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A string tripod is a lightweight camera support made from a line attached to the camera’s tripod socket. Pulling the line taut against your foot—or another firm anchor—can help steady the camera when you do not have a conventional tripod. It is not a freestanding support, and it does not replace a proper tripod or monopod.
What is a string tripod?
Also called a chainpod, string bipod, or string monopod, this photography technique uses tension to add a stabilizing point beneath a camera. One end of a cord connects to the camera; the other is looped around a foot or secured to a firm object. The photographer pulls upward on the camera until the line is taut.
Despite the name, it has no legs and cannot stand on its own. This is the camera-support technique, not a pendulum suspended from a tripod, as in Harvard’s separate Foucault pendulum model.
How to make one
A Photocritic Photo School how-to describes a simple build using a bolt that fits the camera’s tripod socket, a length of string, and a loop. The article is dated February 27, 2007; its thread details are historical instructions, not a universal current specification.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Amazon Basics 50-inch Lightweight Portable Camera Tripod Stand with Quick-Release Plate, Adjustable Height, Aluminum, for Travel Photography, Champagne
- Camera mount tripod stand with zippered storage bag
- Adjustable height from 16.1inch to 50inch with 3-section,lever-lock legs for simple adjustments
- Folds down quickly and made of lightweight aluminum; It weighs only 1.23 lbs,lightweight and portable, easy to carry for travel,hiking,camping,etc
- 3-way head allows for tilt and swivel motion;portrait or landscape options;Built in Bubble Level,fast and accurate positioning
- Quick-release plate helps ensure fast transitions between shots
- Check the camera’s tripod socket and identify a compatible mounting bolt. Do not assume a bolt will fit every camera; confirm compatibility before attaching it.
- Drill a small hole through the bolt, following the how-to’s design, then attach one end of the string securely through the hole.
- Form a loop at the other end. An adjustable loop can let you vary the camera height.
- Check that the attachment and cord are secure before putting tension on the camera.
The original step-by-step description is in Photocritic Photo School’s string tripod (Chainpod) equipment feature.
How to use it
- Attach the bolt to the camera’s tripod socket.
- Put one foot through the loop, or anchor the cord to something firm, such as a rock or fence.
- Raise the camera until the cord is taut. Keep the tension steady while framing and taking the picture.
The line provides resistance against camera movement, but your foot or other anchor and your ability to maintain tension are part of the support. Photocritic’s 2011 overview of using a string as a tripod presents it as a compact way to make a handheld camera steadier when regular support is unavailable.
Rank #2
XXZU 75" Camera Tripod,Aluminum Tripod for Camera Phone/Monopod with Remote
- 75in Extendable Camera Tripod: This tripod for camera phone can extend to a height of 75 inches by adjusting the flip locks, which can be quickly adjusted to any desired height to meet the needs of various shooting scenarios. Both the ball head and center column are equipped with level for easy real-time level calibration, ensuring perfectly level shots.Good Digital Camera Accessory Kits for you.
- 3-in-1 Detachable Center Column: The center column supports quick detachment, allowing for flexible use as a monopod or selfie stick (Max Height:43.9 in / 111.5 cm). Camera phone tripod stand can also be installed upside down for low-angle macro shooting. This 3-in-1 multi-functional design simplifies shooting equipment, saves carrying space, and enhances practicality and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and content creators.
- 3-Level Angle Adjustment For Various Terrains: The camera tripod legs can be adjusted to three angles using the angle adjustment locks, allowing it to spread almost horizontally to achieve a minimum height of 15.35in(39cm) for low-angle shooting. Each leg adjusts independently in both angle and length, ensuring the tripod stand steadily on stairs, rocky trails, or uneven ground—making it ideal for outdoor-photographers and hikers shooting in unpredictable environments.
- Remote Control & Flexible Ball Head: Equipped with a 360° ball head, which supports free rotation in both horizontal and vertical directions. When shooting vlogs or live streams, you can flexibly switch angles and landscape/portrait modes without moving the tripod. In addition, this phone tripod has a built-in remote control with a maximum 10m control distance. Whether it's selfies, group photos, or long-distance shooting, one-button control makes shooting easier and more convenient.
- Sturdy & Stability: Constructed from aluminum alloy, this DSLR camera tripod features thickened tubes and anti-slip rubber feet that provide stronger grip on various surfaces, effectively preventing image shake. Its bottom hook allows for hanging weights, increasing counterweight and further enhancing overall stability, ensuring smooth footage even outdoors.[Max load 8kg/17.64lb (vertical) or 3kg/6.61lb(45° tilt)]
What it can—and cannot—do
- Useful when portability matters: A cord and compatible attachment take little space compared with carrying a conventional tripod.
