What's the difference between a normal monopod and a video monopod? Well, the most glaring difference would be the tripod foot, a nifty little add-on that not only keeps your video monopod steady, but also almost single-handedly jacks up the price to outrageous amounts. There is a DIY work-around, however, and the folks over at CheesyCam have shared a tutorial, as well as some helpful links, to show you how to take an inexpensive monopod, add a $20 fluid base tripod foot (as well as some adhesive), and make a fully functional video monopod.
As you might've guessed, all you're going to need to make your own DIY video monopod is -- a monopod (of course), a fluid base tripod foot, and some epoxy putty, which you can find in pretty much every hardware store for about $3 to $5. As for which monopod to use, CheesyCam uses a 4-section aluminum Manfrotto ($45) for the mid-sized one, and a 5-section carbon fiber Rokinon ($50) for the smallest. However, whichever monopod you want to use should do just fine -- especially if your goal is to spend as little money as possible.
Now -- for the key item -- the tripod feet. CheesyCam recommends these non-locking tripod feet, which you can find on eBay for $22, but if you want one that has a locking screw, you can find them here for the same price. These tripod feet not only fold up, but they also have a fluid base, so you'll be able to move your camera around pretty well. All in all, you're looking at a $75 DIY video monopod, which could be significantly lowered if you choose a cheaper monopod or repurpose one you already have -- just realize that once you fasten that monopod to the tripod foot with the epoxy putty, there's no going back.
Check out the CheesyCam video below to find out more about how to build one of these DIY video monopods, including how to apply the epoxy putty. Also, be sure to check out their supplementary post for more.
What do you think about this DIY solution for a cheap video monopod? Do you have any suggestions or ideas on how to make it better? Let us know in the comments below.
Link: DIY Your Own Video Monopod – Modified Monopods with Fluid Tripod Foot for Video -- CheesyCam
