Carrying monopod with lens attached

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taxboy

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I did a quick search but could only find a post going back a number of years. I was wondering if there are any effective methods of carrying a monopod with lens attached other than resting the lens barrel on your shoulder. Without the monopod I use a Black Rapid strap to carry a Canon R7 with EF100-400mm lens. However the strap uses the threaded hole on the lens tripod foot so any suggestions or advice on what options are available
 
Check out the Wimberley monogimbal.

Around 8.27 in this video

backcountrygallery.com

Is This The Best Monopod Head Ever? - Backcountry Gallery

As you know, I’m a bit of a tripod / monopod junkie. So, I’m excited to share my review of the new Wimberley MonoGimbal head. This new lightweight head allows you to balance your rig just like a regular gimbal head – point up or down and everything stays in place, no need to tighten […]
backcountrygallery.com
 
FWIW

I also have the BR strap but from the very start I attached a Wimberly C-12 AS clamp to attach to the lens tripod feet. Where the lens is not AS grooved I use a suitable AS lens plate.

Latterly, I bought the Kirk SS-1 strap....though not used it yet....it has an AS clamp for use as described above but also its base is an AS grooved 'plate'. Thus it can be attached as needed to a monopod but still keeping the strap in place as security.

Camera Parts & Equipment, Camera Monopod Heads & Mounting | Kirk Photo

Kirk Photo is a manufacturer of camera parts and equipment including camera monopod, gimbal & ball heads, mounting equipment, brackets, rails and more!
kirkphoto.com kirkphoto.com

HTH :)
 
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I fit a Manfrotto 494 foot and shoe between the lens and the monopod, keep the lens on the camera and the camera on a long strap across my chest. It takes only a couple of seconds to snap lens and monopod together or release them...

Manfroto 494RC2 on Benbo Monopod GX7 P1140565.jpg

I now use a Benbo two section monopod, which is lighter and faster to use than the three section Manfrotto I used before.

Funny story about the bright chrome finished Manfrotto: when we were out on the Austrian mountain trails, complete strangers would say things like "das ist ein gut alpenstock". Walking similar trails with the black Benbo, I've never had any comments on my "walking stick". :LOL:
 
Box Brownie said:
FWIW

I also have the BR strap but from the very start I attached a Wimberly C-12 AS clamp to attach to the lens tripod feet. Where the lens is not AS grooved I use a suitable AS lens plate.

Latterly, I bought the Kirk SS-1 strap....though not used it yet....it has an AS clamp for use as described above but also its base is an AS grooved 'plate'. Thus it can be attached as needed to a monopod but still keeping the strap in place as security.

Camera Parts & Equipment, Camera Monopod Heads & Mounting | Kirk Photo

Kirk Photo is a manufacturer of camera parts and equipment including camera monopod, gimbal & ball heads, mounting equipment, brackets, rails and more!
kirkphoto.com kirkphoto.com

HTH :)
Click to expand...
Looks interesting thanks although not cheap
 
Peter123 said:
Check out the Wimberley monogimbal.

Around 8.27 in this video

backcountrygallery.com

Is This The Best Monopod Head Ever? - Backcountry Gallery

As you know, I’m a bit of a tripod / monopod junkie. So, I’m excited to share my review of the new Wimberley MonoGimbal head. This new lightweight head allows you to balance your rig just like a regular gimbal head – point up or down and everything stays in place, no need to tighten […]
backcountrygallery.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for that.. certainly not a cheap option and I'm not certain how hanging the weight off the side of the monopod works long term. I think I'd still prefer a strap type option rather than cradling the lens around my neck although that's probably personal preference
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
I fit a Manfrotto 494 foot and shoe between the lens and the monopod, keep the lens on the camera and the camera on a long strap across my chest. It takes only a couple of seconds to snap lens and monopod together or release them...

View attachment 451138

I now use a Benbo two section monopod, which is lighter and faster to use than the three section Manfrotto I used before.

