irish17
Loc: Paris, Ontario, Canada
I will be using a monopod with a ball head and am wondering if I should switch off the VR while shooting, also should I be using a cable release?
A monopod increases stability, but it is not a static platform like a tripod. Leave the VR on. The cable release would be your decision, but as a best practice, no. I would expect you'd have difficulty holding the monopod / camera , focusing the lens and holding / shooting with the cable release, all the same time with just two hands. If you want the minimize movement, your tripod with cable release is better than a monopod.
If you are using the monopod w/ball head for basically the first time, you are not likely be to steady. I suggest you keep VR on until you get a few hours of practice under your belt. Also what comes into play here is the subject of your effort. If it is sports or birds on the move, such subjects will be challenging for a while. Don't be in a hurry, as I have mentioned above.
If you are feeling steady or you are using the monopod typically on landscapes or motionless objects, switch VR off. For sure, a monopod will give you stability that will be satisfying down the road.
Can't see how a cable release fits into the monopod use. Wishing you luck in your efforts.
I would say no to the cable release. Best of luck to you.
I would think using a cable release on a monopod would be very awkward.
rehess
Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
irish17 wrote:
I will be using a monopod with a ball head and am wondering if I should switch off the VR while shooting, also should I be using a cable release?
I have a monopod which I use with a camera having IBIS.
The reason for turning off stabilization for a tripod is that stabilization needs some kind of stimulation, and a tripod provides
none, but there is no way to keep a monopod still - motion is limited/controlled, but not stopped. Thus you should keep VR on - and a cable release makes no sense in this setting.
irish17 wrote:
I will be using a monopod with a ball head and am wondering if I should switch off the VR while shooting, also should I be using a cable release?
Depends on the lens. What does the User’s Manual say? Most present cameras won’t accept a cable release, but any type of remote release would be impractical with a monopod.
Longshadow wrote:
I would think using a cable release on a monopod would be very awkward.
Not half as awkward as trying to sandpaper a lion's behind while in a phone booth with him.
DaveO wrote:
Not half as awkward as trying to sandpaper a lion's behind while in a phone booth with him.
Na, that would be difficult, very difficult.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
irish17 wrote:
I will be using a monopod with a ball head and am wondering if I should switch off the VR while shooting, also should I be using a cable release?
If the camera can move, use VR. If the camera cannot move, (like on a very sturdy tripod) do not use VR. If your shooting at a greater speed then 1/focal length of the lens, you don't need VR.
I always keep the VR on, I prefer a tilt and pan head on a mono, less movement.
Camera manufacturers recommend to have VR off when the camera is on a firm support. I have accidentally left VR on while shooting with a tripod. I have not noticed any ill effect.
irish17 wrote:
I will be using a monopod with a ball head and am wondering if I should switch off the VR while shooting, also should I be using a cable release?
VR on and No to cable release
cjc2
Loc: Hellertown PA
Lots of opinions. When I shoot sports with my 400/2.8 it is on a monopod, with a RRS tilt head and a wired cable release. The VR is off. I normally shoot at 1/1000th, or above. I've been doing it this way for decades. I find that using VR slows down focus acquisition and tracking speed. When I handhold my 70-200/2.8, the VR is turned on. Specific lens and camera are also part of my decision making on this issue. To each his/her own. Best of luck.
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