Monopod?
May 1, 2019 10:37:28 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
tnsheltigrl wrote:
I'm new to the group, so far have just been observing, trying to learn. In the last few years, I'm having more trouble steadying the camera. I hate to carry a tripod, especially for trips. Is a monopod worth trying for the time being?
Yes you should try one. I have episodes of tremors so I carry a Sirui model P326 carbon fiber monopod whenever I travel and when I am hiking in the mountains or rough touraine. It is strong enough to double as a hiking stick. With an Acra Swiss quick release mounted it is under 16" long and weighs only one pound, but extends to 61". It really helps with my heavy full frame DSLR and it is allowed at many places where tripods are not.
I have one suggestion for using a monopod. When the legs are fully extended, monopods tend to slightly flex, however if you leave about one inch of each extension retracted they will be ridgid as a hickory stick.
May 1, 2019 10:44:55 #
tnsheltigrl wrote:
I'm new to the group, so far have just been observing, trying to learn. In the last few years, I'm having more trouble steadying the camera. I hate to carry a tripod, especially for trips. Is a monopod worth trying for the time being?
This yet another case of "it depends" What kind of photography are we talking about? Landscapes, portraits, starry skies, motor cross, football, birds in flight? Do you have images that show the problems you are having? What camera and lens are you using? Without knowing more, it is hard to tell where your issues lie. For instance, while a monopod is good for some uses, like sports, for landscape you might really need a tripod.
May 1, 2019 10:49:22 #
Good wiki! I found my monopod to be invaluable on a recent Alaska cruise. 70-200 was always on it.
May 1, 2019 10:56:20 #
Sirby wrote:
Good wiki! I found my monopod to be invaluable on a recent Alaska cruise. 70-200 was always on it.
I find I need to take the camera off the monopod when on a boat. Too much transfer of motion from the deck.
May 1, 2019 11:08:34 #
You might want to look at a monopod with folding legs. I have a Benro that has them, and I bought an add on from Amazon for my Manfrotto monopod.
May 1, 2019 11:37:42 #
May 1, 2019 13:22:27 #
tom hughes
Loc: Phila Pa
I currently use a monopod with fold up feet. Supports 16 pounds. Will probably never use my tripod again.
May 1, 2019 13:41:16 #
You can get a monopod that turns into a tripod. I have a Siri that works great.
May 1, 2019 14:26:00 #
Definitely get one. Try to find one that will collapse short enough to fit in a carry-on bag for the airlines. Mine, as other have said, has a wrist strap so it becomes a great aid in hiking as well as camera platform. "Don't leave home without it!"
May 1, 2019 15:30:07 #
I use a small chain, with i hook on the the quick release plate always attached to my cameras. I can carry the chain in a small pocket (Shirt or coin pocket of my jeans). It is long enough fo me to step on and or wrape around a post or tree branch. i just apply tension on the chain and it dramatically stabilizes the camera.
May 1, 2019 15:40:40 #
I carry a small chain in my pocket, which a hook on the baseplate of my cameras. It is long enough for me to step on or wrap around a post or tree branch. Applying tension on the chain dramatically stabilizes the camera. It is always with me and is so more convenient than carrying a tripod or monopod. An additional advantage is that you can use it where tripods and monopods are not allowed or could cause an obstacle to others. Expect to pay less than $5.00.
May 1, 2019 18:53:28 #
arathorn357
Loc: Sydney, Australia
Just on the Sirui - if you buy a W series tripod one of their features is that one of the legs is made to unscrew from the tripod, and the centre column then slips into the single leg so that your same tripod head is then your monopod head. Example is here -
https://preview.tinyurl.com/yxaoy8t9
Have found a monopod really useful when sitting in a stand watching sports or at a concert - when you need to stabilise the shot, but not enough real estate to set up the tripod - one purchase that covers both needs is good value IMHO. I have attached a snapshot of mine changed from a tripod to a monopod (with surplus bipod). Other brands may do this as well - hope you find something that works for you
https://preview.tinyurl.com/yxaoy8t9
Have found a monopod really useful when sitting in a stand watching sports or at a concert - when you need to stabilise the shot, but not enough real estate to set up the tripod - one purchase that covers both needs is good value IMHO. I have attached a snapshot of mine changed from a tripod to a monopod (with surplus bipod). Other brands may do this as well - hope you find something that works for you
May 1, 2019 20:03:59 #
crushr13
Loc: Sacramento, CA
I am 6' 2", and have an issue of moving the camera downward when I press the shutter button. I do not know why, it just is. I love a monopod since it prevents me from doing that, and gives me additional stabilization. I have a tripod, and mostly use the monopod to replace it, since there are some times that a monopod will just not do.
Plus, carrying around a monopod and deploying it, using it and then packing it back up is usually much quicker than trying to do that in public with a tripod.
And now, I can seem to get some good steady pictures using it. I am still trying to learn how to not need one, too, but that will take time and a lot of effort. But, when time is of the essence, a monopod is my go-to item.
Plus, carrying around a monopod and deploying it, using it and then packing it back up is usually much quicker than trying to do that in public with a tripod.
And now, I can seem to get some good steady pictures using it. I am still trying to learn how to not need one, too, but that will take time and a lot of effort. But, when time is of the essence, a monopod is my go-to item.
May 1, 2019 21:27:22 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
I agree with so many others: yes, try a monopod. I just bought one for my Fuji S8650 and it's done wonders with that camera!
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