monopods: hi i was just wondering about the many different things i could do with a monopod and the basics of one..can some one please help me :?:...

skphoto Loc: nj now pa

hi i was just wondering about the many different things i could do with a monopod and the basics of one..can some one please help me :?:

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

I have two monopods, and I use them often. That having been said, I'm a little disappointed in the relative lack of stability I'm getting. I've 'Googled' it, to see how others use them, but I still have more camera shake than I expected. I look forward to the responses here as well.

Dudley Loc: Roseburg, Oregon

I use a 'Trek-GO' monopod. The last 12" can be 'splayed' open, creating a tripod, via a strap around the legs! I love it!

Dudley Loc: Roseburg, Oregon

Another method is to use a small chain, connected to the camera body. Step onto the chain=instant monopod!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Dudley wrote:

Another method is to use a small chain, connected to the camera body. Step onto the chain=instant monopod!

The 'chain' method can be used with a number of materials from strong string, fishing line, twine, small rope, etc. So a chain isn't exclusive. Here is a video showing one method and the details http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLlJl7TbXTA

This takes a little bit of getting used to, but works. It does not however address the issue of weight for a long lens where a true monopod would.

MadMike Loc: SALT LAKE

Even on my monopod I try to find something to brace it with such as a fence, a wall, a tree. I then brace it with my knee or foot. They do stop up and down shake, but not so much side to side. Good luck.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

skphoto wrote:

hi i was just wondering about the many different things i could do with a monopod and the basics of one..can some one please help me :?:

The job of a monopod is to support the weight of the camera and lens. They excel in two areas where by being light weight and easy to use they are great for sports style photography and where you do not what to carry something heavy like while hiking for instance.

There is a stability issue inherent with all monopods, but one way to help is to create a triangle by using your monopod as one point and the camera strap around your neck as the two others by pushing the monopod away from you until the strap is tight. It will not completely remove camera shake, but will do more than if you tried to hold it still. Typically you will have to use the lcd screen to focus, etc.

Another option and example can be found here http://cheesycam.com/diy-cheesycam-bodypod-15/

Dudley Loc: Roseburg, Oregon

St3v3M wrote:

Dudley wrote:

Another method is to use a small chain, connected to the camera body. Step onto the chain=instant monopod!

.....
This takes a little bit of getting used to, but works. It does not however address the issue of weight for a long lens where a true monopod would.

Your last two sentences throw me a little. "This takes a little bit of getting used to, but works." Please be a bit more specific about how this method takes a fising line is harder to 'get' used to then a small chain? (This is a two part statement.) "It does not however address the issue of weight for a long lens where a true monopod would." What do you consider a 'long lens'? Over 180mm? How would a 'true monopod' solve the question at hand?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Dudley wrote:

quote=St3v3M quote=Dudley Another method is to u... (show quote)

Sorry for the confusion - there is no difference in my opinion between using say fishing line or a chain except maybe bulk, weight and that the fishing line will flex more than the chain. Its more what you have on hand or want to use than anything.

With that said, what I meant was, and probably could have explained it better but didn't want to be long winded about it, is it takes a little getting used to pulling up on your camera to stabilize it when you are used to letting your camera rest on a tripod or by pushing down a bit on a monopod. The method is foolproof once you are used to it.

As for the weight issue I would say any lens that has its own adapter for a tripod/monopod would do like the SigMonster which weighs over 12 pounds...

Dudley Loc: Roseburg, Oregon

St3v3M wrote:

..... br br Sorry for the confusion - there is no... (show quote)

LOL, no problem! I was wondering how many folks planned to use a boat anchor chain, instead of a lightweight model, that can be stepped on.

Regarding typing, with my Parkinson's Diease (and a stroke, that renders my left hand useless), it takes me awhile to reply.

SigMonster=12 Lb.+weight. Wow! I've never been able to afford glass like that!

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I hold my monopod without bracing it unless necessary. Ex: when I was in Winona, I went up to the park/overlook to get some photos on Monday (Easter weekend) before coming home and due to the wind, I braced it up agains part of a small fence that was there or the rocks that were there to help stabilize it. Worked great. I have also used it up in the air in the bucket of a fire truck and just braced it againt the inside of the bucket and it worked slick.

MadMike Loc: SALT LAKE

I know this sound crazy, but from my wheelchair the other day I had my camera and 40mm Micro on the end of a monopod. I held it out over a flowers about 5 feet away. Used my remote and took pictures. They came out great to my surprise. Just thought it was a funny story about a monopod.

photo guy wrote:

I hold my monopod without bracing it unless necessary. Ex: when I was in Winona, I went up to the park/overlook to get some photos on Monday (Easter weekend) before coming home and due to the wind, I braced it up agains part of a small fence that was there or the rocks that were there to help stabilize it. Worked great. I have also used it up in the air in the bucket of a fire truck and just braced it againt the inside of the bucket and it worked slick.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

ferrinmike wrote:

I know this sound crazy, but from my wheelchair the other day I had my camera and 40mm Micro on the end of a monopod. I held it out over a flowers about 5 feet away. Used my remote and took pictures. They came out great to my surprise. Just thought it was a funny story about a monopod.

Another great reason to use a monopod!!!

MakuaMan Loc: Waianae, Hi.

You should consider a self-standing monopod from Oben or Manfrotto.I just got a Oben and am very happy with it as I can set it between my legs and not even hold it which can also help reduce camera shake.Don't get me wrong it's not as sturdy as a good tripod and you need to watch it in a wind but it is surprisingly sturdy for a monopod.I'am 60 and disabled and sometimes don't want to hold my D7000 with vertical grip.It solve's having to find something to lean it against anyway.Check them out at B&H and good luck.
Aloha

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Boy I'm staying out of this one as I just have never been happy with a monopod although I have used my tripod with the legs in a closed position - I also saw demos of how to thread one between your legs & brace against your feet-
Harvey