Supporting heavy lens

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Hand-Holding heavy lens has become beyond me for more than a few minutes, so I cobbled together a method to take the weight for most of the time. It would be better to be over both shoulders to even the load out, but this is how far I have got so far.
Rather than try and explain it, I have added some images.
Any comments or ideas would be appreciated
 
Thanks for sharing. I purchased a Steadify (supported the kickstarter fund). The main support articulates at the base and the wingnut can be tightened. The key innovation is the telescoping support, which you can extend quickly and twist to lock. I suspect the designers may have been inspired by some cheaper designs of telescoping fishing rods, which twist to lock.

This hip monopod supports more than 5 kg - as in gripped Nikon DSLR and 400 f2.8E with a Teleconverter. I found the top support yoke needed modifying to provide resistance to rotation. I changed the head bolt, cut to the correct length with a thinned nut to preload the teflon washers. This to stiffen the articulation. This gadget does not seem to be available anymore.

https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/photography-gear/tripods-supports/steadify-be-the-tripod/


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Thanks Mike, Getting one here to South Africa could be an issue, but it looks better than mine :cry:. I now notice you are in SA too, how did you get one sent to you?
I would use a head and keep the lens connected. Is it possible to lift the camera higher to shot BIF (like my image)?
Does it sit nicely on the hip, no slipping around ankles lol?
 
I found the new website https://swiftdesign.shop/products/steadify

It is available in Europe. I had mine sent to my sister in Uk, who kindly brought it out on a trip. Expensive for what it is, but the product seems to be unique. With access to a basic machine shop and expertise, in theory it should be straightforward to make one similar. The critical first step is to use the correct Al alloy - probably 6061, and find offcut tube of the right diameters etc, then get everything anodized or coated with one of the military spec finishes - ideally CeraKote.

Compared to the Steadfy the options for rifles and crossbows are poorly designed in comparison - eg this Hip Shot
 
I've seen people using a monopod in a flag pole harness as hrv noted, which as it is over both shoulders instead of around the waist seems to be a bit steadier and less likely to slip. I'm planning on giving it a try on a whale watch trip to offset the bouncing boat. Uh, GlyRDav, do you think it might work better with the lens cap off? ;)
 
I've seen people using a monopod in a flag pole harness as hrv noted, which as it is over both shoulders instead of around the waist seems to be a bit steadier and less likely to slip. I'm planning on giving it a try on a whale watch trip to offset the bouncing boat. Uh, GlyRDav, do you think it might work better with the lens cap off? ;)
Now I know that my photos are all dark...
The flag pole harness is probably the best option, but trying to find one in SA
 
What is the advantage of using a monopod in a harness like this over using a monopod as it is meant to be used? I use a monopod often and when it is extended it takes the weight of the camera and lens nicely and if I need to move location I just put it on my shoulder and walk.
The advantage I found with something like this is because I found using a monopod in the conventional way impedes panning. You have to run around the monopod. All the harness does is just help support the weight when essentially hand-holding.
 
The advantage I found with something like this is because I found using a monopod in the conventional way impedes panning. You have to run around the monopod. All the harness does is just help support the weight when essentially hand-holding.
I see. I would have thought you would have to move your feet with a harness as well. We all have our own way of doing things. I don't think I'd like having the weight of my camera and lens on my shoulders but good luck with your harness.
 
View attachment 32732View attachment 32733View attachment 32734Hand-Holding heavy lens has become beyond me for more than a few minutes, so I cobbled together a method to take the weight for most of the time. It would be better to be over both shoulders to even the load out, but this is how far I have got so far.
Rather than try and explain it, I have added some images.
Any comments or ideas would be appreciated
Nice. A couple of the best wildlife photographers I’ve run across in SoCal have a setup like this with 600mm lenses. I’ve been meaning to try it. Seems like it combines the mobility of being handheld with extra stability and of course less fatigue.
 
Using a monopod, I pan all the time while sitting on a walkstool. As I pan to one side I tilt the monopod in that direction and lean forward to maintain the same heigh (or forward or back as necessary to maintain the appropriate height) while rotating the lens in the collar to keep it level. The foot of the monopod stays in the same place.

This gadget makes no sense to me.

Tom
 
Using a monopod, I pan all the time while sitting on a walkstool. As I pan to one side I tilt the monopod in that direction and lean forward to maintain the same heigh (or forward or back as necessary to maintain the appropriate height) while rotating the lens in the collar to keep it level. The foot of the monopod stays in the same place.

