I needed a handle for the telephotos. I was using a monopod, which is a bit large, and sometimes a little collapsible tripod, which is OK. So a new project was born.

I hope this is amusing? :-D

5" aluminum stock, tapped on both ends with 14/20 thread. Stud in one end for camera mount.

Can also be used as a tripod riser, to gain some height when shooting stock.

Bar stock is the same size as bicycle handlebars, so grips are easy to find.

Unfortunately, after making two of these, the cost for parts and labor (I had to pay someone to do the cut-off and tapping) was $14 each, so I'm not sure I could ever make them for resale unless I could get $24 including shipping.



Here's how I did back lighting on a scanner, with only the one internal light. I of course didn't spend time with a light box or doing a better image. A little magic wand set at 10 and some erasing.

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Thats pretty handy - You could probably invest in a tap, after all you only need one size...


I think you could ahve something there... you could make an extendable version that pulls out like an aeriel..

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I have a monopod, which is basically what you are describing. I also have an old mini tripod that's very sturdy, with three solid legs that pull out of the body.

What I wanted was a telephoto handle. :-D Yes it could be a riser.

At $14-19 a pop, my cost, it's not going to be a production item.

The building where I have my office is owned by a tool and die maker. Believe me, I have the lowest per hour prices available. He owns all the machinery and is about 10 feet out my back door, inside the same building. Labor for the cut off, tapering the ends, tapping two holes, is the most expensive part of the manufacturing. Materials come to under $5.

I made one for myself and I'm giving the other one to a friend. Both of us have Canon 70-200 IS USM lenses as our main zoom. Personally I'm thinking of dropping that and going to a 100-400, which will be a drop from the 2.8 to an f/4, but I need the extra zoom. Prime 300 with 1.4x extender also comes into mind. Since I can't decide, I'll keep what I have. ;-)

I could make them for less by leaving out the grip and let people find their own bicycle handle grip of choice, or use the flat aluminum shaft. Knurling is expensive, same for color anodizing of the shaft.

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