Funny story about the bright chrome finished Manfrotto: when we were out on the Austrian mountain trails, complete strangers would say things like "das ist ein gut alpenstock". Walking similar trails with the black Benbo, I've never had any comments on my "walking stick". :LOL:
Click to expand...
Thanks for that but I've tried a ball head on a monopod and it's never worked for me though
 
taxboy said:
Thanks for that but I've tried a ball head on a monopod and it's never worked for me though
Click to expand...
There's no legal requirement to use the ball head! ;)

Manfrotto do a quick release plate that can be fitted directly to the monopod, if that's your desire...

Manfrotto RC2 quick release plate and lock GX7 P1140463.JPG
 
I carry the monopod inverted.

This is an old picture with an old Gitzo Reporter monopod.
Untitled-1.jpg


This video review of the Sirui SVM monopod has a newer example using my Harness Sling (starts around 10:30). I really like the SVM for this because it self extends/retracts (gravity).

View: https://youtu.be/EdISV_-BrpU?si=8lgoDT76qgfdHsts
 
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sk66 said:
I carry the monopod inverted.

This is an old picture with an old Gitzo Reporter monopod.
View attachment 451210


This video review of the Sirui SVM monopod has a newer example using my Harness Sling (starts around 10:30). I really like the SVM for this because it self extends/retracts (gravity).

View: https://youtu.be/EdISV_-BrpU?si=8lgoDT76qgfdHsts
Click to expand...
Many thanks for that. May I ask please what the harness is you are using in the video
You've also got me looking at that monopod now !!
 
I dont use a monopod with long lens much these days, but when I did press work and needed to switch cameras a lot I used an old camera strap and attached a good quality split ring to the lens mount or top of monpod and just let it hang over the shoulder upside down. Something like Stevens picture.
Then I could let it swing down and use the 70-200 or whatever.
 
taxboy said:
Many thanks for that. May I ask please what the harness is you are using in the video
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It's a new product; not on the website yet. Here is a post I made on a DIY version, and a video with the fourth version; I'm on the fifth version now (small improvements, better construction).

taxboy said:
You've also got me looking at that monopod now !!
Click to expand...
I really like mine. Especially now that I have made a longer fixed spike for it. And I have figured out how to stop 98% of the rattle.
 
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taxboy said:
That's an interesting take on a camera support but I can't tell how you would attach a strap to the lens tripod foot in use. I had a quick Google but I could only see the photographer either hand holding the camera or a strap attached to the body
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A quick search of his site shows how it is attached. There is a plate you attach to your tripod foot.

speedigimbal.co.uk

SpeediGimbal Strap (Full Strap Kit) - SpeediGimbal

The SpeediGimbal strap comes with a padded shoulder section with two zipped pockets. On the strap section, just a simple D-ring, which allows it to glide freely along the strap. Full Strap includes Carabiner & Strap Plate.
speedigimbal.co.uk speedigimbal.co.uk
 
Peter123 said:
A quick search of his site shows how it is attached. There is a plate you attach to your tripod foot.

speedigimbal.co.uk

SpeediGimbal Strap (Full Strap Kit) - SpeediGimbal

The SpeediGimbal strap comes with a padded shoulder section with two zipped pockets. On the strap section, just a simple D-ring, which allows it to glide freely along the strap. Full Strap includes Carabiner & Strap Plate.
speedigimbal.co.uk speedigimbal.co.uk
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Thanks for that - I obviously didn't look hard enough!!
 
I just collapse the monopod and then carry the lens by the lens foot.
 
Hi

I’m the founder of SpeediGimbal, a UK-based company that designs lightweight camera supports for photographers who need smooth, stable shots in the field — without slowing down the moment.

The SpeediGimbal was created for photographers who want instant stability. Unlike traditional gimbals, it has no buttons, bolts, or setup fuss — you simply mount your camera and you’re ready to shoot in seconds. It’s ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife or birds, where those few extra seconds often mean the difference between getting the shot or missing it.

We have been trading for just 2 years, but have over 15000 units now being used worldwide, over this time our range has expanded, now featuring, Car Window Mounts, GroundPods, Hide Plates, the Holster system is great for travel. We also cater for disabled photographers. I'm new here so thought I would just introduce myself.

