Camera monopod doubling as walking stick?

[Rexster]

I am quoting myself from another stick/cane thread here: "As I am an actual photographer, both at work and as an avocation, I have been looking at monopods. (I already have tripods.) An extended aluminum monopod might not have the density desired in a fighting stick, but collapsed, the density increases. Another option I am considering is a Crawford Survival Staff, with the optional double-ended threaded attachment that adapts it to to a tripod/monopod head. I have not yet, however, looked into the acceptability of monopods on/in carry-on baggage."

I reckon the next step would be to fashion a handle that would attach to the monopod, either threading onto the provided threaded portion, or perhaps even take advantage of the available quick-release systems. I presently use the Manfrotto quick-release system with my tripods and cameras, but I am not married to that system. I am curious to learn what other THR members may have accomplished, in adapting monopods to double as canes or walking sticks. A recent foot problem, plus my tricky knee getting trickier, have prompted me to look into this.

Thanks!

 

[Owen Sparks]

Suitability as a weapon would depend on several factors. First does it have sufficient mass for the transfer of energy? For example, think of implements used in corporal punishment. Things like whips, sjambocks, and cat-o-nine tails etc. are designed to cause stinging surface pain to the skin but they do not have enough weight to cause blunt force trauma to deep tissue. Pain will not always stop a determined attacker. Muscular and skeletal damage will.

Will it bend if used for full power circular strikes?

Usually this sort of thing is designed to be as light as possible so it is made from hollow aluminum tubing. It is more than strong enough for its intended of holding a camera but it is not designed for heavy impact to the side. Will it stand up to repeated blows to the trunk of a big tree without bending or coming apart? If so it might be suitable.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have a 4 piece Bogen Monopod that I carry on an airplane every time I go somewhere. It is real sturdy and I have a Stoney point walking stick knob that I use with it as a cane. If it came to blows it would not handle too many whacks before it went belly-up as a monopod but it would give out a bunch before it quit. I also have a cheapy ball-head that works with my Manfrotto QD plate.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Whack it a few times on a sturdy tree trunk trunk and find out.
BTW, what does it weigh?

 

[Rexster]

I have a 4 piece Bogen Monopod that I carry on an airplane every time I go somewhere. It is real sturdy and I have a Stoney point walking stick knob that I use with it as a cane. If it came to blows it would not handle too many whacks before it went belly-up as a monopod but it would give out a bunch before it quit. I also have a cheapy ball-head that works with my Manfrotto QD plate.

It is good to read that you have taken your Bogen monopod onto airplanes; that does simplify things. The current aluminum Manfrotto 'pods (same as Bogen) do seem sturdy enough to survive at least a few strikes.

Mr. Sparks, the density of a collapsed pro-level Manfrotto 'pod seems suited to some level of striking effectiveness. When extended, of course, the density is much less, and probably not very effective, though a linear thrust would still be an available option.

I plan to compare the relative densities of Manfrotto and Gitzo 'pods at a local dealer. Gitzo is quite proud of its products, however, making the Crawford Survival Staff seem not such an expensive option.

 

[Rexster]

Whack it a few times on a sturdy tree trunk trunk and find out.
BTW, what does it weigh?

I would expect a few whacks on a tree trunk to ruin the collapsibility of a monopod! That would be an expensive test. I reckon I might find one on evil-bay, with some ugly scratches, that I could purchase cheaply enough to mitigate the cost of destructive testing.

 

[hso]

I reckon the next step would be to fashion a handle that would attach to the monopod, either threading onto the provided threaded portion

They're already out there. I have collapsable monopod/staff with a mushroom ball head that screws off and the camera mount screws on. Collapsed it makes a reasonable short stick.

Interesting blog review that actually mentions the defensive merits of a Leki. http://blog.backpackerbucks.com/gear/leki-sierra-anti-shock-hiking-pole-monopod/

 

[Owen Sparks]

This thing only weighs 10 1/2 ounces.

 

[hso]

Owen,

Don't go all pedantic. The things not intended to be a weapon in the guise of a monopod. It is just interesting that someone other than a weapons nut like us would even bring up the idea the knob makes for a head knocker.

There are plenty of heavier monopod/staffs out there that weigh closer to 2 lbs.

 

[glistam]

I tried an experiment by taking the top off a targus monopod and inserting a solid steel rod slathered in JB Weld. The rod was cut to just short enough that the monopod can still close all the way. It would likely be ruined as a camera holder if I struck a hard object, but at 1 lb 6 oz it's got enough mass to do damage.

 

[SDC]

It might be easier to go the other way, if you can find a section of the threaded rod that will fit your camera socket; drill out a suitable hole in the head of a sturdy cane or walking-stick, epoxy the rod in place, and "voila".

 

[hso]

Kinda wrecks the "collapsable" aspect that monopods need.

 

[22-rimfire]

http://www.manfrotto.com/pro-video-monopod

This one might have sufficient mass (at almost 4 lbs) and hopefully strength. But I generally don't carry a monopod when I am shooting pictures.

 

[Brian Williams]

I have an older model like the Digi Monopod 676b that could leave a hurt. it is only .4 kg but if I wreck it defending myself or my spouse I will not care because it came off eBay for cheap for the value. Owen, being here in Cambodia, my skill set is much more important because I cannot have guns here. Tools have to be used as they are available and having a monopod fits in my persona of an amateur photographer. I do not want to strike anybody with my $1000+ camera but I will destroy it to defend those I care for. Mindset, Skillset, Toolset

 

[Rexster]

Thanks for the recommendations and comments. To be clear, I never expected a photography-specific monopod to be as sturdy as a purpose-built weapon. Within Texas, I have the option of purpose-built weapons, thanks to my peace officer status. I have brought Asp and Monadnock collapsible batons (one at a time) with me while photographing Downtown Houston locations, whether or not I was using a tripod. They are a bit short short, of course, to provide orthopedic benefit.

Probably the best turn-key solution for a combination of support, a camera monopod, and a serious improvised impact device, is a Crawford Survival Staff, with the camera adapter. I have yet to find a review of one being tested to destruction, but it would, probably, withstand more strikes than a camera monopod. I have had the itch to try one of these for quite a few years; it is probably about time I scratched that itch, once I get the October bills out of the way.

Under many conditions, a purpose-built walking stick or cane could certainly double as a photographic tool. Manfrotto makes a nice flash mount with a clamp attachment, which enables any stick to extend the flash unit away from the camera, which makes for more interesting photos than if the light were mounted in the usual place on top of the camera.

 

[hso]

I just pointed out in another thread that we don't have to limit ourselves to something that will withstand hours of abuse in a dojo when what we actually are going to need is something that will hold up in a single fight.

Our objective is to get out of a violent altercation with as little damage to ourselves as possible and not to have the coolest martial arts weapon disguised as common every day item. If that means I use a monopod/walking stick to defend myself and I have to replace it because it has bent and cracked that's ok if it held up long enough to keep me from being "bent and cracked".

Just looking through Adorama I saw several monopods that were over a pound in weight.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have mixed emotions on this subject. A monopod is intended to be pretty portable and light. Choosing a beefier one partially defeats the purpose of the monopod choice. I don't know about the Crawford Survival Staff, but it seems that it might be a bit out of place in say downtown Houston.

You will likely ruin a normal monopod in a defensive situation, but as they say... what's your life worth?

If I were serious about this and really didn't know what to choose as most monopods are less expensive than the Crawford rig, I'd go to a good camera shop and look at them. If that is not practical, I'd probably get a three section middle weight video camera monopod and the tripod head will add additional weight.