You can substitute several items for a camera tripod, especially if you need to travel light. One classic support for bigger camera/lens combinations is the beanbag. Whether you use the basic beanbag that you tossed around as a kid or the one that's specially designed for photography, just put the bag on a wall or car roof and then balance the lens on the bag. With this setup, you can maneuver your equipment easily while letting the wall or car take the weight of the lens.

You can also find a number of clamp-like devices coupled with the 1/4-inch screw that's necessary to attach them to your camera's tripod socket. You then clamp the camera to a tree limb, fence post, or other solid object, and voila! — instant tripod (don't add water).

These camera-holding clamps range from a modest C-clamp device for just a few bucks up to the Bogen Super Clamp system. The basic Super Clamp costs around $30. The basic C-clamp style should do the job for travelers who use a shirt-pocket-sized digital camera. Those working with one of the larger, SLR-style digital cameras may want to consider buying a Super Clamp. Your local camera store can help you decide which type is right for you.