Recommendations for a monopod/tripod bino rest? (1 Viewer)

[TargetTerror]

I saw the Stoney Point Binocular Rest here:

http://www.opticsplanet.net/stoney-point-binocular-rest-e123.html

It looks perfect, so of course it has been discontinued and I am unable to order it :C Does anyone know if there is a similar product available? I already have a monopod and tripod, so I am looking for something that affixes to a standard tripod socket. I have a cheap tripod adapter, but would like something that lets me stabilize my binos that don't have a tripod socket.

 

[ceasar]

I got one of these Stoney Point Binocular Rests for my Stoney Point Polecat/Monopod directly from Bushnell here in the USA about a year ago. I recall talking with them about it. Apparently they were the only source for them. Try them and see if they still sell them. They work pretty good.

Bob

 

[Hans Weigum]

Even with only average manual skills, accordingly equipped, such a useful but very primitive device one can manufacture in less than the time required to search for a supplier. Additional benefits: Pride, satisfaction and a more intense tie with the resulting product.

 

[ceasar]

Hans,
I assume you are talking about the Binocular Rest and not the Stoney Point "Pole Cat" mono pod?
Bob

 

[DocSarvis]

Do a search of the "Birding" magazine archives for an article on an homemade device known as a "Finn stick" and you will be rewarded with much information on this topic. Finnish birders have long made themselves and carried these useful items. You have 90% of one already if you own a monopod; although you will save a lot of weight and have a chance to exercise your craftsmanship and individuality by making your own. If you lack access to a run of Birding, try Google.

 

[elkcub]

I resonate with Hans. Several years ago I posted my own adaptation of a shooting stick for long term observation. I called it a FISMO (FInn Stick MOnopod). This works well with binoculars with chubby tubes. Unlike the "rest," the bins actually sit on the FISMO, as shown in the last picture, but can be removed quickly. I use it quite a lot with intense pride and satisfaction.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=27844&highlight=FISMO

Ed

 

[lilcrazy2]

BinoBoy pointed out to me that Optics Planet has the Stoney Point binocular rests back in stock. They have been unavailable for quite a while, and are quite useful on a monopod or tripod.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/stoney-point-binocular-rest-e123.html

 

[bh46118]

Thanks for posting the link. That looks like a very useful device.

Bruce

BinoBoy pointed out to me that Optics Planet has the Stoney Point binocular rests back in stock. They have been unavailable for quite a while, and are quite useful on a monopod or tripod.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/stoney-point-binocular-rest-e123.html

 

[brocknroller]

I find monopods tedious to use. With a tripod, I can simply adjust the height by turning the lever to raise the center post, but with a monopod, I have to loosen the locks (I have twists locks on mine, which take even longer to adjust than the lever type), adjust the height, check to see if I'm on the target, and then close the locks. By that time, it's often bye bye birdie.

I also can't use a monopod for magnifications over 10x, because my hands/arms impart too much vibration unless I'm seated in a chair with a back.

Has anybody tried a Swaro TrekPod or something similar that has three short legs at the bottom? The added stability might allow me to user higher magnification than 10x.

What I'd like to see is this set up with press and release locks that allow me to quickly lengthen the height. Then I'd have the portability and weight of a monopod with the adjustability of a tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/491476-REG/Swarovski_TrekPod_ShotPod.html

Brock

 

[lilcrazy2]

Here is something I found that looks interesting and am curious if it would perform anywhere near what they are advertising. I had been thinking about making something along these lines, and then stumbled across this:

http://www.airlitechestpod.com/

Stoney Point and other monopod mfgrs make items that look similar to the Trekpod

 

[RJM]

I wonder what happens to the bino when you let go to look thru a scope, check the field guide or just continue to trek? Does the bino fall to knee level? More worrisome, does the support rod slip from the tripod adapter, in which case the bino falls off? I looked thru the gallery and only saw pics with the bino at eye level.

 

[John Russell]

I find monopods tedious to use. With a tripod, I can simply adjust the height by turning the lever to raise the center post, but with a monopod, I have to loosen the locks (I have twists locks on mine, which take even longer to adjust than the lever type), adjust the height, check to see if I'm on the target, and then close the locks. By that time, it's often bye bye birdie.

I use one of these:-
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387806-REG/Manfrotto_685B_685B_NeoTec_Monopod_Deluxe.html
Instantaneous one-handed extension and collapse, and with a 234 tilt head and Leica bino-adapter it also goes tall enough for my 6'3" height.

John