I use a Justin clamp that has a screw for the camera socket and a strong spring clamp. I can clamp it to a stick for a tripod or clamp it to a branch or post and have a quick place to mount the camera for either long exposures or shots where I use the timer so I can be in the picture.
I once went to a digital camera short course at the local college and the instructor who was a professional photographer also had the same set up but only with a light chain and he swore by it. The advantages: It is easy to carry can be set up very quickly and no space required for the legs, etc.
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