KU football November 26, 2009 · 24 comments
- Turbine manufacturer passes on Lawrence site November 24, 2009 · 85 comments
- Two treated at hospital after fight outside Cadillac Ranch November 26, 2009 · 22 comments
- On the street: Which do you prefer, white meat or dark meat? November 26, 2009 · 23 comments
- Douglas County Chief Judge says it's likely 12 days of furloughs will be needed next year for court employees November 25, 2009 · 23 comments
- At Fambrough’s urging, fans show support for KU football November 26, 2009
- Former KU Chancellor Laurence Chalmers dies November 25, 2009
- Extraordinarily grateful November 26, 2009
- Heeding heart attack’s message November 26, 2009
- Pie Lady makes holidays sweeter November 26, 2009
- KU says student didn't follow proper lab procedures before exposure to toxic chemical November 25, 2009
- Double Take: Parent considers home drug testing November 24, 2009
- Kansas Legislature likely to debate judicial nomination process in 2010 session November 25, 2009
- Pound by Pound: Danny Pound confronts his 'existential angst,' emerges with intimate second solo album November 26, 2009
- Two treated at hospital after fight outside Cadillac Ranch November 26, 2009
20 April 2008
at 2:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
pdecell (Paul Decelles) says…
Now why didn't I think of this? What a great tip. There are lots of times when I want to take pictures of flowers of insects and the tripod is not practical even if I have it with me. I'll try this!