Gimbal on a monopod—insanity?
Jul 2, 2018 13:20:28 #
bcrawf wrote:
You should try it before deciding. It works fine (with gimbal or ball) as a measure which offers significant steadying without the often-impossible use of a tripod.
That's probably the thing to do. Thanks.
Jul 2, 2018 13:21:48 #
speters wrote:
Yeah, I think a gimbal would be very awkward on a monopod, but even more awkward would be a gimbal for the 200-500 (a gimbal is meant for large lenses)!
I'm afraid I'm not following your point.
Jul 2, 2018 14:53:38 #
You will notice that all of the people in this thread who have tried a gimbal on a monopod like it and everyone who poo-poos the idea it has not tried it. I rest my case.
Jul 2, 2018 15:00:23 #
Geegee wrote:
You will notice that all of the people in this thread who have tried a gimbal on a monopod like it and everyone who poo-poos the idea it has not tried it. I rest my case.
I don’t think we know for sure that those who opposed it never tried it.
Jul 2, 2018 15:11:57 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
I generally go to the ballpark with my 70-300 len... (show quote)
Check out Cottoncarrier. They have a support device which you attach to a vest and you wouldn't need a monopod or a tripod. It's also good for taking photos of birds and other animals when you don't want to use a monopod or a tripod.
Jul 2, 2018 15:24:17 #
Collie lover wrote:
Check out Cottoncarrier. They have a support device which you attach to a vest and you wouldn't need a monopod or a tripod. It's also good for taking photos of birds and other animals when you don't want to use a monopod or a tripod.
I looked at this as per your suggestion, but don’t see how it would double as a monopod or tripod. Have you used it that way?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1345430-REG/cotton_carrier_686grey_ccs_g3_camera_harness.html?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_t-blJGB3AIVyyWBCh3zFAryEAQYAyABEgJOmfD_BwE&smp=y
Jul 2, 2018 15:24:44 #
mborn wrote:
I use a Monostat monopod with RRS monopod head wich allows movement in all planes with ease. Only problem is this monopod is no longer made
Not to worry. Gitzo and RRS continue to make excellent carbon fiber monopods!
Jul 2, 2018 15:25:37 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
That's very interesting. I've never seen a gimbal with the camera mounted on the side, not the bottom. Is that unique to the Tomahawk?
TBH, I don't know. This is my only experience with a gimbal.
But, just let me say that this is a very comfortable way to "hand-hold" a large heavy lens. Since the camera/lens is balanced on the gimbal with all the weight transfered to the monopod, it is essentially weightless to the photographer. And with the single hand control of the up/down adjustment to the monopod and the ability to point in any (every) direction, it is just like actual hand-held without, of course, the "shaky" hand.
Jul 2, 2018 15:28:42 #
I've been trying my gimbal on my monopod a little here and there and I'm really warming up to it. At first it seems ridiculous to put a big head like that on top of the monopod, BUT if the head if properly balanced it gives you one HUGE advantage that a normal monopod single axis head doesn't: You can let go of the camera / lens and it will stay pointed where you had it. Try that with a standard monopod head and the rig will instantly fall forward or back. I know the time savings of loosing the knob for the regular head seems minuscule, but it does make a difference when action is happening.
I keep the panning knob on the gimbal locked and only loosen the top knob (and lens collar of course). Also, for how to setup a gimbal head the right way, see my video below:
https://backcountrygallery.com/how-to-properly-balance-a-gimbal-head/
I keep the panning knob on the gimbal locked and only loosen the top knob (and lens collar of course). Also, for how to setup a gimbal head the right way, see my video below:
https://backcountrygallery.com/how-to-properly-balance-a-gimbal-head/
Jul 2, 2018 16:14:15 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
I generally go to the ballpark with my 70-300 len... (show quote)
Insanity?
Not a bit of it!
I routinely use my 200-500 with a gimbal head on a monopod with excellent results.
A few examples below.
Dave
Jul 2, 2018 17:36:35 #
Collie lover wrote:
Check out Cottoncarrier. They have a support device which you attach to a vest and you wouldn't need a monopod or a tripod. It's also good for taking photos of birds and other animals when you don't want to use a monopod or a tripod.
Thanks for the suggestion. I will look into it. We'll see if it fits me and the 200-500. Neither one of us can be described as petite!
Jul 2, 2018 17:39:08 #
Steve Perry wrote:
I've been trying my gimbal on my monopod a little ... (show quote)
Steve, how kind of you to reply. I have already watched your excellent video, and I have enormous respect for your opinions. I might just give it a try after all now!
Thanks,
Ben
Jul 2, 2018 17:39:53 #
Uuglypher wrote:
Insanity?
Not a bit of it!
I routinely use my 200-500 with a gimbal head on a monopod with excellent results.
A few examples below.
Dave
Not a bit of it!
I routinely use my 200-500 with a gimbal head on a monopod with excellent results.
A few examples below.
Dave
Hard to argue with your results, Dave! Thanks.
Jul 2, 2018 18:22:39 #
Geegee wrote:
You will notice that all of the people in this thread who have tried a gimbal on a monopod like it and everyone who poo-poos the idea it has not tried it. I rest my case.
Keep resting. I tried my 200-500 with my Manfrotto 393 and opted to state my more positive results with a good tilt head.
Jul 2, 2018 18:28:55 #
Steve Perry wrote:
I've been trying my gimbal on my monopod a little ... (show quote)
The balancing aspect looks like a big step over a tilt. Try it with your WH-200 and let us know what you think!
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