As for the handle-This is what I have been playing with most, tried a adjustable .5-1 metre long one last dive, and found that the longer I made the pole the more shaky I got, although getting closer to the critters definitely makes a longer pole better (practice may be required). The other handle I have is Grenade Grip - GoPro® Hand Grip by GoPole (http://www.gopole.com/product/grenade-grip) this is the non-floaty version, definitely easier to carry than the longer one. Not sure if floaty or non-floaty would be better.