Suggestions for small boom pole?
- Thread starter osgoodr
- Start date
DPStewart
Veteran
Well, whatever there is that fits this description sure isn't going to have a very long extension reach.
What is the minimum reach length you need to get out of this pole?
Sure, the MogoPod III collapses down to 20-inches, but it only extends out to 40-inches. That's pretty short to be used as a boom pole.
The Medium MogoPod goes out to 61-inches, but only collapses to 27-inches. These are really not great options as a boom pole.
But I do give the MogoPod points for versatility.
The RODE Standard and the RODE Mini both collapse down to 33-inches but will give you either a full 10-feet or 81-inches respectively. THAT'S a boom pole.
But again - what's the minimum length you need?
What is the minimum reach length you need to get out of this pole?
Sure, the MogoPod III collapses down to 20-inches, but it only extends out to 40-inches. That's pretty short to be used as a boom pole.
The Medium MogoPod goes out to 61-inches, but only collapses to 27-inches. These are really not great options as a boom pole.
But I do give the MogoPod points for versatility.
The RODE Standard and the RODE Mini both collapse down to 33-inches but will give you either a full 10-feet or 81-inches respectively. THAT'S a boom pole.
But again - what's the minimum length you need?
Last edited:
Ted Ramasola
Veteran
here's one that 1.6 ft collapsed and 5ft extended. But as DPStewart said, you won't get too much reach with that.
http://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MPL-10...rds=mic+boom+pole&refinements=p_76:2661625011
http://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-MPL-10...rds=mic+boom+pole&refinements=p_76:2661625011
DPStewart
Veteran
I have two of those longer LyxPro poles and they are really good for the price, so I'm sure that their 'mini' version is a real pole too....again, IF 5-feet will work for your intended purpose.
The K-Tek Traveler collapses to 21.6" and extends to 6'8" (80.4"), available uncabled or internally cabled. I know that's a little over your 20" collapsed goal, but as other have said any pole in that range isn't going to extend very far and this one has the best reach of any compact fish pole I know. As a K-Tek user, though, I will say that they are solid poles.
osgoodr
New member
Thanks all - I need something inexpensive and short for a few trips throughout Vietnam and I want it to fit in my equipment case which is 20". I can probably angle it for another inch or so. The K-Tek traveler almost makes it but I already have a long K-Tek so another fairly expensive one won't be a good investment. The Mogopod at 40" max won't be useful at all.
There's one from Auray that gets under your 20" minimum and extends to 6'. I cannot, however, comment on the build quality or the durability as I have never used one from this company.
It sounds like you're going to be in some rough terrain (if you'll be traveling back-country between cities, towns, and villages), so if it were me I would not bet the security of my project on a throw-away. Further, even if it is just for the project, would you rather spend $100 on something that you'll chalk up as a lost expense in the end, or $200 on something that you may be able to resell after the project for $150?
It sounds like you're going to be in some rough terrain (if you'll be traveling back-country between cities, towns, and villages), so if it were me I would not bet the security of my project on a throw-away. Further, even if it is just for the project, would you rather spend $100 on something that you'll chalk up as a lost expense in the end, or $200 on something that you may be able to resell after the project for $150?
GaryNattrass
Veteran
Check out the Gitzo carbon fibre boom poles as they are very compact and light.
You still haven't told us what kind of maximum length you need when fully extended. This will definitely effect what the minimum length will be. If you say you need it to be less than 20 inches collapsed but need 16 feet fully extended..well...That just isn't going to happen, at least not with a good quality pole that will be light weight. The more sections you add to a boom pole, the shorter you can get it while still getting a good maximum length, but math has its limits. Nobody really makes boom poles with more than 6 sections because of cost and weight issues.
Also, NEVER use a monopod as a boom pole. It's completely backwards. You are putting the larger, heavier sections at furthest extension, creating more torque on your body, which means you do more work, with means you fatigue faster...Also, I always recommend using the right tool for the right job.