Digital Home Thoughts: Amazing $1 Pocket-Ready Tripod Trick

"The string will of course not totally replace a real tripod. But it can give you just that extra stop. This is the luxury model. - Thanks John for modifying the 1/4 bolt. The basic model is a simple piece of string with just a loop at each end. Put one loop around your camera and put your foot in the other. If you pull it tight, you win up to three stops. Cheaper than IS and so low-tech that it exists almost as long as photography itself. Now I think of it: did anyone ever try to shoot a gun with this as a stabilizer? The one on the right is the one I always have in my bag. Even with a 300mm it can give me 2 stops extra.That may just save my day."

Very interesting. I don't know how much stability this technique will provide but it certainly is cheap. I would much rather just put the camera down on a ledge or even the floor. I mean, can you imagine going through airport security with this bolt in your pocket and then trying to explain what it is for? :-)