Monopods (Page 5): Actually .., it would be a " SMART MONOPOD OWNER"...

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Actually .., it would be a " SMART MONOPOD OWNER"

Pine Warbler

I have a Manfrotto monopod, and the stabilizer you mentioned sounds like something I might be interested in. I looked it up, but there aren't any pictures showing how is looks when attached. Do you have a picture of you using this...an action shot that could help me visualize how it works. Disappointed in the Manfrotto site that they don't have a picture.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I'll have to take a picture of my old, early 70's, Miida monopod that had the "feet " feature. This concept has been around a long time. While not the best of monopods, even back then, I did use it at concerts back when there were no problems with taking pictures at concerts. I used to put my feet on it's feet for more stability. Currently recuperating from surgery or I'd attach an image with this post.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

An Alternative Concept

Rather than using your monopod as a vertical support held rigidly in front of you, consider this configuration:

First of all, install a simple tilt only head. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Place the monopod approximately ⅔ - ¾ shoulder width in front of you, with the camera/lens tilted very slightly down. Now lean slightly forward while bringing the monopod back at a slight angle. When the camera reaches your eye, your feet and the monopod should form the three legs of a tripod, providing added stability.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

stenojj wrote:

When walking around the yard or down by our pond, there is nothing to lean on in the area where I want to shoot. My stick monopod works to some extent so I'm sure the monopod with the feet with definitely serve my purpose. Thanks for the tip on the low f/stop! Will keep that in mind.

I believe you will still need level ground with the three feet on that monopod? As opposed to a standard monopod remember its only for steadiness at all positions.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

I got this carbon fiber monopod last year from Amazon with some gift cards I won at work. The feet are detachable and it comes with a nice carry case and a canvas belt pouch that you can put the bottom of the monopod in if you want to use it that way. I also got a Beike ball head with quick release plate to put on it. I just use this setup for mirrorless cameras. For my bigger and heavier DSLRs I use a Manfroto 679B monopod with a Bogen 3232 tilt head.

will

https://www.amazon.com/Koolehaoda-Professional-65-inch-Monopod-Folding/dp/B00M1VRV4O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1497734042&sr=8-6&keywords=carbon+fiber+monopods

https://www.amazon.com/BK-03-Camera-Tripod-Ballhead-Release/dp/B00J97O92K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497736407&sr=8-2&keywords=beike+ball+head

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Pine Warbler wrote:

I have a Manfrotto monopod, and the stabilizer you mentioned sounds like something I might be interested in. I looked it up, but there aren't any pictures showing how is looks when attached. Do you have a picture of you using this...an action shot that could help me visualize how it works. Disappointed in the Manfrotto site that they don't have a picture.

I will take a picture tomorrow .......and post.

I have known about this stabilizer for several years now and thought it more as a gimmick ( like the 3 little feet !) . But a couple months ago I was out using the monopod with 450mm at the edge of a pond where I could not put the monopod out in front of me like you should for max stability - it was then I decided to try the Manfro. It is well made and folds out of the way when not in use. I use it against my chest. It mounts between the top of the monopod and your head - currently I use a video fluid head.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

imagemeister wrote:

I will take a picture tomorrow .......and post. br... (show quote)

I actually do see an advantage using the 3 little feet - but it has nothing to do with stability ! Some of the 3 little feet have an adjustable fluid connection between the feet and the mono-proper ......which this is an advantage when following action and panning ! But the 3 little feet can also be somewhat dangerous and a PITA.

Pine Warbler

Thanks...that situation is what happens to me. My husband and I like to walk and bird watch. When I am "shooting" birds by lakes or ponds, it is hard to watch the soft edges. That is why I am curious how it works, as well as the ease in using...especially in mobile situations.

pdsilen Loc: Roswell, New Mexico

With mono-pods, if you're shooting, let's say a rock concert or a sporting event you might not be allowed to take your mono-pod into the event because it might be misconstrued as a weapon. So if such a situation might present itself, here's what I do. I take one of those light weight basic tripods. I tie it up with bunji chord and extend only one of the legs. This way you can shoot your event without any problems.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free... (show quote)

This is what I bought recently. Love it! I'm not read steady holding a camera. This monopod makes a difference. There is an aluminum version too. I bought the carbon fiber 3Pod with the pistol grip mount. I find the pistol grip easier to adjust the camera quickly.

https://www.adorama.com/3pvm4ck2.html

EagleEye

The monopods that have the three small legs or feet typically have an adjustable dampener in the swivel point between the feet & monopod; this can certainly be of benefit in stabilizing movement in the X & Y axes. I won't buy a monopod or tripod that has latches for length adjustment because they often eventually break and they are prone to snagging things.

Pine Warbler

Thanks...this looks worth looking into.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

stenojj wrote:

I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free... (show quote)

The best combo I've come up with is a good quality pod, I have two -- a Bogen and a Tiltall. Both are very sturdy and have rubber tips that can be screwed up to expose a metal pointed tip. This makes them useful on hardwood floors as well as natural surfaces. To the top of the pod I screw on a Slik pistol grip. With this versatile head the pod can be positioned many different ways. I have used it as a brace against a wall, used it extended to full length, shortened it to just longer than the fully collapsed position to rest it against my instep while in a kneeling position, and set a 10 sec. delay timer on the camera -- tilted the camera to about a 45 degree angle (with a wide angle lens) and held the pod high (it makes photos that look a little like low level drone shots).

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Pine Warbler wrote:

Thanks...that situation is what happens to me. My husband and I like to walk and bird watch. When I am "shooting" birds by lakes or ponds, it is hard to watch the soft edges. That is why I am curious how it works, as well as the ease in using...especially in mobile situations.

Here is how I use the Manfro 361 stabilizer. You can also put it into your shoulder instead of chest by extending the arm - but then it becomes a bit cumbersome IMO. It does allow the pod to turn freely for panning. Here used with the Manfro 685 Neotek monopod and KingJoy VT-2510 video fluid head.

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