Manfrotto 361 Shoulder Brace for Monopods
When shooting on a monopod, my only qualm is the lack of steadiness that a tripod offers. This is due to the points of contact with the ground. Obviously, as its etymology suggests, a mono-pod only has one (mono) foot or limb (pod). If I only had one foot, I would have serious issues with support, sturdiness and balance, so I can’t blame the monopod for its shortcomings. The benefit to the monopod? It is light, compact, very mobile and quick to setup and take down. If used properly, a monopod can really offer all the steadiness and support one needs for video or photo.
For shooting video, I use the Manfrotto 561, as it comes with a video fluid head and pan arm. The pan arm acts as a fixed bar that I can tuck under my arm to create more stability between my movements and the monopod. My arms are more subject to bringing the monopod in closer and pushing it away further even when this isn’t a look I’m going for.
There is another solution to a pan arm, enter the Manfrotto 361 Shoulder Brace. This single item functions as a steadying point for video and photography shooters. The 361 has an adjustable length with a pivoting shoulder support. The Manfrotto 361 replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 3248.
Are any of you out there using this? What is your setup and how are you using it?
Here is a DIY solution cheesycam came up with for the Manfrotto 361. This guy is always thinking outside of the box! Love it. Instead of using a small tripod, you could also use something like the P&C Pistol Grip Camera handle (click here).
Manfrotto 361 Shoulder Brace for Monopod
My first attempt at a DIY brace for my 7D was a small ‘My Manfrotto’ 776YB monopod plus the 361 brace. It was better than hand holding but because it swivels freely around the centerline of the monopod and the shoulder pad pivots on a ball with little resistance, I found that it didn’t actually support the camera all that securely. The length also only adjusts in fixed increments so once I added a Z-Finder Jr. I could never find the perfect comfort zone and abandoned it.
It’s a great idea unfortunately for my shooting style this thing doesnt work at all. It gets close but I think there’s a few short comings with the design/construction that really limit it’s usefulness.
Just a thought. I love using my glide cam 2000 pro at my shoots but with this attached it would be the perfect combo. I can glide with this (some how lock it in place) and then use the same setup for stationary steady shots.
not a fan.
I was right on the verge of buying this setup so I could go lighter with my t2i, instead of using my shoulder rig. I was concerned about the stability since the base swivels, and the shoulder pad pivots perhaps too easily. It appears two of the users don’t like the option because of this. I guess I’ll continue to look for options, as the shooter style rigs are prohibitively expensive for an amateur on a tight budget. Too bad Gini doesn’t offer something in the $125 – $150 range. It could fill a niche.
I don’t think it’s that bad.
Here is photo of a little run and gun rig that I use and the brace provides some extra stability: HERE
The fact that the base swivels and shoulder pad pivots is a bonus when moving the camera around.