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My "VR replacement": Home made shoulder/hip pod.
As I changed over to RRS plates/BH-40 for my Gitzo 120 tripod, I could not use my old Cullman shoulder pod any longer and looked for an alternative. After I removed the center column on the Gitzo, I realized it could make a nice shoulder pod. I initially planned to shorten it, however I found it was just the right length fully extended to make a nice "hip pod". The butt/foot was made from some pieces of aluminum and the locking mechanism for the center column which was cut off the tripod. After gluing, the butt/foot was then covered with Plasti-dip for friction. On top I used my old small Giotto ball head mounted directy on top of the column.
For fast ready action I use it as a shoulder pod. With more time to get it fully extended when I use it in a standing position, one end of the foot is inserted beneath my belt. When used on the ground it is really a bi-pod with only one degree of freedom for movement, and can with some luck allow night exposures when it is too awkward to carry a tripod. My AF 300 f/4 cannot be without it.