poles Vs. hand held tray for gopro?

[g550driver]

so i understand -- so either a regular camera monopod or a hiking pole will work, using the handlebar mount? and either will possibly corrode after use. I'm assuming referring to any steel parts, not aluminum

I would just recommend the Quikpod DSLR monopod as it has a unique swiveling head...all you need is a gopro tripod adapter...I believe it uses stainless hardware to deal with salt water...Its light and packs up fairly small.

 

[Heatheroe]

Yes, the locking mechanism inside the pole that allows you to lock it after expanding it has started to rust a bit but it's still usable. If you get a hiking pole, use the seat post/handlebar mount. If you get a camera pole, use the tripod mount.

 

[toozler]

I prefer using a tray, but those interested on using a pole, a DIY project costs less than $4: a piece of pvc pipe, a pipe cap or two (if you want to try to seal both sides), a 3/4" stainless steel screw (1" or longer) and a matching nut.

There are some < $15 telescoping poles on eBay, do a search for "camera extender" - here is a link:
camera extender | eBay

 

[RockyHeap]

http://www.quikpod.com/quikpod_comparison_chart.pdf

quikpod has several shafts materials, both stainless steel and aluminum.

I just made mine out of 20" of PVC pipe and ULCS clamps/ball camera mount at one end.

I like how the quikpod is collapsable for topside use, but chances are my PVC pipe is more rigid panning/spinning underwater.

 

[gopbroek]

There seems to be a lot of different brands of stainless steel monopods, many of which should work well. Recently I used an Xshot XPS1 for 2 weeks and 30 dives in Cozumel and it held up very well. I ended up selling it to a couple from Edmonton who were staying thru the following week, so they could use it with their GoPro. I found that with the Xshot collapsed it fit perfectly into a &#8216;Hollis utility pocket&#8217; pouch which in turn fit onto a standard 2&#8221; BC belly strap. This allowed for a belly pouch that had easy access in the water and was also secure for stowage during roll entries off the boat.
I also found by inverting the image selection and allowing the camera to &#8216;hang&#8217; from the monopole with the handle partially extended I could hold the shaft at a neutral balance point which would greatly help in stabilizing the video. One of the best features I found with an extended pole was close-up&#8217;s of critters such as a Moray&#8217;s and Nurse sharks under ledges and in holes, of which I am a little timid in getting my hand 6&#8221; from their mouths (yep I am a Chicken).
I observed several other configurations that seemed to yield good results including a fixed length aluminum shaft with a handle grip and used a bicycle mount. Good luck on your trip, I hope you get some good shots.

 

[DivePat]

Found what I was looking for !
GoPole.com

 

[toozler]

Found what I was looking for !
GoPole.com

Too expensive for what it is, you can make 10 poles with PVC pipes that do exactly the same. Spend an extra buck or two and put a bike handle grip and a eye hook for a lanyard.

 

[RockyHeap]

DIY example of my recent PVC Pole cam build. You could use a cheaper swivel mount, like a GoPro BikeSeat double arm system, but I like the $$$ ULCS ball system which is soooooooooo sweet.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/gopro-video/424035-my-multi-section-pvc-pipe-polecam.html

 

[DivePat]

good idea.
Will make it myself and do an extra dive with the money I've saved