After all these years of wandering through Toronto with nothing but a camera slung over my shoulder, I think it’s finally time for Bob to admit something: I’m getting a mono pod.
Not because I’m getting old.
Not because I’m slowing down.
But because I’m realizing that sometimes, when I’m out doing these long photo walks, I want just a little more steadiness in my shots — especially when I’m using my older Sony cameras or that little NEX-3 with a manual lens. Street photography is still all about capturing the moment… but there’s nothing wrong with giving that moment a steadier foundation.
And now I’ve got two mono pods to think about.
The First Mono pod — The 11-inch Pocket Rocket
The first one is honestly my favourite already.
It folds down to about 11 inches — basically the size of a water bottle.
I can throw it in my sling bag, my jacket pocket, or even the small pouch on my camera bag. Super compact, lightweight, and surprisingly sturdy.
This thing extends out multiple sections, and you can attach:
A flash
A phone
A small camera
Even a mini set of tripod legs if you want more stability
It’s the kind of little accessory Bob should have been carrying YEARS ago. Perfect for low-light alley shots, TTC station photography, or when I want to raise the camera and get a high-angle shot over a crowd (something I do a LOT around the Rogers Centre during big events).
This mono pod is basically the “Toronto street ninja” of mono pods.
The Second Mono pod — The Basic Workhorse
The second one is more traditional — a simple, basic mono pod.
Nothing fancy.
No blue accents.
No built-in mini tripod legs.
Just a solid stick that does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Honestly, this is the kind that photographers have been using for decades. It’s strong, straightforward, and if it gets scuffed up on the sidewalk, who cares? It’s a tool, not a trophy.
I’ll probably keep this one in the car or use it on longer hikes — places where I know I might need support for slower shutter speeds or heavier lenses. Perfect for when Bob wanders the Humber River, visits the gardens, or shoots inside dim museums.
Why Bob Is Carrying a Mono pod Now
Toronto is full of stories — lane ways, markets, festivals, construction workers, ferries, blue plaques, all the people rushing downtown. And I want to keep telling those stories with the cameras I love.
But I also want sharper photos, steadier framing, and cleaner shots during those tricky moments:
Inside St. Lawrence Market
Under the Gardiner
At night around Nathan Phillips Square
In busy crowds
Long focal lengths on my older cameras
Low-light street corners where I don’t want to bump ISO to 6400
A monopod is the perfect compromise.
It’s not as heavy or slow as a tripod.
It’s quicker to use.
And it keeps Bob moving — which is exactly how Bob likes to photograph Toronto.
Bob’s New Rule for Photo Walks
Camera, battery, lens, mono pod.
That’s the new standard setup.
I’m not turning into one of those over-equipped photographers who look like they’re going on a two-week expedition. No, this is still Bob — light, fast, simple gear, and lots of stories.
But from now on, when I’m out walking the city, exploring lane-ways or heading downtown for a festival, I’ll have a mono pod tucked in my bag. Because even after 15 years of photo walks, there’s always something new to learn, something new to try, and a better way to tell the story.
And if a tiny 11-inch mono pod helps me get that perfect frame?
Bob’s carrying it.
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