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the question may sound confusing but I've seen a monopod where the bottom splits into a tripod. Are the stable and are they well constructed.

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I ask this because I am in a wheelchair and using a full size tripod is quite cumbersome.

One I was looking at is called the (Trek-Tech Go Pro Mono & Tripod) if this helps you to understand what I'm talking about.

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I m not aware of any mono to tripod! But we might get some interesting replies!

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The ones I have seen looked a bit flimsy, but sturdy enough for some long exposure work.

Also, and this is just an idea, it might be possible with some DIY to convert a C-stand to mount your camera on, and mount it to the base of your wheelchair. It would be lighter and more flexible than a tripod and won't get in your way as much?

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Hello David,

I have no knowledge of such a convertible monopod. But this looks definitively too flimsy to me.
The question is, what do you want/need to achieve:
- A little more stability for handholding? Take a monopod.
- Something that can stand up securely beside your wheelchair? I know the kind of microphone stand that has tree legs on the bottom that are around 50cm each. That could be stable enough. But I'd not mount my precious gear to a construct with a smaller base.
- Something to mount to your wheelchair? Perhaps a gorillapod might do the job.
- A support for stabilizing the camera that does not need your chair or the ground? There are sort of "supports" that you mount to your camera and press against your chest. This is often used with video cams.

Unfortunately my only experience is with tripods and monopods.

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Thanks for the help Ill look into gorilla pods if it can clamp onto the frame it may be ideal for me. I'm looking to do some waterfall shots so the need for more stabilaty then a monopod can do alone.

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Here's a tripodish monopod like you originally inquired about...

Benro MP-91M8


Link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/621331-REG/Benro_454_091_MP_91M8_Aluminum_4_Section_Monopod_.html

Don't forget if you decide to purchase anything do so from any one of the price grabber links, It supports the site.

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hmmm Manfrotto has a monopod exactly like the Benro one (i assume benro copied Manfrotto?) the build quality should be better... the salesperson i spoke to says the legs at the bottom are just for added stability but not strong enough to be left there for too long, esp if its windy... Makes sense from a physics standpoint... CG is way high and support base not wide enough...

Dave,

I have a Trek pod, I use it with a Canon G10.
It's not bad for use with a lightweight setup.
Have never tried using with my Dslr.
I use it when I go hiking or backpacking with non photo people.

The weather needs to be claim, otherwise it will wobble.

Think one of the bigger gorilla pods, would serve you better.


Dave

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There are ways to make tripods have a smaller 'footprint'. By not extending the legs and only raising the centre column you can achieve a decent height with a fairly small footprint. My ordinary tripod gets to 77cm in height with a 36cm distance between its leg ends. This works quite well for me when I'm sitting on something.

If you need more height you can extend the legs as much as needed but just don't spread them all the way. You don't have to slide the centre part all the way down the column. This way the tripod will have a smaller footprint too. Ideally you would want to be able to lock the sliding centre part onto the column in any position but as far as I know it's not a standard feature on (most) tripods There are tripods that have this though. Without locking it works quite decently too. Obviously it will also have the lesser stability associated with such a smaller footprint but that's inevitable. Just be a little more careful so things don't fall over.

Another option might be to fit something like a cane holder onto the wheelchair in a convenient position if possible and put a monopod in it. Perhaps fixate it with a little wooden wedge or something. Just a thought.

Ben
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