speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

No, if you get a good one, no lens will be too much!

ChazT Loc: Florida

I have the Oben ACM-2400L 4-Section Aluminum Self-Standing Monopod with Mini-Legs and really like it. It supports my D850 with Tamron 150-600 free standing. I wouldn't walk away from it while balancing but it is convenient if you need to grab something. Make sure to pair whichever you choose with a solid head.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

And what about image stabilization while using a monopod, on or off?

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

No, if the monopod is of sufficient quality and build, it should be able to handle it. I suggest you try it out before your trip.
Personally, I would not take a lens like this unless I was going to shot exclusively wildlife or birds, if not, I do not know why you would even take it.
A monopod is not good for birds in flight because birds change direction quickly and a monopod cannot keep up.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

I have not used a monopod, but what would be it's actual application then? I find image stabilization to be pretty effective for my 300mm. Sounds like either you need a tripod or nothing?

scubadoc Loc: Sarasota, FL

There is a reason professional sports photographers use monopods. 500-600 mm lenses get very heavy during a 3 hour event. Monopods are used primarily for supporting the weight of the lens and secondarily for stabilization. Tripods are not allowed at pro sporting events.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Gotcha! Thanks so much!

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

I've heard both, my gut would tell be off because VR is looking to adjust movement. If there is no movement it tends to get a bit weird from what I've heard.

Plus, a tripod/monopod is in essence VR in and of itself.

Not to start a shiite storm, but Im olde skool and IMHO VR is a crutch for people who don't want to learn hand holding skills in most, but not all, cases.

I'm 63 and can get sharp still photos at about 1/30 on a 300 with a monopod ... minimal wind of course and non frigid temps ... and that's about what a VR 300 will do.

So, there are cases where it would be nice on a long lens, but fast gas IMHO is superior to VR once one has a good handheld skillset, which isn't rocket science.

With slower glass, and my walk around lens is a NIKKOR 18-200 ... also have a NIKKOR 80-200 2.8 non VR ... and the loss of 2 stops in speed makes VR helpful so I just leave it on except when on a tripod.

I would suggest someone invest in used mint or close to mint NIKKOR AF-D glass. I have seen a NIKKOR 300 f4 sell here more than once for under $500. Although it has some weight, it's also built like a tank ... and the 300 PF VR is about 4 times that.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Troo dat.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

It comes in handy for me because my once steady hand, is not as steady as it once was.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

You can likely go with a spike foot. Really Right Stuff sells them...as do others.

ltatko

At 85 -- Need a steady hand. The Monopod is great help!!


LenT

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

I hear that.

Larryshuman

If your using a Nikon 600mm F:4 then I don't recommend it. Its like a concrete block on your Monopod head. But if your using the new Cannon 600mmF:4III then it might work.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If it is 600 f4 then you do need to be cautious in getting a very substantial pod and head. If one of the 150-600 zooms, the requirements are not so stringent. Many people use monopods with 600mm's. In the interest of strength, I have converted a STEEL cargo stabilizer into a monopod for my biggest lenses. I do not know of anyone making a steel pod commercially.

The head you choose will be critical too. I have and use a Manfro 502 video/fluid head that I would suggest if you are talking about an f4 version. For smaller lenses I like the Sirui VH-10 video/fluid on my monopod.
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