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.

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:

¢ 1×1/4-20 stainless steel eye hook or eyebolt, 2 inches long or shorter.

¢ 1×1/4-20 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.