Monopod with Canon 300 2.8 W/2X
May 13, 2013 13:42:06 #
I have decided to try and elaborate a little more on the Monopod I use - may do a video soon by popular request. This is the Manfrotto #685b one hand adjustable monopod ( about $160), Manfrotto #222 joystick ballhead ( $100) topped by a #234RC quick disconnect swivel ( $45 ) - so it is basically a $300 trip. Shown here with Canon 300 2.8 W/2X - which I use a lot - and a contur/comfort neckstrap for hands free - if necessary - and saftey/insurance. The tension on the 234RC swivel is adjustable or you can lock it - it represents a "coarse" adjustment. The joystick represents a "fine adjustment". I attribute much of whatever shooting sucess I can claim to this support system ! I have done BIF from this, but will also occasionally handhold. When I am out shooting with this I also have a 70-200 F4 W1.4X in a belt case for closer up stuff. OR, if I really want to travel lighter, I just put the Sigma 100-300 F4 W/1.4X on the monopod and Gooo.....
May 13, 2013 13:51:00 #
imagemeister wrote:
I have decided to try and elaborate a little more ... (show quote)
I love your camo lens boot. Did you have that made? I also love you Bob Seeger signature...............lots of depth in that.
May 13, 2013 13:51:23 #
I do have a couple of Manfrotto monopods and love them, apart from anything else they are very strong and come in useful as a walking aid on long trips.
May 13, 2013 15:02:51 #
Jblanke wrote:
I love your camo lens boot. Did you have that made? I also love you Bob Seeger signature...............lots of depth in that.
Thanks for the comment ....The lens boot I ordered - and the one they sent me was for a 600 F4 - so it was way too big - I was going to send it back ( to England) but then thought I will just use it the way it is - Had to pin it and put rubber bans on it - but hey, it DOES work ! ......Seger had MANY profound lyrics in his songs - way ahead of his time !
May 13, 2013 15:06:41 #
May 13, 2013 15:12:43 #
I guess I should also say I have two tripods - one lightweight and one heavyweight. On the LW I have the same #222/234 set up, so If I have to move to the tripod for some reason the controls are all the same. I only use the HW if I do not anticipate having to move or have to go very high.
May 13, 2013 15:13:07 #
Does this have a quick release on it? I shoot almost all BIF and other action handheld so for those times when I am using a monopod or tripod if a bird suddenly comes swooping into view I need to quickly zip it off the pod to pan and capture the action.
In the case of a monopod it would either fall to the ground or I have to place it down but that takes time that could cause me to miss the shot.
It looks like your monopod is tethered to you so I guess it does not fall if you were to suddenly remove the camera, but it presumably just dangles there?
In the case of a monopod it would either fall to the ground or I have to place it down but that takes time that could cause me to miss the shot.
It looks like your monopod is tethered to you so I guess it does not fall if you were to suddenly remove the camera, but it presumably just dangles there?
May 13, 2013 15:13:56 #
Swamp Gator wrote:
Does this have a quick release on it? I shoot almo... (show quote)
My pods have gimbal heads
May 13, 2013 15:16:00 #
JR1 wrote:
Thanks for the comment and link JR1 !
May 13, 2013 15:19:55 #
imagemeister wrote:
Thanks for the comment and link JR1 !
I am a cheapskate :) :) :)
May 13, 2013 15:20:11 #
Swamp Gator wrote:
Does this have a quick release on it? I shoot almo... (show quote)
Yes, it does have a quick release and is tethered so upon release it would "dangle"...
May 13, 2013 15:27:03 #
JR1 wrote:
My pods have gimbal heads
Due to their previously high cost, I have never been infatuated with gimbals. I do see their use on rather large tripods with rather large lenses ( bigger than 300 2.8) but never on a monopod with smaller lenses .....JMHO
May 13, 2013 15:29:53 #
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, it does have a quick release and is tethered so upon release it would "dangle"...
Well that's a lot better then crashing to the ground as mine would do. :-)
May 13, 2013 15:40:47 #
I probably should also say, that as with a gimbal, this set up works immensly better when the lens and camera are in balance - that is, supported at the center of gravity.
May 13, 2013 17:28:20 #
For a quick BIF - what you could do and what I have done is pick up the monopod and all off the ground, squeeze the joystick to free the ballhead and track the bird. Not as good as fully hand held/cradled, but DOABLE and fast !
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