Monopod recommendations
Oct 14, 2018 13:21:00 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
CHG_CANON wrote:
You should also consider the head (ball vs tilt) and the method to attach to your camera. Have you considered an L-plate for your camera body, lens plates for you lens collars and quick release clamp for your monopod?
I agree with everything but the head. For most shots a head is unnecessary with a monopod, however I consider an L-bracket a must because it allows you to rapidly switch from a horizontal to vertical format and negates the need for a head in most cases. Also, a quick release such as an Acroswiss type is lightweight and adds a lot of versatility.
I use a Sirui model P-326 carbon fiber monopod for everything up to and including full frame cameras, especially when I fly commercially. With an Acrowiss mount, it folds down to 15 inches and can be carried in my camera rollaboard and stored in the overhead in the cabin. It extends to about 60 inches and weighs only 1.1 pounds. Like with any monopod, I suggest that you not extend it to its full limit because it will allow flexing. That is true for even expensive monopods. By keeping about one inch of each leg section unextended, your monopod will be as rigid as an i-beam.
Oct 14, 2018 13:39:50 #
bpulv wrote:
For most shots a head is unnecessary with a monopod, however I consider an L-bracket a must because it allows you to rapidly switch from a horizontal to vertical format and negates the need for a head in most cases.
IMO, "most" people who use a monopod are using it with a large lens with tripod collar ! - in which case, a tilting head IS necessary - especially if you are shooting up and down as in wildlife/nature work !
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Oct 14, 2018 14:09:31 #
Do a lot of people here own carbon fiber walking sticks?
How about their shoe soles--are they made of carbon fiber?
Carbon fiber is so passé. Everyone is buying titanium now.
(My advice: buy an inexpensive monopod, because you'll
probably lose it in a forest, bus, taxi, etc.)
How about their shoe soles--are they made of carbon fiber?
Carbon fiber is so passé. Everyone is buying titanium now.
(My advice: buy an inexpensive monopod, because you'll
probably lose it in a forest, bus, taxi, etc.)
Oct 14, 2018 15:29:05 #
Yes, flip lock for leg adjustment. Carbon fiber if it is in your budget.
Oct 14, 2018 16:43:58 #
Goygal67 wrote:
I want to purchase a monopod and would appreciate advice.
Monopod for 'when'??? and why? Some people use light weight ones so that they are easy to carry and they use short lenses others get heavy ones so as to retain stability. I have a tall monopod for use in crowded places and a short monopod (I also shoot in the woods so can usually find a bracing point on a tree or I am laying down so need a short 'Collapsed length'. ) I rarely carry both unless I am in a new area - holiday etc.
I also own two different sized tripods too. You will still need a tripod.
have fun
Oct 14, 2018 18:50:27 #
Goygal67
Loc: Crete, Illinois
Thank you for all of the suggestions and information! I appreciate it.
Oct 14, 2018 19:27:56 #
I started using a pole much like a hiking 'walking-stick' based on the great advice that was given to me here to support my heavy camera in the field for shooting macro. What works great for me is that it is quick to use and it is infinitely adjustable from my sitting on the ground to standing up. I hold it in my left hand and anywhere along the stick that I need, stick out my thumb and rest the camera lens on it, my fist or my forearm. I tried using a monopod but the constant need to adjust the height, the pitch of the head and either carrying the camera around attached to it or taking it on and off was a pain in the butt.
Oct 15, 2018 10:58:05 #
I went to a photo show on Saturday and talked to a few different reps. The guy from Sigma told me it would be in my best interest to get a monopod with three feet to go with my new lens. So i walked around and ended up talking to the company rep from Sirui. He explained that the thought process for monopods is slightly different than that of tripods. The aluminum monopod I purchased only weighed two ounces more than the carbon fiber of the same ilk. He actually talked me down from the carbon fiber. The one I chose can rotate on a ball in the base, and the upper area rotates around as well. All I then needed was a vertical pan head. It really depends on what you want to do, but going crazy here is not necessary.
Oct 15, 2018 14:37:08 #
aubreybogle
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
imagemeister wrote:
I like the PVC T idea. Would definately help me keep my camera level on a monopod. For breaking down the monopod, how do you remove the T, or do you just accept the additional breadth added by the T.?I really recommend two sizes of monopod - one smal... (show quote)
Oct 15, 2018 17:03:53 #
aubreybogle wrote:
I like the PVC T idea. Would definately help me keep my camera level on a monopod. For breaking down the monopod, how do you remove the T, or do you just accept the additional breadth added by the T.?
It depends, .....on the fiberglass base of painter's pole that I modify for my bodypod/carpod, the T is a tight press fit - so it can be (easily) removed. On my other pods, the T is bolted on and non-removeable (easily).
When you use the T, you need a head that allows panning/rotation - preferably on the TOP of the head.
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Oct 16, 2018 17:21:19 #
I have this sirui carbon with manfrotto tilt head, compact, light, about 68" with the head and under $150. Both recommended by members here.
Oct 17, 2018 10:58:42 #
Goygal67 wrote:
I should of given more information. I have a 5D Mark 1V. I have an L bracket on it. My biggest lens is 100-400 and I have an Acratech GP-U Ballhead. I do not know if I need a different bullhead for a monopod or not.
The Manfrotto MPMXPROA3US Aluminum XPRO Monopod+ https://bhpho.to/2OuUkAc is the updated version of the monopod I've been using for 25+ years. I use it with long tele lenses and without a head, attaching the monopod to the lens' tripod foot.
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