This gadget makes no sense to me.
This is why I asked the question above to the OP. It made no sense to me either.

I use exactly the same method as you. Walkstool and a monopod. I'm comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time and ALL the weight of my camera and lens is supported by the monopod and I can pan if I need to just as you describe. I can also just pick up the camera, stand up and pan with it with the monopod still attached if I need to. I can't see the advantage of having all that weight on my shoulders all of the time. My back is aching just thinking about it lol.

There are many useless gadgets in photography. This system seems to be one of them to me and over many years in photography I have yet to see anyone using it.

I like to carry as little as possible when I'm out and about. Camera, lens, monopod. In a small cheap backpack - lens cloth, spare battery and my TC's. Oh, and most importantly a flask of coffee or cold water depending on the weather. I don't even carry a spare card as I can get two in my Z9.

I have been considering one of these as it would mean I could leave the stool behind https://www.clunycountrystore.co.uk/products/fjallravenstubbenbackpack?variant=30369923891286
 
Each to his own, but when I am not stuck in the same place resting the monopod on the ground is not so convenient. The one advantage of supporting the monopod in a flag pole harness (as suggested by HRV above - thanks) panning is done by pivoting shoulders and the camera stays level without loosening the collar. It is easy to pick the camera up when BIF are higher.
In addition, when I can, I put the monopod on the ground.
 
Each to his own, but when I am not stuck in the same place resting the monopod on the ground is not so convenient. The one advantage of supporting the monopod in a flag pole harness (as suggested by HRV above - thanks) panning is done by pivoting shoulders and the camera stays level without loosening the collar. It is easy to pick the camera up when BIF are higher.
In addition, when I can, I put the monopod on the ground.
Each to his own indeed. Good luck with it and I hope it serves you well. I'll give it a miss.
 
As in the military, it often pays dividends to use flexible tactics on the ground, and in bushy, rugged terrain, and photographing elusive subjects. I use a heavier tripod in hides and in similar static situations, where a light seat is also feasible. Otherwise it's too much to carry.
I fit my lightest gimbal (Jobu Jnr or Fotopro) on a very light monopod. This combination works well to stabilize the telephoto rig (often +5kg). Changing positions within a more localized area, I use the heavier Sirui monopod with fold-out feet.
I often use my Steadify hip monopod when hiking. For encounters lasting a few minutes it works very well.
Opportunistic windows on fleeting subjects notch up the challenges. I find often has to move positions to get around intervening clutter and line up the subject - to get a better background etc. Again, this is where a hip-mounted monopod is ideal and far superior to an orthodox monopod.
 
Sorry I should have replied to this, the Steadify uses a wide adjustable belt similar to those on decent hiking packs.
I would suggest for your setup, is get some webbing and have a simple shoulder harness made up. The better Sports and Climbing shops stock suitable webbing. It is simple to tie up a sling from a length of suitable length with double knots (ie non-slip), but cleaner and neater to get it stitched as a Figure-of-8 with an industrial machine using heavy duty thread. A cord or an extra length can support the monopod under the top end.

Thanks Mike, Getting one here to South Africa could be an issue, but it looks better than mine :cry:. I now notice you are in SA too, how did you get one sent to you?
I would use a head and keep the lens connected. Is it possible to lift the camera higher to shot BIF (like my image)?
Does it sit nicely on the hip, no slipping around ankles lol?
 
View attachment 32732View attachment 32733View attachment 32734Hand-Holding heavy lens has become beyond me for more than a few minutes, so I cobbled together a method to take the weight for most of the time. It would be better to be over both shoulders to even the load out, but this is how far I have got so far.
Rather than try and explain it, I have added some images.
Any comments or ideas would be appreciated
I am trying to do something similar that will make a mono-pod easy to get to three different levels quickly. Trying to do that with a tripod is impossible and heavy. I am curious as to the make of mono-pod and the head you are using in the pictures.
 
I am down to almost nothing to carry: One 26" walkstool and a very light Sirui monopod with a monogimble. My rig, even with the lens foot is less than 4.5# but I am often waiting for a bird to takeoff while in ProCapture so having a monopod to support the camera is important.

For me, I find much better stability sitting as opposed to standing even with a monopod and I have no trouble panning.
 
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