Have a monopod?
Oct 5, 2011 00:05:45 #
I've been looking into monopods and there seems to be some very good reasons for having one. For those of you who have them, do you use them as you thought you would? Were they worth the investment?
Oct 5, 2011 00:10:43 #
I use a monopod at zoo's, museums, and other places that a tripod would not be appropriate. Yes. they are a good investment. My preference is to use ball heads on monopods and pan heads on tripods. The reason is with a monopod I usually don't have a lot of time for set up and a ball can be adjusted quickly.
Oct 5, 2011 00:10:50 #
I don't have a monopod but I suggest you look at the article on this site about making a 'pocket tripod'.
Oct 5, 2011 00:14:17 #
I have used a monopod for years. Mine doesn't have feet the way some do but it does collapse so there are times when I use it as a handle or to brace the camera against my body. Many places that do not allow tripods will allow monopods. The lenses that I use the most are VR and that in combination with a monopod gives me a pretty good quality picture. Nothing replaces a tripod for long exposures but my monopod has been a good companion.
My son gave me the Gorilla tripod. It has short flexible legs and I sometimes use that instead of the monopod. It makes a great handle and again can be used as a brace against the body.
My son gave me the Gorilla tripod. It has short flexible legs and I sometimes use that instead of the monopod. It makes a great handle and again can be used as a brace against the body.
Oct 5, 2011 01:13:00 #
I walk with a cane so I replace it with a monopod when going out on a shoot. It works great for me. You need to remember to use your two legs as the other part of the tripod for the best results. If you just stand it up straight it will be wobbly. I like to use a ball on top so I can angle down for lower shots or up if needed. It takes a while but you will love it If I forget mine I'm lost the whole day.
Oct 5, 2011 02:53:08 #
I use my monopod all the time when shooting field sports (soccer, football, lacross). It also make a great walking stick when on trails or uneven ground. I have even used it with my remote shutter release to get above a crowd for a "hail mary" shot or two. Its worth the small investment absolutely
Oct 5, 2011 05:39:20 #
I do use mine regularly, and my only regret is that I didn't get it sooner. I do sports (fast action) and theatre (action and low lights) and the monopod is a godsend when using my heavier lenses. I have a tripod, but hated it when in those conditions and abandoned it early on for handheld. In my opinion, monopod with a ball head is definitely worth the investment.
Oct 5, 2011 05:53:16 #
Yes, got a bum knee and it subs for a walking stick.
Several good ideas here ... up high hail mary shot in a crowd
using a wired trigger switch.
Yep it wobbles and now I know why.
Several good ideas here ... up high hail mary shot in a crowd
using a wired trigger switch.
Yep it wobbles and now I know why.
Oct 5, 2011 07:29:25 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Have several , and use them frequently.
Sometimes a tripod just isn't the answer.
Sometimes a tripod just isn't the answer.
Oct 5, 2011 07:41:12 #
I have two monopods and use them on occasion. They do work and have come in handy. One of them is a Bogen which is a little heavy, probably due to it's age as the new ones are much lighter.
The other one is a rifle shooting support I purchased at Walmart for about 10 bucks. I use it more often as it is light weight and it has a padded V rest instead of a ball head. All I have to do is lay the lens on it for support when needed and use it for a walking stick with the camera on a strap around my neck when not in use.
I' sure there are better ones out there but this one works well and didn't break the bank.
The other one is a rifle shooting support I purchased at Walmart for about 10 bucks. I use it more often as it is light weight and it has a padded V rest instead of a ball head. All I have to do is lay the lens on it for support when needed and use it for a walking stick with the camera on a strap around my neck when not in use.
I' sure there are better ones out there but this one works well and didn't break the bank.
Oct 5, 2011 07:52:28 #
LinSight wrote:
I've been looking into monopods and there seems to be some very good reasons for having one. For those of you who have them, do you use them as you thought you would? Were they worth the investment?
Monopods are inexpensive compared to a medium priced tripod. I have a Manfrotto monopod that's compact enough to fit under my scooter seat. It's great when you're pushing the limits of hand held shutter speed in low light photograph. It will never replace a sturdy tripod, with it's panning capabilities and rock solid platform. On outdoor hiking trips I can easily take along a monopod where it would be impractical to tote my tripod. I have two good tripods, the top of the line Gorillapod and my monopod. I have 4 different heads for these that all allow panning for panoramic photos as well as bracketed frames for HDR photography.
Oct 5, 2011 07:59:21 #
try the poor mans way, just put down one leg of your tripod, works for me, and less to carry around.
Oct 5, 2011 09:35:26 #
Thank you everyone, it's all good. Appreciate the viewpoints and advice. I'm definitely sold!
Oct 5, 2011 11:10:12 #
Mono pods are very good to have in crowded areas where U do not have room to set up a tripod.They are also good if U want to move fast ...an example would be a sporting event
Oct 5, 2011 13:50:57 #
Dale
Loc: Round Rock, Texas
I have a Canon 5D mark II and I use a Sigma 150-500mm zoom. A tripod or monopod is a MUST with this lens. Not only does a monopod help stabilize the shot when using a long heavy lens it removes a lot of stress off your body from holding the equipment. I also use it on my smaller lens' for the same reasons as the larger lens. when you have the camera up to your eye for a long peroid of time your arms and shoulders take less of a beating.
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