Review by Mark
Photographs by M, C and J
Our good friends and supporters at Protech Photographic showed us a handy device made and marketed by a client of theirs (Ron French), the item in question is called ‘That Steady Thing’. There is a web link at the bottom of this review.
We took the opportunity to borrow it from them to perform our own evaluation, the task was undertaken by M.
In the majority of cases we have included both the image taken and how the camera and ‘That Steady Thing’ were set up.
What does it do?
In essence it takes a standard monopod and makes it a whole lot more versatile.
What ‘That Steady Thing’ consists of:
An alloy cone shaped boss that has a steel centre inside it, there is a male thread for the camera and a female thread for attaching to the monopod.
A pair of short ‘legs’ that screw into the boss to give the monopod the ability to act like a tripod.
An elasticated holder with 2 loops to hold the ‘legs’ when not in use, this fits around the shaft of the monopod.
Steady Thing in component parts
Steady Thing legs fitted into carrier strap on monopod
Ideal for leaning against a tree
Avoiding barbed wire
Low level macro set up
Need a little extra height, just pop the two front legs on your camera bag
Ideal macro set up, note the use of a right angled finder
Ideal for getting over brambles
Getting close to young bullrushes
Low level through a fence, not so easy with a tripod!
Ideal for stabilising camera even on a narrow ledge
Conclusion
I can see myself using ‘That Steady Thing’ a lot and here is why:
1. Means I can leave my tripod at home should I wish to.
2. Not so much weight to carry around with me when I am out taking photos.
3. I have a bad knee and therefore not been shooting low to the ground photos
Now I can push myself up using my monopod.That now means I am no longer
dependant upon others to help me up. (Ask ‘C’ and my wife about this one!)
So taking solo images from a low view point are now possible again.
4. I am not into taking selfies, but my wife does like photos of us.
Which unfortunately will be easier to take using this.
5. Indoors, makes a great copy stand.
6. Useful for my light tent.
Don’t think of it as a tripod and what you may be missing out on, but with some “outside the box” thinking, (which I am told I do well), it’s a great product.
Yes I am buying one for myself.
Link for That Steady Thing website :http://infraredlandscapes.webs.com/that-steady-thing