A general comment about cheap monopods. I bought one from Wal-Mart (should have known better even though it had a lifetime warranty) and after limited use the screw that the camera or lens fastens to broke. Fortunately, I had the strap around my neck so the camera wasn't hurt. Several months later while shooting a football game at one of the big ten schools a saw a pro photographer carrying his camera by holding the monopod. Strap was not around his neck. His also broke and the camera/lens assembly bounced off of the asphalt track. I don't know how bad it was damaged or the make of monopod. When I got home I put my warranty replacement one on the shelf and bought a new quality monopod for about $100. It's sturdy and I love it. No more cheap junk for me and I can now relax.
Toby wrote:
A general comment about cheap monopods. I bought one from Wal-Mart (should have known better even though it had a lifetime warranty) and after limited use the screw that the camera or lens fastens to broke. Fortunately, I had the strap around my neck so the camera wasn't hurt. Several months later while shooting a football game at one of the big ten schools a saw a pro photographer carrying his camera by holding the monopod. Strap was not around his neck. His also broke and the camera/lens assembly bounced off of the asphalt track. I don't know how bad it was damaged or the make of monopod. When I got home I put my warranty replacement one on the shelf and bought a new quality monopod for about $100. It's sturdy and I love it. No more cheap junk for me and I can now relax.
A general comment about cheap monopods. I bought o... (
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I never trust either a mono or tripod to hold a camera without extra care, a tripod indoors probably , could still be knocked over, out doors just too much chance of an accident. My hand is always close by.
AndyT
Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire
I've never been afraid to ask a stupid question if I feel I will learn something. I have a couple decent tripods that I use occasionally. I've never used a monopod. Other than the extra width, why can't you just extend only one leg on a tripod?
AndyT wrote:
I've never been afraid to ask a stupid question if I feel I will learn something. I have a couple decent tripods that I use occasionally. I've never used a monopod. Other than the extra width, why can't you just extend only one leg on a tripod?
I guess it's what you need and want to carry, my tripods are at least 3x as heavy as my monopods, probably why they don't get as much use. Sometimes even the monopod gets in the way.
AndyT
Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire
bobmcculloch wrote:
I guess it's what you need and want to carry, my tripods are at least 3x as heavy as my monopods, probably why they don't get as much use. Sometimes even the monopod gets in the way.
Well that makes sense, but if you already had the tripod with you and on location, is there a reason not to use just one leg?
Thanks for all of the reply's. I think it will work for my needs. I am planning to us it with my canon 100-400 zoom lens. The camera mount is only $11 more I think it is worth trying. Walmart has the stick for $56.
Mike Holmes wrote:
Thanks for all of the reply's. I think it will work for my needs. I am planning to us it with my canon 100-400 zoom lens. The camera mount is only $11 more I think it is worth trying. Walmart has the stick for $56.
If it doesn't work out Walmart does give you 90 days to get a refund.
AndyT wrote:
Well that makes sense, but if you already had the tripod with you and on location, is there a reason not to use just one leg?
There are several tripods that have a removable leg to use as a monopod.
Mono pod, serve a great cause, you Must teach yourself How to really get use to it ,and I mean really good, when this happens you will love it.
davidrb wrote:
A monopod it a simple piece of equipment that will fall apart in your hands if built too cheaply. How much money will you save if that occurs? By using this device you are risking your camera body to grave damage. If that is your intention then go for it! Save the $130.00 and you can use it towards you next camera. What quality do you get for a monopod that retails for $70.00? After developement costs, profit, and shipping there isn't much left for material at @70.00.
I use a hiking staff when hiking. I looked at them years ago at an REI store and they cost $170/ea. I went into the store's accessories dept and saw basically the exact same thing for $35 except it had a threaded brass screw hole in the top of the grip that would accept a quick release plate used on tripods.
I leave the plate attached to the stick and click in the camera when needed, and then detach the camera after taking the shot . The pole also has an adjustable shock absorption feature which comes in handy on steep downhill slopes. That feature is a wrist saver if you use the handle strap.
The staff works hard and takes a lot of abuse, especially on very steep and rocky trails, crossing creeks or deadfall etc. There are numerous trails that I would have not been able to get down without using the staff. It has never failed me. Years ago I bought a back-up just in case I ever needed it. So far the original works as good as new except for nicks, scratches and some minor dents. Functionality has been perfect.
I guess my point is that a higher price is not necessarily a guarantee for higher quality if you do your homework and are able to check out the item carefully.
davidrb wrote:
A monopod it a simple piece of equipment that will fall apart in your hands if built too cheaply. How much money will you save if that occurs? By using this device you are risking your camera body to grave damage. If that is your intention then go for it! Save the $130.00 and you can use it towards you next camera. What quality do you get for a monopod that retails for $70.00? After developement costs, profit, and shipping there isn't much left for material at @70.00.
This time I believe your wrong I spent 3 weeks looking for a strong but inexpensive Carbon fibre monopod and t believe I found one . On Amazon it is a Andoer TP-340C Carbon Fiber monopod most of the four section monopods bottom leg are only 3/4 " in diameter , this one is 1 " the top tube is 35 mm or nearly 1 3/8 " 8 layer 340C carbon fibre . the ferroles are anodised aluminum nice and substantial diameter rubber coated . All parts not carbon fibre are aluminum were they need to be. It comes with a 3 legged screw on 3/8 " 16 thread base all metal with rubber and a single rubber foot . of coarse made in china but very well made and sturdy . The carbon fibre tubes are very nicely finished I disassembled 2 ferroles to see the construction the tubes have nylon shims in the tubes that are keyed to the tubes to stop the tubes from rotating and make for smooth non binding movement . The top mounting plate is aluminum and nicely made ... price $51.99 it will not disappoint . it was a good gamble for me as I could return it if not satisfied as a prime member .Oh ya delivered in 2 days...
I am going to order one through Amazon. If it does not work I will send it back.
I am going to order one through Amazon. If it does not work I will send it back.
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