Carrying/transporting a monopod

[didotcicero]

Since the (light and tiny) Bessa R is my main camera I find it a bit hard to keep the heavy D50 with 28-300 mm zoomlens still. So I bought a Manfrotto 681B monopod as a support.

Now... This may sound a bit silly: how do you take such an apparatus with you? It only has a wrist strap and it doesn't fit into/onto my camerabag? Should I make some kind of shoulder strap?

 

[Ash]

Carry it in your hand. When you need both hands for a photo, let it drop. It'll hang on your wrist freeing up both hands for the camera. Take some shots, hold the monopod in your hand again.


I've seen people keep the pole attached to the camera, and just carry it like a hammer, but that's weird looking and dangerous

 

[Kin Lau]

Strap it to the outside of the camera back, or clip it to your belt.

I usually have mine attached to the camera & carry the camera over my shoulder. Make sure you rest the body of the camera on your shoulder, otherwise you could snap the head of the mono.

 

[BrianShaw]

I've seen people keep the pole attached to the camera, and just carry it like a hammer, but that's weird looking and dangerous

Ah, so we've met? That "weird and dangerous person" that you are describing would be me. 😉

I use monopod mostly with MF TLR and SLR. I keep the monopod attached to the camera 99% of the time I am shooting but cradle the camera in my arms (like a baby) when walking about. That avoids the problem of stressing the tripod/monpod mount of the camera, etc. as might happen by carrying the pod over the shoulder with the camera hung on the far end.

One problem I encountered,, however, was twice being questioned by "the authorities" (once in US and again in the UK) because some on-lookers thought I was carrying a firearm.

When not using the camera and monopod, I often will slide the monopod under my belt (like a sword).

 

[Ash]

"It's not a firearm, but it does shoot things"

 

[fishtek]

When I use a monopod, it's normally with my SLR and DSLR. I keep it attached, shortened, and often have the tip tucked into the top of my jeans pocket or resting on top of my belt. A great item to have is the fishing rod rest used by surf fishermen. Lets you use the monopod for support, when you want to be very mobile and avoid resting the monopod on the ground. Easy enough to remove the 'pod, extend it, and rest it on the ground.

Regards!
Don

 

[Kin Lau]

I use monopod mostly with MF TLR and SLR. I keep the monopod attached to the camera 99% of the time I am shooting but cradle the camera in my arms (like a baby) when walking about. That avoids the problem of stressing the tripod/monpod mount of the camera, etc. as might happen by carrying the pod over the shoulder with the camera hung on the far end.

One problem I encountered,, however, was twice being questioned by "the authorities" (once in US and again in the UK) because some on-lookers thought I was carrying a firearm.

I've actually manage to snap the head of my Manfrotto 683, which is an awfully strong monopod to begin with. That's why I make sure I rest the camera itself on my shoulder, not hang it over my shoulder.

I've never had my camera mistaken for a gun by people - dogs are another story. A 400/5.6 or 500mm looks more like a bazooka 😱

 

[didotcicero]

Thank you all. I will try hanging it from my belt first.

I really like to have my hands free. So when I'm not using the monopod hanging it from my belt sounds like the best way.

 

[alan davus]

I carry my monopod in my hand. Technically speaking it's not a monopod but a trekking pole, the Leki Sierra. On the end of the handle is a wooden knob. Unscrew it and voila, a monopod. As someone who spends much of his spare time hiking (with camera in hand) a multi purpose tool like this is gold.

Cheers, Alan

 

[Steve B]

Clip it

Clip it

Here's my solution. From Black Diamond, a climbing equipment company, www.bdel.com, buy an Ice Clipper. This is a plastic carabiner like devise that is attached to a climber's harness and used to store ice screws on for easy access while climbing. Secure it to the monopod with safety wire and clip it to a belt loop, shoulder bag or whatever you like. I find it super convenient. A regular climbing carabiner should also work but the Ice Clipper has a flat backed spine and sits on the monopod better.