Monopod
Jul 11, 2019 09:23:22 #
I went shopping for a new monopod earlier this year. Priorities were weight, height, and robustness. To me it’s foolish to have a telescoping monopod shorter than 70”. At max height plus the head and camera, now the lens center can be as high as 76” or so giving you a lot more flexibility. At that height, I didn’t see much difference in weight between graphite and aluminum. I chose a Manfrotto MPMXPROA4US and an Arca Swiss tilt head. Love it!
Jul 11, 2019 09:37:17 #
Graphite? Do you mean Carbon Fiber... the weight difference is probably small and a head can add weight to either. I would expect the CF to absorb vibration better though.
47greyfox wrote:
I went shopping for a new monopod earlier this year. Priorities were weight, height, and robustness. To me it’s foolish to have a telescoping monopod shorter than 70”. At max height plus the head and camera, now the lens center can be as high as 76” or so giving you a lot more flexibility. At that height, I didn’t see much difference in weight between graphite and aluminum. I chose a Manfrotto MPMXPROA4US and an Arca Swiss tilt head. Love it!
Jul 11, 2019 09:39:45 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
Graphite? Do you mean Carbon Fiber... the weight difference is probably small and a head can add weight to either. I would expect the CF to absorb vibration better though.
Yeah, carbon fiber.... my brain didn’t catch my finger’s error. 😏
Jul 11, 2019 11:54:47 #
Here is the link for the How to Use a Monopod webpage. Very useful information.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Monopod
Jul 11, 2019 18:15:53 #
Helps stabilize the subject in the viewfinder at long focal lengths. Use it extensively in high speed sports. Less about the number of stops you may be able to gain in that situation.
...plus reduces fatigue :-)
...plus reduces fatigue :-)
Jul 11, 2019 18:20:30 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
crazydaddio wrote:
Helps stabilize the subject in the viewfinder at long focal lengths. Use it extensively in high speed sports. Less about the number of stops you may be able to gain in that situation.
...plus reduces fatigue :-)
...plus reduces fatigue :-)
Today's light front elements like that for the Nikon 500 5.6 is a game changer. I no longer need the monopod I had to use for the 500 4. And, because I am hand holding, I am getting shots I was incapable of getting with the 500 4.
Jul 11, 2019 18:24:26 #
billnikon wrote:
Today's light front elements like that for the Nikon 500 5.6 is a game changer. I no longer need the monopod I had to use for the 500 4. And, because I am hand holding, I am getting shots I was incapable of getting with the 500 4.
Fast mobility is your friend !
.
Jul 11, 2019 18:56:13 #
billnikon wrote:
Today's light front elements like that for the Nikon 500 5.6 is a game changer. I no longer need the monopod I had to use for the 500 4. And, because I am hand holding, I am getting shots I was incapable of getting with the 500 4.
The flexibility to chase subjects that are moving vertically is where I ditch the monopod (BIF etc). Most sports are largely horizontal so the monopod works well....
Jul 11, 2019 19:16:23 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
crazydaddio wrote:
The flexibility to chase subjects that are moving vertically is where I ditch the monopod (BIF etc). Most sports are largely horizontal so the monopod works well....
I mostly photograph birds in flight, I wish they knew the word HORIZONTAL FLIGHT.
Jul 11, 2019 20:21:14 #
julian.gang wrote:
Is there any particular focal length where it is a good idea to start carrying extra stabilization (tripod or monopod)?...Julian
Hi Julian - I have used a monopod for about 6 years while shooting most outdoor High School sports (Football, Soccer, Baseball, & Softball). At my age it gives me some camera/lens stability while allowing me to move my position on the field easily.
Jul 11, 2019 21:18:06 #
Thomas902 wrote:
julian.gang a monopod is wonderful for handling th... (show quote)
Thank your for your reply, my monopod is a Manfrotto, the head is the 1 that came with it. Maybe I need to look for a ball head!...Julian
Jul 11, 2019 23:01:15 #
Tilt head is easier to use on a monopod...
julian.gang wrote:
Thank your for your reply, my monopod is a Manfrotto, the head is the 1 that came with it. Maybe I need to look for a ball head!...Julian
Jul 12, 2019 00:18:48 #
"...Tilt head is easier to use on a monopod..." totally agree Notorious T.O.D....
btw, aluminum while being more cost effective than carbon fiber is as all metals notorious for acting as a heat sink... If you go with aluminum be certain to get one with an extra thick padded grip... that is if you have to be outdoors for prolonged periods in frigid weather... I love the extra thickness of carbon fiber along with it's light weight... so much easier to handle if you are working non-stop for 6 to 8 hours on a soccer pitch...
Another issue not mentioned is many municipalities have strict ordinances that prohibit "free standing" equipment in public space without a permit... i.e. sidewalks, public walkways etc. Keep in mind you'll have to furnish proof of professional liability insurance to pull a permit... for even one light stand let alone a tripod... NYC is notorious for this... other jurisdictions vary... I had to pull a permit from the Maryland DNR for shooting in Sandy Point State Park... I even had to purchase a "Commercial Photographer's Permit" from Fairfax County Virginia to shoot in their County Parks...
Typically you'll be ignored with a monopod but tripods and light stands may require permits in public space... At least this has been my experience in VA, DC, and MD...
btw, aluminum while being more cost effective than carbon fiber is as all metals notorious for acting as a heat sink... If you go with aluminum be certain to get one with an extra thick padded grip... that is if you have to be outdoors for prolonged periods in frigid weather... I love the extra thickness of carbon fiber along with it's light weight... so much easier to handle if you are working non-stop for 6 to 8 hours on a soccer pitch...
Another issue not mentioned is many municipalities have strict ordinances that prohibit "free standing" equipment in public space without a permit... i.e. sidewalks, public walkways etc. Keep in mind you'll have to furnish proof of professional liability insurance to pull a permit... for even one light stand let alone a tripod... NYC is notorious for this... other jurisdictions vary... I had to pull a permit from the Maryland DNR for shooting in Sandy Point State Park... I even had to purchase a "Commercial Photographer's Permit" from Fairfax County Virginia to shoot in their County Parks...
Typically you'll be ignored with a monopod but tripods and light stands may require permits in public space... At least this has been my experience in VA, DC, and MD...
Jul 12, 2019 00:51:47 #
imagemeister wrote:
.but 300mm and longer makes some good sense irregardless.
.
.
"irregardless" is not a word :-)
Jul 12, 2019 01:28:18 #
I have used one for years. Recently, I had back surgery and found my newest Sirui monopod with feet is a GREAT help in my regaining my mobility. Imagine that a monopod that has more than one purpose. Get one they are very useful.
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