Trekking Pole Tripod

Headed to Zion NP to do some backpacking in the Virgin Narrows and didn't want to lug a tripod around with me. Since there were two of us going (and 4 trekking poles), I figured I had enough poles for a last-minute tripod. Entire project done in the one hour before heading to the airport, including wandering the hardware store! I love living next door to Discount Builders!

---SUPPLIES---
2-6" Flexible Gas Conduit (about 3/4" in diameter)
2x 1/4-20x1" Hex Bolt
1/4-20 Long Nut
1/4-20 Washer
5-Minute Epoxy
Trekking Poles

---TOOLS---
Metal Saw (Sawzall or hacksaw)
Metal File
1/4-20 Tap/Drill Set

UPDATE: Just came across this design on the web, looks to be a bit sturdier though maybe 10x the weight. Either way, another option!

Step 1 Prep Conduit

I was originally planning on using some sort of flexible copper piping, but found this gas conduit instead. Unfortunately the tube cost $13 since it was a full assembly . . . I doubt any place would sell this stuff any other way (except at a junkyard of course!)

Pretty easy step here, cut the conduit to size and file any rough edges that may remain. I used about 4-inches since I wanted to be able to bend the tripod 90-degrees for portrait shots. As a note, I found this length to be a bit long for super-stable shots, as the weight of the camera "bounced" if you weren't careful. If you're using a heavy camera definitely go shorter! To dampen this bouncing, you might find it useful to fill the conduit with something like sand . . . but that of course adds weight!

Comments

[justgettingstarted]

What a great idea! I've been wanting to build a monopod out of one of my walking sticks and parts of your Instructable will make it finally happen. A small suggestion: Instead of cutting off a bolt's head, try using an Allen setscrew. They come in various lengths from a couple of threads long to a couple of inches. It can be difficult to cut off a bolt and then make the threads clean enough to be usable. Thanks again.

[EdM]

I have a simpler and easier solution. Buy an inexpensive monopod, which telescopes down to about 18" for transport and is very light weight. The m-pod screws directly into the camera and forms the third leg of the triangle (so you only ever need your own 2 walking sticks). I cinch down my walking stick straps around the m-pod grip and give them a couple twists for a nice, firm hold. Since the m-pod usually needs to be vertical (unless it has a swivel head) you have to be careful as this makes a slightly less stable tripod (unless you tie weights to the walking sticks). However, aiming a heavy lens toward the walking sticks makes this more stable and is usually able to support it with no problem.

[chase.carlton]

Nice instructable. Ozark Trail(super-cheap Wal-Mart brand)'s trekking pole's handle unscrews to reveal a 1/4-20 thread that you can use as a monopod.

[clievers]

That's cool. A while back I was thinking it would be cool to just attach the tripod device (that connects to the camera) on top of a hiking pole, to give a monopod. It would be good for steady shots, but not "self" shots (it could fall over, lol). Not sure how I would go about that. But this is a good idea.

[nk2007]

Not a bad design, but i would be wary of puting anything other than that body and the kit lens on there, as anything heavier i would assume it would bend/break/droop. (i have an Xti with 70-200 2.8L) and that thing is heavy.

[jeffkobi]

Couldn't agree with you more! Definitely do not try to use any lens heavy enough that comes with it's own tripod mount! I wouldn't trust myself with such a nice lens on a backpacking trip anyway, let alone, 16 miles IN a river! Just had the kit lens and the 50/1.8 with me . . . disposable lenses.

pics from the hike

[John Smith]

Nice project. We hiked in the narrows, and all around the park, too. Zion is definitely my favorite park.