Bits and Bobs and All the Rest

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”14770″ alignment=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]This spot is for all the other little tidbits that aren’t quite part of the trip but someone might find interesting.

I’ve got some reviews, some crafts, and just a few other observations that I didn’t want to clutter in the regular posts.

Some of this might get techy as I talk photography stuff. Feel free to skip past that. ;)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Getting an extended view…
I purchased the Memory Maker package again this trip, as I already know and love the benefits of stopping at the photopass photographers in the parks, and having all of the ride photos bundled in. That only tells part of the story however, so I needed a way of getting the camera away from me enough to get both of us in the shot without setting up a tripod every time.

This meant getting what has been dubbed a selfie stick. These monopods have been popular for years now in Asia and often have a holder for cell phones on them. The one I purchased also had a tripod screw so I could mount a full camera.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row margin_top=”30px”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It doesn’t look like much, especially with the tiny GoPro they have shown on it, but I found this was a FANTASTIC purchase. I paid $26, and I have Amazon Prime which means shipping was free.

The cell phone clamp/grip was actually pretty solid – but I only used it a few times. Mostly I had the Sony A7r mounted to the tripod screw, though we did put the Canon 7D on once just for laughs. (It’s ridiculously heavy for this use.)

One thing I did find, I had to disassemble the tripod mount and shave down some little nubs that kept me from twisting down the screw wheel as tightly as possible otherwise. Not sure why they are there, some type of manufacturing issue, but I may do a video / picture review later about this as I think it does make a difference in securing a heavier camera.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ bg_color=”#dddddd” padding_top=”10px” padding_bottom=”10px” padding_left=”10px” padding_right=”10px”][vc_column_text]The image below will link you to the Amazon product page; which does support me if you buy it, but I’m not otherwise paid for this review.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]This was an extremely durable, lightweight, and easy to extend and collapse monopod. I loved the flip clamps versus the twist locks on some cheaper versions I had tested locally. The foam grip on the end was very comfortable.

Another tip if you purchase this, if you extend the pole the entire length and then grip it at the first clamp, or knuckle as it were, so the foam grip is at your elbow, it acts as a counter balance and made for a steadier shot with heavier lenses.

Overall I was very impressed with the build quality. It held up to nearly constant use at WDW over a week. For the price I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a compact lightweight travel camera stick.

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