An Aha moment: Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/ Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and...

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

I fold my tripod legs to carry the rig and often just put it down without opening them for a quick shot. It is bulky, heavy and awkward, but it works. I have a good monopod, also a nest tripod with a leg that detaches to become a monopod and seldom use them. I just don't like using a monopod. I prefer hand held with a screw on pistol grip or full tripod. I am 70 and in a few years when hand held gets harder (I am speaking of 100-400 and 150-600 lenses.) I may change my position on this.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

It won't balance very well.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

My Sirui N2204 (from B&H) is a carbon fibre tripod that allows for one leg to be used as a monopod: http://youtu.be/ZOevriaMTxQ

PS: I love love love this tripod - very sturdy with my 7D2 and battery grip, with a Sigma 150-600 lens.

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

I've done it on occasion, but not often.
Worked well enough.
You know what they say, "run what you brung"!
:-)

I used it for the same exact reason you mention, I might need the three legs, so why take an extra piece of equipment if I don't have to.

GT

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I use my travel-tripod as a mono pod all the time but I don't use one leg extended, I use all three legs extended.
For a monopod with amazing stability I just open the legs 2-3 inches. It's like a monopod that is rock-steady, unlike a real monopod which is always wobbly side-to-side!
I have two nice monopods and their main job is to keep the closet from getting too lonely! :lol:
With a few sports shooting exceptions, I find monopods pretty useless. ;-)
SS

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

:lol: :lol: :lol:
I guess I should get another one so mine isn't lonely!!!

GT

SharpShooter wrote:

I use my travel-tripod as a mono pod all the time but I don't use one leg extended, I use all three legs extended.
For a monopod with amazing stability I just open the legs 2-3 inches. It's like a monopod that is rock-steady, unlike a real monopod which is always wobbly side-to-side!
I have two nice monopods and their main job is to keep the closet from getting too lonely! :lol:
With a few sports shooting exceptions, I find monopods pretty useless. ;-)
SS

willie_gunn Loc: Oxfordshire, UK

SharpShooter wrote:

I use my travel-tripod as a mono pod all the time but I don't use one leg extended, I use all three legs extended.
For a monopod with amazing stability I just open the legs 2-3 inches. It's like a monopod that is rock-steady, unlike a real monopod which is always wobbly side-to-side!
I have two nice monopods and their main job is to keep the closet from getting too lonely! :lol:
With a few sports shooting exceptions, I find monopods pretty useless. ;-)
SS

I use my monopod every day. I'd as soon sell my tripod as get rid of it!

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Excellent idea SharpShooter!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

Problem is- when you let go it will fall over.

pureblue0229

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

Not a bad idea but not original either. But consider this, some venues allow photographers to use monopods but not tripods so depending on where you shoot you might need both. If you do get a monopod you might consider using a monopod head that's uses the same plate as the tripod head. It makes it easier so you won't have to keep switching tripod plates.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

Far from original...

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

Original to you But other have done that :)

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

edrobinsonjr wrote:

Been thinking about getting a monopod but then thought well I might need a tripod during the same outing/

Aha! Why not use the tripod with only one leg extended and extend the other 2 if needed?

Is this an original idea or did I need to get pretty old to think of it?

Ed

I do that often, and or use it with all 3 legs extended but together rather than spread. This makes it easy to transition from "mono" to tri-pod without much effort. Yes, I realize that there is a huge weight difference between the tripod and monopod but there is also the ability to add the money I would have spent on a good monopod into the money I spent to justify the additional cost of a good tripod and head. Eventually, I will probably consider buying a monopod but I keep figuring that it is just something else to carry and the tripod works fine, even if it is a little heavier. Beside, I probably need the exercise.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Basil wrote:

My Sirui N2204 (from B&H) is a carbon fibre tripod that allows for one leg to be used as a monopod: http://youtu.be/ZOevriaMTxQ

PS: I love love love this tripod - very sturdy with my 7D2 and battery grip, with a Sigma 150-600 lens.

Same tripod I bought last year to support my 150-600 and gimbal head. I thought the take off monopod was a good idea but find I usually just keep the legs together to use as a monopod. If you feel this will be a regular use of the pod, let me suggest getting a Velcro strip to go around the legs to keep them together when using is as a monopod.