- Provides tension, not a stable platform: You must keep the line taut, so it does not hold the camera in position independently.
- Not a substitute for a tripod or monopod: Photocritic explicitly cautions that the method does not replace either.
- No verified shutter-speed gain: Photocritic author Haje Jan Kamps suggested in 2011 that a photographer might gain “a couple of stops,” but framed it as a possibility. The cited sources provide no controlled test or measured performance figure, so treat that as opinion, not a promised result.
When to choose a string tripod
Consider it when you need a very compact support option and can brace the line reliably. Choose a conventional tripod or monopod when you need more complete support, a camera position that stays put without continuous tension, or easier movement and framing. The sources do not provide measured comparisons for setup speed, weight, or stabilization, so those trade-offs depend on the specific equipment and situation.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
Best Value
CAMBOFOTO 74″ Camera Tripod, Phone Tripod for iPhone Lightweight Tripod
- Adjustable 20″–74″ Height: Easily extend from tabletop to full height for portraits, vlogs, outdoor photography, travel shots, and events — perfect for photographers and content creators of all levels.
- Heavy Duty & Stable: Durable aluminum legs support up to 8.8 lbs, so it can take DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, ring lights, GoPros, and smartphones securely without wobble.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Includes quick release plate & phone mount — switch effortlessly between camera and phone setups for photos, live streams, podcasts or video calls.
- 360° Pan & Tilt Head: Smooth, fluid head movement lets you capture wide panoramas, dynamic video clips, and precise compositions without stiff dragging.
- Travel Ready & Lightweight: Weighing only 2.8 lbs and folding compactly for storage, this tripod is built for backpacks, road trips, hikes, and everyday use. Includes carry bag for convenience.
Rank #4
VICTIV 74” Camera Tripod, Tripod for Camera and Phone with Phone Holder
- 【74 Inch Tall Tripod and Compact Tripod】 This tall camera tripod has a height adjustment range of 19-74 inches. It can meet the needs of daily work. This compact tripod comes with a carrying bag for outdoor and indoor shooting. This compact tripod weighs 3.14 lbs / 1.4 kg and is easy to store and stow
- 【Tripod for All Camera and Phone】Standard 1/4" screw mount compatible with all cameras ( Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic), DSLR, SLR, and digital cinema cameras, also spotting scopes, projector, compact camcorders, binoculars. The 360° phone mount is compatible with iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 Pro/XS/XR/MAX/8/8 Plus/X/7 Plus/7/6s Plus/6s/6 Plus/6/Samsung Galaxy S22/ S21 Series/ Galaxy Z Flip/ NOTE/ One Plus 1+Series
- 【Professional 3-Way Pan Head】VICTIV Professional camera tripod stand is equipped with a stable and smooth 3-way pan head, it allows 360° horizontal panoramic shots, 180° up and down shots, and 90° vertical portraits. Non-slip pads provide great grip. You can also hang a backpack on the weight hook for extra stability
- 【Video Tripod for Photography】The video camera tripod is suitable for outdoor and indoor shooting. It can meet the daily shooting needs of video producers, video bloggers, and youtube users. Camera tripods for Photography, food shooting, live streaming, scenery shooting, and portrait shooting, etc
- 【Complete Tripod Units】What You Get: 1X Tripod for cell phone and camera, 1X Universal Phone Holder, 1X Extra Quick Release Plate,1X 3-way Pan Head, 1X Handle, 3X Non-slip pads. Please contact us anytime if any questions
Rank #3
Sale
K&F Concept 64 inch/163cm Lightweight Aluminum Travel Camera Tripod
- 【Lightweight and Portable】4 section leg can adjust tripod height from 20.4''/52cm to 64.1''/163cm; it can be folded to 15.5''/39.5cm to make it easy to put it in the carrying bag; the net weight with the ball head included is only 2.53lbs/1.15 KG.
- 【360 Degree Ball Head】36mm ball head can be rotated to any angle you want, helping to improve the range of camera activity during panning. It can withstand up to 17.6lbs/8kg.The 360-degree panning dial lets you set up precision shots to capture the beauty of landscapes.
- 【Efficient and Flexible】With powerful and quick flip leg lock, only use one hand can open and close all the buttons in a few seconds. It's very easy to use, saving you more time and can more focused on enjoying the shooting.
- 【Versatile Ability】The center column inverted installation (also with a short center column) to achieve the lowest angling shooting, archery and special photography.
- 【More Compatibility】This camera tripod with standard 1/4'' thread,which can be applied to most Arca-Swiss quick release plates; 1/4" screw is suitable for most cameras, DSLR camera, projector and telescope, etc.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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