Monopod/Hide clamp?

[geordie graham]

I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod which I use instead of a tripod(I have to use a walking stick so it is easier than carrying a tripod)and also use a hide at my local nature reserve.Although the monopod is steadier than handheld I was trying to think of a way to attach the monopod to the shelf/ledge inside the hide.I know you can buy hide clamps but someone mentioned that Opticron sold a clamp that could be used with the removable centre column of a tripod.Has anyone ever done this and also is the diameter of the centre column the same size on all tripods?.The diameter of my monopod is approx 300mm.Thanks

Graham

[kshotton45]

Originally Posted by geordie graham

I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod which I use instead of a tripod(I have to use a walking stick so it is easier than carrying a tripod)and also use a hide at my local nature reserve.Although the monopod is steadier than handheld I was trying to think of a way to attach the monopod to the shelf/ledge inside the hide.I know you can buy hide clamps but someone mentioned that Opticron sold a clamp that could be used with the removable centre column of a tripod.Has anyone ever done this and also is the diameter of the centre column the same size on all tripods?.The diameter of my monopod is approx 300mm.Thanks
Graham

Should that be 30mm

Keith

[geordie graham]

Yep Keith your right,it`s been a hard day!.

Graham

[David Hyde]

Hi Graham
I am afraid I have nothing to offer on the clamp you mentioned, but would like to suggest alternatives that might help. In public hides I prefer to use a beanbag rested on the viewing opening. This means your lens will stick out a little but public hides are set far enough back so as not to cause undue disturbance. A beanbag gives you freedom of movement and eliminates any vibration cased by others moving in the hide. Alternatively, if you cope normally with a monopod why not use it in the hide, its certainly more convenient than a tripod. Holding the column against the shelf, perhaps even with some foam packing between would increase its stability.
Hope this helps, David

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by David Hyde

Hi Graham
. Alternatively, if you cope normally with a monopod why not use it in the hide, its certainly more convenient than a tripod. Holding the column against the shelf, perhaps even with some foam packing between would increase its stability.
Hope this helps, David

This is exactly what I do, without the foam packing! It works well for me.

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by geordie graham

.... someone mentioned that Opticron sold a clamp that could be used with the removable centre column of a tripod.

I have an Opticron Hide Clamp and you can use removeable tripod centre columns with it. It comes with two sleaves to accommodate these, one is 20mm, 'tother is 25mm dia.

p.s. I think I've used it twice in 3 years !!!

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

I have an Opticron Hide Clamp and you can use removeable tripod centre columns with it. It comes with two sleaves to accommodate these, one is 20mm, 'tother is 25mm dia.

p.s. I think I've used it twice in 3 years !!!

I have an opticron hide clamp, but like Tormentil I have only used it a few times. In my opinion as others have said a beanbag is a very good option.
Roger

[geordie graham]

Thanks everyone for the tips.I will try the beanbag(try and make my own)and also try the foam packing. thanks

Graham

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by geordie graham

I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod which I use instead of a tripod(I have to use a walking stick so it is easier than carrying a tripod)and also use a hide at my local nature reserve.Although the monopod is steadier than handheld I was trying to think of a way to attach the monopod to the shelf/ledge inside the hide.I know you can buy hide clamps but someone mentioned that Opticron sold a clamp that could be used with the removable centre column of a tripod.Has anyone ever done this and also is the diameter of the centre column the same size on all tripods?.The diameter of my monopod is approx 300mm.Thanks

Graham

Manfrotto also make a hide clamp that will fit the removable
central column (traingular) of their own tripods, but I'm pretty
certain it will not fit the monopod (I have both!)

In the past I also bought an hide clamp by "clubman". The pan
and tilt was useless, actually worse than useless.