We offer a very good refund policy, if you do not like it, put it back in the bag & return it for a refund.. We have issued 12 refunds out of the 15000 units

If I can help in anyway just ask.

Thanks Colin Brister
 
old git said:
Hi

I’m the founder of SpeediGimbal, a UK-based company that designs lightweight camera supports for photographers who need smooth, stable shots in the field — without slowing down the moment.

The SpeediGimbal was created for photographers who want instant stability. Unlike traditional gimbals, it has no buttons, bolts, or setup fuss — you simply mount your camera and you’re ready to shoot in seconds. It’s ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife or birds, where those few extra seconds often mean the difference between getting the shot or missing it.

We have been trading for just 2 years, but have over 15000 units now being used worldwide, over this time our range has expanded, now featuring, Car Window Mounts, GroundPods, Hide Plates, the Holster system is great for travel. We also cater for disabled photographers. I'm new here so thought I would just introduce myself.

We offer a very good refund policy, if you do not like it, put it back in the bag & return it for a refund.. We have issued 12 refunds out of the 15000 units

If I can help in anyway just ask.

Thanks Colin Brister
Click to expand...
This looks very interesting :)
 
Hanley said:
This looks very interesting :)
Click to expand...
That a little weird, was just reading your post in Sports Photography, having been a Motocross & MTB tog for 25 years, I read your post, interesting & also a question that has been asked for years..

I'm not a well known photographer, I am an ambassador for Essential Photography & Godox, I am weekend photographer or what most call an event photographer. One awards evening I went to, I joined a conversation after being introduced, one photographer was explaining how all weekend warriors were crap & ruining the industry, even making out we were lowering the standard of photography. At the end of the conversation just as we were being called in for the main event I introduced myself to the chap, "Hi, I'm a weekend warrior". We had a laugh & he commented how it was nothing personal. We even sat next to each other. He was over the moon when he collected the first award of the night & slightly smug.... That was his only award that night, but he got to watch me collect 5 awards, for four different genres & main prize... I never did meet that chap again..
 
old git said:
That a little weird, was just reading your post in Sports Photography, having been a Motocross & MTB tog for 25 years, I read your post, interesting & also a question that has been asked for years..

I'm not a well known photographer, I am an ambassador for Essential Photography & Godox, I am weekend photographer or what most call an event photographer. One awards evening I went to, I joined a conversation after being introduced, one photographer was explaining how all weekend warriors were crap & ruining the industry, even making out we were lowering the standard of photography. At the end of the conversation just as we were being called in for the main event I introduced myself to the chap, "Hi, I'm a weekend warrior". We had a laugh & he commented how it was nothing personal. We even sat next to each other. He was over the moon when he collected the first award of the night & slightly smug.... That was his only award that night, but he got to watch me collect 5 awards, for four different genres & main prize... I never did meet that chap again..
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Brilliant :ROFLMAO:

I wish I wasn't a 'weekend warrior'. I don't really like my day job, but it pays me an excellent salary, one that allows me to indulge in this expensive hobby / side-gig.
If I could make what I make now doing the one thing I love more than anything, photography, I'd make the move in a heartbeat, but it just wouldn't happen, so I'm happy doing what I'm doing, I'm 52 so maybe in 10 years I'll semi-retire and just focus on photography. :)
 
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Hanley said:
Brilliant :ROFLMAO:

I wish I wasn't a 'weekend warrior'. I don't really like my day job, but it pays me an excellent salary, one that allows me to indulge in this expensive hobby / side-gig.
If I could make what I make now doing the one thing I love more than anything, photography, I'd make the move in a heartbeat, but it just wouldn't happen, so I'm happy doing what I'm doing, I'm 52 so maybe in 10 years I'll semi-retire and just focus on photography. :)
Click to expand...

It can happen bud, eventually happened for me, got cancer last year, so retired from everything, luckily I had just started SpeediGimbal so decided itt was the time to give it a go... So now a mixture of Photography & SpeediGimbal I have a good life doing what I love... so don't give up dude..
 
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