The One-Dollar Image Stabilizer for Any Camera
Serious photographers know that a steady camera is the secret to bright, rich, and clear shots. A tripod is best, but they typically don't work well for action shots and are a literal drag to carry around. Monopods are a little more practical and mobile, but are still pretty bulky. Lenses or cameras with image stabilization help, but they're often quite expensive. What's the solution? Surprisingly it's a bolt, washer, and some string.
By tying one end of the string to the bolt and threading that into the camera, then the other end to the washer and letting it fall to the ground, you have yourself a simple way to stabilize that camera. By standing on the washer you can get most of the benefits of a monopod in a cheap (and ingenious) package that you can make in five minutes and easily fit in your pocket. Sound confusing? Watch the video above to see how it's done.
Who says photography has to be expensive?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AvianWondersTLC @ Jan 31st 2008 1:16AM
People I know who have been into photography for a lot longer than I have look at me like a moron when they see me pop my washer, string and bolt out of my pocket.
I'm photographing a two year old most of the time. I don't have time, patience or five hands to take photo's AND keep hold of that 2 year old. TRY THIS. It works. It took me a few times to get the hang of it but it was well worth the ten minutes to hunt the supplies down and put it together.My dysfunctional relationship with that damn tripod is SO OVA!!
Daniel Gaunt @ Jan 31st 2008 9:07AM
wow that's great! I've just made one for my camera!
Bigdave @ Jan 31st 2008 2:32PM
Anybody know what the standard thread size would be to purchase a bolt at a hardware store - (guessing of course that there is an industry standard)
KP @ Jan 31st 2008 3:08PM
Toooooooooooooo high tech for me! Isnt htere something easier?
AGB1953 @ Jan 31st 2008 3:23PM
Hey BigDave, the guy in the video says it's a 1/4 inch course thread bolt right at the beginning.
soundgod219 @ Jan 31st 2008 3:35PM
Where do the batteries go? LOL
al kaplan @ Jan 31st 2008 4:16PM
The standard tripod screw in all but a few very old European cameras is 1/4" X 20 threads per inch.
Roger Martinez @ Jan 31st 2008 4:22PM
1/4 inch is the common tripod screw attachment for most cameras....
what a cool idea, and inexpensive! I have 4 tripods and have been looking for amonopod for it's convenience.
WILLIAM @ Jan 31st 2008 4:30PM
WOW THATS GREAT IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO SEE PEOPLE SHARING IDEALS ==GREAT JOB
Chris Lauber @ Jan 31st 2008 4:37PM
Why not just use a high shutter speed, like 1/250th or 1/500th of a second? I once shot jet ski racing, handheld from a boat with a 600 mm, f4 Nikon telephoto lens at 1/500th - everything was sharp as a tack.
Chris @ Jan 31st 2008 4:38PM
Why not just use a high shutter speed, like 1/250th or 1/500th of a second? I once shot jet ski racing, handheld from a boat with a 600 mm, f4 Nikon telephoto lens at 1/500th - everything was sharp as a tack.
tom @ Jan 31st 2008 4:58PM
Chris, Depending on the lighting, a high shutter speed might not let in enough light to give a proper exposure. Indoors for example often require a slower shutter speed to get enough light. that is if you are shooting without flash.
ted @ Jan 31st 2008 5:08PM
I believe the standard thread for a tripod socket is 1/4 - 20.
Dean @ Jan 31st 2008 5:22PM
That is a great idea.I am gonna make one and try it
me @ Jan 31st 2008 6:45PM
the guy in the video is hot in a geeky way
Denise @ Jan 31st 2008 7:07PM
I just made one for myself and think its the greatest thing since SLR Digital cameras. Whoever came up with this idea should be on America's Next Top Inventor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlene @ Jan 31st 2008 7:07PM
Why does the video stop half way through playing it??
Don Mueller @ Jan 31st 2008 7:26PM
Dang, why didn't you tell me about that 25 years ago? I've taken a lot of video of important events where I forgot to bring my tripod, but now I know better! THANKS!
John @ Jan 31st 2008 7:58PM
Greay idea. Works with a 30-06 also. Been needing that.
Wayne @ Feb 1st 2008 10:04AM
Why didn't you just use a 1/4"-20 eye bolt.