Use of monopod (Page 2): I have a monopod that I admit to not using very much. (I also have two tripods that I don't use much.) I find the monopod useful when traveling, and especially...

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I have a monopod that I admit to not using very much. (I also have two tripods that I don't use much.) I find the monopod useful when traveling, and especially when entering locations that don't allow tripods. I walk in with the monopod being used as a walking stick and no one stops me! Once inside, I can use it to steady me OR the camera. My tripod has some little mini "feet" that help steady it somewhat. I use the eye viewer, and leaning the camera against my forehead while on the monopod makes it pretty steady.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

CLICK ON THIS LINK:

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod

It has details and pictures. It shows the various stances and techniques to maintain steadiness in different situations and angles.

Other tips: lever-action grip/trigger type of ball head makes the monopod more applicable to shoot for various angles. (see picture attached)

Consider the use of a cable or electronic wired shutter release.

The attached image from that link is just one of many. Check it out.

Attached file:
(Download)

CDS Loc: Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Manglesphoto wrote:

Grahm br I started having trouble a few years ago... (show quote)

CDS Loc: Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Nicely noted, thank-you, I'm heading in that direction and I find carbon fiber is our new found friend. :)

Amielee Loc: Eastern Washington State

grahamfourth wrote:

I recently bought a monopod so that I could carry it around more easily than a tripod. However while I was using it I found that my images were not any better than when I hand-held the camera. Are there best-practice methods for optimizing image stabilization using a monopod?

Go to Wikihow: type in "How to use a monopod" Nice article with photos.

grahamfourth

Thanks to everyone who replied - the responses have been very helpful! BTW I take wildlife photos, often BIF, so my Nikon 200-500 is heavy - that is one lens I haven’t used with the monopod yet - maybe later this week.

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

DaveO wrote:

I use a Wimberley MH-100 on my mono and it works quite well for wildlife with D850/200-500, etc. It is also easy to carry and deploy when hiking. Check Steve Perry: “The Ultimate Monopod Head? Wimberley Monogimbal Head Review.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw

EDIT: LOL, didn’t mean to duplicate JR! I was working on my reply and was too slow!

Bought a Gitzo GM4552L and the MH-100, after seeing Steve's video, to use with a 600mm FL & D850. I couldn't be happier. If I wanted to sit in a blind I'd probably use a tripod but this setup is the best thing out there if you move around. The Gitzo is solid as a rock, light, and quick & easy to adjust the top extension if I want to shoot up in the tree tops.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

KindaSpikey wrote:

Hi Graham, I find with a loop of cord around my neck and the head of the monopod, I can exert a little pressure and it will stabilize it much more than the monopod alone,(you need to experiment with the length of the cord). Works well for me, hope it might be of help to you.

I've used a technique similar to this, but a little caution is advised. Watch carefully what's going on around you during the action.... a collision of bodies could produce an unwelcome outcome.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Thomas902 wrote:

grahamfourth I typically get maybe a couple of sto... (show quote)

Thomas: I never fail to be impressed with the thought and expertise demonstrated in your posts. I always read them carefully and appreciate them very much.

Basil_O Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I use a Manfrotto 361 shoulder brace in conjunction with the Wimberley MH-100 head on my monopod. The brace is really helpful in adding stability. Like others have said, whatever route you take, practice, practice, practice. It gets better as you go.

FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9

grahamfourth wrote:

I recently bought a monopod so that I could carry it around more easily than a tripod. However while I was using it I found that my images were not any better than when I hand-held the camera. Are there best-practice methods for optimizing image stabilization using a monopod?

Spread your legs while holding and leaning ever so slightly on your monopod and you almost got a tripod. After years of handheld photography it took some practice to achieve a good balance, but in the end it does work.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Some great ideas here and I'm going to have to break mine out and try it again. Thanks hoggers

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Some great ideas here and I'm going to have to break mine out and try it again. Thanks hoggers

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Muddyvalley wrote:

Bought a Gitzo GM4552L and the MH-100, after seeing Steve's video, to use with a 600mm FL & D850. I couldn't be happier. If I wanted to sit in a blind I'd probably use a tripod but this setup is the best thing out there if you move around. The Gitzo is solid as a rock, light, and quick & easy to adjust the top extension if I want to shoot up in the tree tops.

LOL, it’s a lot easier to move around a bit with a mono and a 600 as opposed to playing with a tripod! Another plus is I went to all arca-swiss several years ago and don’t need another system!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

For me a Monopod holds the weight while the tripod ads stability. I use both Carbon Fibre and Aluminium models of each, mostly to control their weight and rigidity. Best of luck to all.