Monopod
Jan 27, 2020 09:55:57 #
Grat advice given above, by all. I sometimes use my Carbon monopod. Often with my heavy DSLR and bigger lenses. I have a ARCA head on there and find it easy to use.
I said “often” and should have said occasionally, but when I do...
I said “often” and should have said occasionally, but when I do...
Jan 27, 2020 10:12:58 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
SteveG wrote:
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?
If your shooting birds in flight, hand holding at a fast shutter speed works very well. I keep my VR on for this.
Some folks use a gimbal head on a tripod but that can lead to miss shots too.
Jan 27, 2020 11:16:40 #
Jan 27, 2020 15:19:47 #
Wouldn't know what to do without a good monopod. Buy a good one for you 600. Best of luck.
Jan 27, 2020 18:48:48 #
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.
I use this one with my 600mm lens with no problems. https://www.adorama.com/gzgm4562.html
Gitzo GM4562 Series-4 Carbon eXact 6-Section Monopod
Jan 27, 2020 20:34:19 #
ButchS
Loc: Spokane, WA
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.
Read the specs for the monopod you are considering. It will have a “maximum payload weight”.
Jan 27, 2020 21:31:36 #
I have that same Gitzo or one very similar. Got mine off eBay in like new condition for a substantial savings. Have RRS tilt head in mine. Nice setup and very sturdy...
RRS has some nice monopods too. Good reviews of this type gear at TheDigitalPicture.com...
RRS has some nice monopods too. Good reviews of this type gear at TheDigitalPicture.com...
edellington wrote:
I use this one with my 600mm lens with no problems. https://www.adorama.com/gzgm4562.html
Gitzo GM4562 Series-4 Carbon eXact 6-Section Monopod
Gitzo GM4562 Series-4 Carbon eXact 6-Section Monopod
Jan 27, 2020 23:00:19 #
HistoryLover I shoot league soccer with either a 300mm f/2.8 or a 200-400mm f/4 on a carbon fiber Sirui P-424 monopod with a Sirui L-10 head... love it!
btw I've often shot three matches in one day... no issues, no worries since those heavy optics "float" when balanced at their CG.
Please keep in mind that both lens are Internal Focusing... That is rather important... Trust me here...
If you purchase a "cost effective" consumer or porsumer zoom lens that changes length when zoomed you will not have an ideal solution with any monopod...
Why? It will be virtually impossible to "balance" the lens since it's center of gravity will constantly change. This is the compelling reason why commercial shooters who are out on a soccer pitch for six to eight hours pony up for Internally Focusing Zoom Lenses... Or primes as in the case with my 300mm f/2.8.
Note: Experience is a brutal teacher... albeit it is amazing that many learn the hard way...
Hope this helps HistoryLover...
btw I've often shot three matches in one day... no issues, no worries since those heavy optics "float" when balanced at their CG.
Please keep in mind that both lens are Internal Focusing... That is rather important... Trust me here...
If you purchase a "cost effective" consumer or porsumer zoom lens that changes length when zoomed you will not have an ideal solution with any monopod...
Why? It will be virtually impossible to "balance" the lens since it's center of gravity will constantly change. This is the compelling reason why commercial shooters who are out on a soccer pitch for six to eight hours pony up for Internally Focusing Zoom Lenses... Or primes as in the case with my 300mm f/2.8.
Note: Experience is a brutal teacher... albeit it is amazing that many learn the hard way...
Hope this helps HistoryLover...
Jan 28, 2020 05:48:22 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
People may get suspicious of a tripod carrying person, but
a monopod disguised as a walking stick or cane seems to be of no consequence.
A lot of commercial places will discourage, or even forbid tripods; my monopod is always OK.
a monopod disguised as a walking stick or cane seems to be of no consequence.
A lot of commercial places will discourage, or even forbid tripods; my monopod is always OK.
Jan 28, 2020 18:02:59 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
HistoryLover wrote:
I am thinking of getting a monopod to make it easier when traveling. Was wondering if a 600mm lens would be too much for it to handle.
If your going to shoot birds in flight a monopod could lead to lost shots. I shoot in Florida's wetlands and I shoot off of wood decks, birds are close and unpredictable. If you want birds in flight you are better off with a tripod and gimbal head. I do shoot my 600 hand held, but I have the new Sony 600 which is very light weight and the weight is put in the middle of the lens making it even more hand hold able.
I know that the 600 is a beast, but putting it on a monopod is OK for static or sideline use where your objects stay on one level.
But for birds in flight that not only move from side to side but up and down, the monopod is at a disadvantage.
Jan 28, 2020 22:06:37 #
I just bought a Siuri carbon fiber monopod and siuri tilt head for my 200 - 500. It is a great combo.
Jan 28, 2020 22:34:44 #
I had a Sirui CF before I got my Gitzo. I thought it was a good value for the money.
Les Brown wrote:
I just bought a Siuri carbon fiber monopod and siuri tilt head for my 200 - 500. It is a great combo.
Jan 29, 2020 08:02:54 #
speters wrote:
No, if you get a good one, no lens will be too much!
For those of you that can't decide, just purchase an inexpensive adjustable one from Walmart for a few bucks and give it a good try. I purchased one many years ago and am still using it as I haven't decided which to upgrade too as I'm very satisfied with it. My main concern is adding an adjustable head and would like it to be easily adjustable and very light if possible, but find the monopod indispensable as is. As far as mobility is concerned, when not using a tripod many times I carry it with the leg collapsed to its shortest position and attached to my 150-600 lens with the camera positioned on my hip like my camera strap is designed to allow, and have never had any problems. With this set up you don't have to use it, but it's there and can be quickly adjusted when needed.
Jan 29, 2020 12:33:40 #
Jan 29, 2020 16:51:55 #
There are lots of answers here. It turns out that there are also lots of monopods.
The answer depends on which lens mounted on which camera on which monopod.
My MyFoto monopod does truly double as a walking stick. If this monopod can support my weight, then it can certainly support any camera + lens combination I can lift {I am a 72 year-old who never was a weight lifter}.
The answer depends on which lens mounted on which camera on which monopod.
My MyFoto monopod does truly double as a walking stick. If this monopod can support my weight, then it can certainly support any camera + lens combination I can lift {I am a 72 year-old who never was a weight lifter}.
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