monopod 'conversion' to finnstick

[karmantra]

I was given a Manfrotto #680 4-section monopod as a gift, but have never used it with a scope because I prefer the use of a Trek Pod instead when travelling light. Thought about selling the monopod, but got to thinking about using it as a 'finnstick' to steady binos with. Only problem is I've never seen a 'finnstick' or one in use, and wonder how one adapts the monopod in order to hold a pair of binos securely--Y-brace, cradle, straps, rubber bands, ???? Any ideas on how to make the Manfrotto monopod work? The monopod has the standard mount at the top--one of my old 10x50 porros has a screw-in mount for mounting on the monopod, but what do I need to do to get my roof binos to work w/o buying the expensive adapters? Thanks! (Just noticed a Cardoza Sure-Lock for roof binos at Eagle Optics--are they secure?)

[Pinewood]

(Just noticed a Cardoza Sure-Lock for roof binos at Eagle Optics--are they secure?)
Dear Karmantra,

I purchased both the roof and Porro versions of the Cardoza adapter. I found that the adapter was rather forward of my binocular's center of gravity, which I thought was far too unstable. The adapter receives the binocular at its tubes with velcro straps. Other adapters, which are more expensive, manage to go under the center of gravity.

You might want to look at this thread about a variation on the Finn Stick:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=27844&highlight=fismo

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :hi:

[RAH]

I should think that you could use a standard Manfrotto monopod head like the 3232 or 3229 (same but with quick release), plus a standard binoc tripod adapter like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=437208&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Your posting kind of implies that your binocs can not use such an adapter, or maybe I am misreading. I though most binocs, even roofs, had this standard mounting screw, usually in front of the hinge, although some compact models might not.

[barontan2418]

I’ve made a small adjustment to a walking pole, one with a horizontal handle. Using draft excluding tape (adhesive one side) covered over with electrical tape to give the right dimensions. It now allows me to rest my binoculars on the handle, which is a godsend when you use the old style Nikon HG 10x42's as I do. Most of my time is spent raptor watching, that is when a finn stick comes in to it's own. Still gets used for a walking aid and as a pole for my bivvie when the weather gets rough.

[PYRTLE]

I was given a Manfrotto #680 4-section monopod as a gift, but have never used it with a scope because I prefer the use of a Trek Pod instead when travelling light. Thought about selling the monopod, but got to thinking about using it as a 'finnstick' to steady binos with. Only problem is I've never seen a 'finnstick' or one in use, and wonder how one adapts the monopod in order to hold a pair of binos securely--Y-brace, cradle, straps, rubber bands, ???? Any ideas on how to make the Manfrotto monopod work? The monopod has the standard mount at the top--one of my old 10x50 porros has a screw-in mount for mounting on the monopod, but what do I need to do to get my roof binos to work w/o buying the expensive adapters? Thanks! (Just noticed a Cardoza Sure-Lock for roof binos at Eagle Optics--are they secure?)

Fix something like the Binoc-lr-mount from Pedco, P.O.Box 81, Redmond, WA. 98073-0081 or any other binocular mount from Leica or Zeiss.

[karmantra]

Thanks to Pinewood, RAH, barontan 2418, and PYRTLE for their info regarding articles, equipment, and vendors to check out! The FISMO article has given me ideas on adapting my Trek Pod w/ Mag Mount to accomodate a flat metal 'plate' that could hold binos secured with velcro straps. I'll tinker & see if I can come up with a mount similar to Elkcub's FISMO. Thanks!

[karmantra]

Thanks to Pinewood, RAH, barontan 2418, and PYRTLE for their info regarding articles, equipment, and vendors to check out! The FISMO article has given me ideas on adapting my Trek Pod w/ Mag Mount to accomodate a flat metal 'plate' that could hold binos secured with velcro straps. I'll tinker & see if I can come up with a mount similar to Elkcub's FISMO. Thanks!
Feeling 'under the weather' today, I stayed home today instead of birding, but it gave me the chance to make my own 'finnstick'. Picked up a v-shaped rifle mount similar to Elkcub's, screwed it onto my Trek Pod, and started thinking how I could make it work. Took the old 10x50 porros and the 8x30 Swarov, and tried to find the best way to set it up. To those unfamiliar with the Trek Pod, it is a monopod that can be used as a hiking stick and has three short legs at the bottom that can open up into a stable tripod. It also uses a Mag Mount system that allows you to attach a camera or spotting scope instantly to the Trek Pod. I used an old padded shoulder strap from a pack, slipped the v-shaped mount under the foam padding, cut a hole through the fabric, and attached it to the Trek Pod. I then ran a Velcro strap through the padding to secure/steady the binos--I'll keep the bino straps around my neck like Elkcub does, when using out in the field. The advantages I see is not having to hold the Trek Pod when it is in its tripod mode, and using the swivel mount to rotate my binos to the best viewing postion without adjusting the monopod up & down. Porros & roofs both work well with this arrangement, and I can't wait to try it out in the field! Thanks again for your input! :t:

[Pinewood]

I am happy to read that you were inspired to make your own device.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :brains: