How to Build an Image Stabilizer for DSLR Cameras Cheap DIY ($16 @ Lowe's)

I noticed that this has been done plenty of times before. I just wanted to give everyone the version that I made after thinking about it one day while I was at Lowe’s. I have done may write ups before on other forums, mostly for my Honda S2000, but this is going to be my first on a photography forum so be easy on me! Now this only cost me $15.37 to make and is heavy duty. I thought about making one out of PVC, but realized it wouldn’t last as long and wouldn’t be as structurally sound. Any feedback is welcomed. I also made this DIY in about 30 min with taking pictures (and the pictures are horrible!) so it doesn't take much time at all. Here we go.

Here is a list of the materials needed:
(1) 1/2” x 12” Galvanized Steel Pipe
(1) 1/2” x 8” Galvanized Steel Pipe
(1) 1/2” x 6” Galvanized Steel Pipe
(1) 1/2” Galvanized Tee
(1) 1/4-20x1 Stainless Steel Locking Nut
(1) 1/4-20 x 1-1/2 Stainless Steel Hex Cap Screw
(1) 1/4 -20 Stainless Steel Wing Nut
(1) 1/2” x 1/2" FPT Barb Brass Female Adapter
(2) 1/2" Galvanized Caps

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Next, connect tee fitting to the 6” pipe vertically. Then you want to connect the 8” pipe horizontally. The 8” pipe will be what your dominate hand will use as a handle to stabilize. This bar can be shortened or lengthened depending on how large you want it to be. I just hand tightened these pieces together and used a little bit of LOCTITE to make sure it wouldn’t back out. Also, at this time connect the head to the vertical 6”pipe and the cap to the 8” pipe. Ensure all of the components are tightened at this point.

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not really understanding what this thing is supposed to do. Is it a pseudo monopod?

You're supposed to counterweight the camera at the base of the stabilizer.

I think I'll stick with my IS lenses.

Too much weight to carry around...

I thought this was how to build an image stabilizer, not plumbing tips 101.

Some years back someone came up for $1 image stabilizer already:

http://lifehacker.com …a-stabilizer-on+the+cheap

Anybody remember the "foot pod"? You go to Lowes, buy their nylon rope, a couple of eyelet hooks, and then a clip hook that could mount to the tripod mount of the camera, connect it all and stick your foot into the rope loop to pull the camera steady as you take a shot.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #11807195
Anybody remember the "foot pod"? You go to Lowes, buy their nylon rope, a couple of eyelet hooks, and then a clip hook that could mount to the tripod mount of the camera, connect it all and stick your foot into the rope loop to pull the camera steady as you take a shot.

Yes; call "$1 image stabilizer"

When I'm done stabilizing, I can change a flat tire with it.

x_tan wrote in post #11807223
Yes; call "$1 image stabilizer"

or the black rapid for more $$$

wow...way to bash him guys. I wanna see you guys write up a how-to for some DIY projects for your camera on the cheap.

BuckyN8...good write up! don't worry about they say. Personally, I think this would be more beneficial as an IS for shooting video w/ the camera, rather than using it as IS for still shots. Unless that's what you were intending & it wasn't clearly stated

josullivan79 wrote in post #11807580
wow...way to bash him guys. I wanna see you guys write up a how-to for some DIY projects for your camera on the cheap.

BuckyN8...good write up! don't worry about they say. Personally, I think this would be more beneficial as an IS for shooting video w/ the camera, rather than using it as IS for still shots. Unless that's what you were intending & it wasn't clearly stated

Thanks for the comments guys. One thing I did notice was the counter weighted bottom. Essentially, what you would do is just replicate the top but use a longer hex nut to attach a weight at the end.

@josullivan79, thanks for the encouragement. I did forget to mention that this is only being used for video. I had no intentions to use it for taking photos with. I recently took some video that was shakey and needed something quick that would stabilize the video and this was my "quick" solution.

Thanks again for the C&C, I asked for it. I should have been completely clear as to what my intended use for this was though.

Savas K wrote in post #11807341
When I'm done stabilizing, I can change a flat tire with it.

LOL. I like the rope with the loop idea. This is going to become a classic thread.