I need a really, Really sturdy Monopod...

[Corto]

What do you all suggest?

I need something that can double as a walking stick, As I have a bad ankle that needs some help in the woods. (multiple surgeries)

I dont care what it weighs, But it needs to be able to handle serious abuse.

Thanks all

 

[noimmunity]

There is a compâny that makes a carbon fibre walking stick that has retractable feet to become a tripod. The reference is on my macbook pro, which is having the hard disk replaced, but if you do a search, you may be able to find it.

 

[sig]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_qQRNU-FyA

 

[myoptic]

You could look for a used Tiltall (Marchioni or E. Leitz) as one of the legs unscrews to become a monopod. I swear by my StarD (Tiltall clone)...
Tiltall Blog has good info.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I once had an incredibly sturdy monopod made from a 6' aluminum tube I bought at the hardware store. I inserted a short wooden dowel in either end after cutting it to proper length. The bottom had a crutch tip and the top had a 1/4" bolt inserted in a hole in the dowel.

It was very low cost and non-collapsible. If I used a monopod today I would build another one.

 

[hlockwood]

What do you all suggest?

I need something that can double as a walking stick, As I have a bad ankle that needs some help in the woods. (multiple surgeries)

I dont care what it weighs, But it needs to be able to handle serious abuse.

Thanks all

I have a Cullmann that can be used to fend off a bear, should you meet one. PM me if you're interested; I haven't had the need for it in years.

Harry

 

[Rob-F]

I have a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod that is definitely strong and sturdy! I also have one called "The Chief of Staffs" that is lighter than the Bogen, yet plenty sturdy.

 

[Beemermark]

How about a 4x4? Couldn't resist.

Years ago I picked up the perfect monopod at the Grand Canyon gift shop. Like you I was looking for something I could also use for walking support. The gift job had very nice hiking sticks made of aluminum, with a rubber covering and adjustable length via an internal click stop. It was topped off with a nice wooden knob and hand strap. The knob unscrewed to reveal the typical 1/4" camera screw. Unfortunately there is no name on it so I can't tell you who makes it. I would look under hiking sticks in sporting stores for what you want.

 

[akitadog]

Hi, Have a look at this one. It is quite sturdy and may be suitable for you.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/HikingCamping/TrekkingPoles/PRD~4005-751/tracks-sherlite-staff.jsp

Regards,

akitadog

 

[akitadog]

Beemermark,

I have one exactly like you are describing. Bought it at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver BC quite a while ago. I still have and use it. However, they don't sell that exact model anymore. I will look at it when I get home and see if the brand label is still on it. It can support a lot of weight without any problems.

Akitadog

How about a 4x4? Couldn't resist.

Years ago I picked up the perfect monopod at the Grand Canyon gift shop. Like you I was looking for something I could also use for walking support. The gift job had very nice hiking sticks made of aluminum, with a rubber covering and adjustable length via an internal click stop. It was topped off with a nice wooden knob and hand strap. The knob unscrewed to reveal the typical 1/4" camera screw. Unfortunately there is no name on it so I can't tell you who makes it. I would look under hiking sticks in sporting stores for what you want.

 

[Liquid-Sky]

if you ever need one for self defence i'd go for a manfrotto 079b, very strong ! 😛

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Bob: Brilliant! I was going to suggest a heavy branch from the woods and sinking a 1/4 screw in it. But his suggestion will be lighter and stiffer.

 

[jwnash1]

Take a look at the TrekPod. www.TrekPod.com. It is a monopod which doubles as a hiking staff or vice versa. Comes with a ball head with a heavy duty magnet attachment. . You may be concerned about the magnet but mine holds a Pentax K10 with 55-300 zoom securely. Plus it has a safety line. Highly recommended.
John

 

[Roger Hicks]

Take a look at http://www.uniloctripod.com/index.html. I have the 2-section version and it's solid enough to use as a quarterstaff, never mind a walking stick. I also have the old Benbo 2-section one (very, very similar) but I'm not sure if it's still in production.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Ken Smith]

While everyone else went from the aspect of a monopod first, I think your best bet safety wise is to look at sturdy walking staff first and then opt for the best one with a camera screw. You can always purchase a small ball head or quick release head and add it to the the staff via trhe camera screw. Your first concern should be the ankle - they work best in pairs and keeping the weak one safe will ensure you are able to get out and about to enjoy your cameras. A good walking staff is designed to support your body where as a good monopod is designed to support a camera - quite abit of difference between the two.

 

[wjlapier]

While in Glacier National Park hiking I used a Manfrotto 680B monopod. Thick, sturdy, and collapses down to about 20" i think--pretty small.

 

[atlcruiser]

Check out the Reis monopod

http://riestripod.com/tripods.php

 

[jbrianfoto]

Back in the 80's everyone used the Gitzo 564. I have one, I swear by it - very stout, holds a 400 f/2.8 and motorized body - so it is strong. They are kinda hard to find these days, I think they make a newer one called the 1564.