Monopod and a head?
Feb 12, 2020 16:41:45 #
I use a monopod when I am walking about with my 150-600mm lens. I like the monopod because it takes the weight off my arms when I am waiting for the subject to get into the position that I want. Also, when just waiting or taking to someone I let the weight of the rig rest on the monopod. I tried a monopod head and a ball head but found that balance was a strain.
After trying my gimbal on the monopod I never looked back. Balance is perfect, complete movement is smooth and not a strain on my old bones. I keep the arm of the gimbal on the right side so the left side lens controls are unobstructed. When walking about, I don't collapse the monopod but hold the camera down and use the lower part of the gimbal as a handle with the monopod sticking straight up behind my right shoulder ready for the next shot. On really long walkabouts I use my Black Rapid sling over my left shoulder and anchored to the strap of the monopod so I am distributing the weight between my hand and my shoulder. (Did I mention the my bones are old?) I keep the panning feature locked and let the monopod rotate instead. Try it, you'll like it!
After trying my gimbal on the monopod I never looked back. Balance is perfect, complete movement is smooth and not a strain on my old bones. I keep the arm of the gimbal on the right side so the left side lens controls are unobstructed. When walking about, I don't collapse the monopod but hold the camera down and use the lower part of the gimbal as a handle with the monopod sticking straight up behind my right shoulder ready for the next shot. On really long walkabouts I use my Black Rapid sling over my left shoulder and anchored to the strap of the monopod so I am distributing the weight between my hand and my shoulder. (Did I mention the my bones are old?) I keep the panning feature locked and let the monopod rotate instead. Try it, you'll like it!
Feb 12, 2020 19:20:29 #
I attend a lot of school and other activities of the grandkids . . . Mostly indoors. The monopod adds weight, but makes it so much easier for shots in lower light, and especially for video of all the band concerts, taekwondo tournaments, dance recitals, etc. Not really needed that much outdoors unless shooting video and tripod is not practical.
Feb 14, 2020 00:03:06 #
jim quist wrote:
I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?
Just so YOU don't have to lean to much.. Try this single axis head... Works great!
https://www.amazon.com/Desmond-DAC-X1-Tripod-Compatible-Oversized/dp/B0169AYZ8W/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=monopod+tilt+head&qid=1581656467&sr=8-2
Feb 14, 2020 02:41:21 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
jim quist wrote:
I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?
If your ability to think is that limited, you likely won't understand the reasons to use a head on a monopod.
Feb 14, 2020 09:07:30 #
jim quist wrote:
I have used a monopod for years photographing college and high school sports and have never felt the need for a monopod. As I think about it I can't think of a reason to put a head on a monopod. What have I been missing out on? For those of you who use a head on a monopod will you sell me on the idea?
Most school sports are pretty much shot on a single plane with relatively little up or down movement. The need to tilt the lens up or down more than a few degrees is rare. Especially true of field sports. You can mostly get away without a head. When there is a lot of up and down (like basketball or pole vault) you are probably hand-holding with a lighter lens anyway. When you have a heavier lens and are shooting a subject that may move up or down a lot (birds-in-flight), a monopod with a head can save your arms.
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