Monopod use: If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to comment on what tip and tricks you may have to help me out. I have never used a tripod or monopod as I have never wanted...

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to comment on what tip and tricks you may have to help me out. I have never used a tripod or monopod as I have never wanted to carry the extra weight when we leave in the morning for what usually becomes a 8-10 mile hike. Because of a spine injury I find myself more limited in my ability to travel those long distances and so I have switched my focus more to singling out a certain bird, finding where they have been seen lately and heading out that way with a lot less tramping along the trails. I have thought about using a tripod but again really do not want the extra weight and because of this injury I am on disability so I try not to spend unless I really have to. My brother has given me his older aluminum monopod but so far the few times I have tried it I have not been happy with the outcome and I end up with the camera in my hands and the monopod slung over my back.

Thanks very much for any input.

jak86094

Here's just an alternative...a lightweight cart like a golf cart to carry a tri- or monopod. I've seen this being done. You might even carry a stool or chair to rest on or sit and wait for that chosen bird. Just a thought.

jak

azdustdevil

I have arthritis and am at an advanced age. For those reasons I carry as little weight as possible. I have a Bogen 3030A that is a beast and never carry it. I found a very lightweight but sturdy monopod at Target of all places, that is as light as a feather. Using a monopod simply takes some getting used to and some practice. I place mine so it rests on the backside of my knee. Works great! If I really need a tripod, I use a small aluminum Slik that works just fine. I prefer to carry neither, but when you must, you must.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

gtilford wrote:

If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to... (show quote)

One of the best heads for monopod use - https://www.ebay.com/itm/VH-10-360-Panoramic-Tripod-Monopod-Stand-Ball-Head-for-Telephoto-Video-Shooting/323737880414?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
Because it pans at the TOP so the monopod can be off of straight vertical and still pan .....

There are many monopod threads here on UHH - hopefully you can find some of them ....!

.

TMurphy71

I have a carbon fiber monopod, that is super light and also works great as a walking stick. When I don't need the walking stick I'll keep the monopod mounted on my camera completely collapsed (about 12").

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

gtilford wrote:

If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to... (show quote)

If you can find a place to sit while taking the picture, extend the monopod out in front of you and place a leg over it, anchoring that end. Then let the camera push against your face/forehead while you look thru the finder. This way, the camera cannot move.

I find that I can achieve very good images if I find a way to anchor the camera. Sometimes, I make use of a fence post or tree. Whatever is available and won't wobble.

Imagemeister has also shared his design for his method of anchoring his monopod to his body. Forgot what he called it, but I made one, and it works. I can use telephoto lenses while standing and with results similar to what I achieve finding a way to anchor the camera.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

gtilford wrote:

If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to... (show quote)

I can appreciate the injury and the extra weight of a tripod.

A monopod is significantly lighter but not necessarily sturdier. Start with a monopod that is lightweight made from carbon fiber. This will be more expensive than aluminum. (I have seen good tripods that have one leg detaches and can be used as a monopod.
Get a great ball head. You'll be glad you did. The tip should have a retractable point. When flying, store your monopod with the tip retracted in your check in luggage. Lean the monopod out in front of you. Use a leg that will brace the monopod at an angle. The viewfinder will lean against your face. The monopod really should not be used as a hiking stick. It won't fair well if it is bent. Pick up a hiking stick or a cane that has a retractable seat. You can also Velcro them together to have hands free.

Happy Shooting!

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thanks for the reply I already carry a stool as I can walk for about 15 minutes before my legs start going numb and I have to sit till the feeling comes back before continuing on. The cart is a good idea except that it would not fit down the trails I am taking as they are narrow, back when I mountain biked we would call it single track they are that narrow.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I have a MeFoto monopod / walking stick

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

jak86094 wrote:

Here's just an alternative...a lightweight cart like a golf cart to carry a tri- or monopod. I've seen this being done. You might even carry a stool or chair to rest on or sit and wait for that chosen bird. Just a thought.

jak

Did that reply wrong so here it is again

Thanks for the reply I already carry a stool as I can walk for about 15 minutes before my legs start going numb and I have to sit till the feeling comes back before continuing on. The cart is a good idea except that it would not fit down the trails I am taking as they are narrow, back when I mountain biked we would call it single track they are that narrow.

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Thanks for the replies everyone, I am dreading the thought but as was said we do what we have to for the photo.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Scruples wrote:

I can appreciate the injury and the extra weight o... (show quote)

For a monopod, I never use a ball head. There is only one movement I want from the head -- Up and Down. If I want to go left or right, I turn the monopod left or right. This simplifies things a lot.

I have several monopods. They range from a slim one that I wouldn't dare use as a walking stick, to one that is very robust and there is no way I could ever bend it using it as a walking stick. I have used this one for 50 years. It is made of Aluminum, is light, and very sturdy. And if necessary, I could use it as a weapon in case of a mountain lion attack!

I use an up/down panhead on all my monopods and fasten a Swiss Arca clamp on each one too. And I always look for ways to anchor myself when shooting so I don't wobble.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

imagemeister wrote:

One of the best heads for monopod use - https://www.ebay.com/itm/VH-10-360-Panoramic-Tripod-Monopod-Stand-Ball-Head-for-Telephoto-Video-Shooting/323737880414?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
Because it pans at the TOP so the monopod can be off of straight vertical and still pan .....

There are many monopod threads here on UHH - hopefully you can find some of them ....!

.

YES -- I use this one.

Hammer Loc: London UK

Try making a triangle between your body and the monopod . Gives extra stability . So the monopod leans back towards to slightly . Obviously you will have to angle the head slightly downward to compensate .

Also if you fancy using manual focus you can rock slightly backwards and forwards to adjust focus. easier than fine adjusting the focus ring.

I use an Acratech long lens head on a Sirui monopod.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

gtilford wrote:

If any UHH members use a monopod and would care to... (show quote)

Save the weight and continue to hand hold for birds. I assume you will be in the woods while shooting. My only advice is to use single spot focusing because of all the branches and trees you encounter might mislead you focusing system.
My other word of advice is to travel as lite as you can. Only one camera and one lens. A chest camera holding system may be of advantage to you.
I have never found a monopod handy for photographing birds.