Easy Bamboo Monopod

This is just a very simple monopod, that can be made in a few minutes, for less than a dollar.  It is lightweight, rigid, and strong enough to use with a point and shoot camera or a compact camcorder.  It is made from bamboo, which is very durable and needs little maintenance.

I use this monopod for a light point and shoot camera and a small camcorder, but I would have concerns using it for a DSLR with a large lens.  A monopod will provide much more stability than holding a camera by hand, and it is much easier to carry around than a tripod, so it is a good compromise.  This monopod is just a monopod, it is not strong enough to be used as a walking stick.

Step 1: What you need

You will need:
   - 1 piece of bamboo, about 5/8" in diameter, about 5' long. This is what I used, because it's what I have available.  Use whatever you 
     can find, just make sure it's somewhat straight.
   - 1 dual threaded stud, 1/4/'-20 machine thread on one end and wood lag screw thread on the other end.
   - 2 1/4"-20 nuts
   - 1 1/4"-20 wing nut
   - 1 1/4"-20 lock nut
   - Wrench (don't use pliers)
   - Drill with a 13/64" bit

Comments

[snotty]

Nice work!

One shortcoming with monopods for video is a tendency for them to pan side to side slightly. I think one solution is to add a 1 foot handle extending from the side.

Good luck :)

[Phiske]

Very cool and cost effective. I live in Ecuador for most of the year and have considered buying a monopod to use there, but I'm cheap. Great alternative! Thanks

[arpruss]

If one used 1" diameter bamboo, it would be more than strong enough as a walking stick. The bolt might not fit--maybe one would need to epoxy it in.