Monopod, walking poles

[Jean]

Anyone out there using a monopod? Did you buy it as such or create/adapt one from something else?

I am not interested in using a tripod but have 3 nice collapsible walking poles and am thinking of trying to adapt one to be a monopod. I think I would rather do that than try to make a monopod into a walking pole since when I use a walking pole it is under conditions that require it to provide stability for me going up and down hills. If I find it useful as a monopod it will be simple enough to use on level ground, too, of course.

Anyhow If someone has made the sort of adaptation I am describing I would like to hear about it.

[Maureen]

I use a bogen monopod that I bought for around $50 from Adorama. I like it because I don't have to drag the tripod around. I don't have a quick release on it, and right now I think I won't bother with that. What I like about mine is that it collapses to about 20". It's also quite light so it's no bother to take it along. Because I use a very heavy camera/lens setup (at least it's very heavy to me), the monopod is very handy. I can handhold this lens, but it's hard to do for long.

I should think it would be relatively easy to convert a walking stick to a monopod. You just need to somehow affix the correct screw for your camera mount to the top of it. Is your walking stick going to be tall enough to use as a monopod?

[Jean]

Thanks for the info, Maureen.

Yes, the walking stick will be tall enough for a monopod since I am not very tall myself. I do want a quick release and think I have found one I can put on the walking stick. Just have to order it.

[jentheartist]

I found a great monopod at Wal-Mart of all places and it was around $30 - it doesn't have a movable head like my bigger monopod, but it's easier and faster to attach and store in my backpack - and also makes a great walking stick