monopods
Dec 2, 2011 12:00:26 #
Dec 2, 2011 12:06:23 #
ghwestfall
Loc: Southern CA
I have had a Monfrotto monopod for years but it has disappointed me. The food is a hard rubber dome. On a hard surface it is unstable laterally. I've been looking for a "foot" that I can attach to the bottom and stop the minute lateral wiggling. Any solutions?
Dec 2, 2011 12:06:25 #
I have been to places where they would not allow tripods and would not have provisions to leave it in their care at the gate. What to do?
I have also been refused entry with that club (monopod). So now if I have doubts, I just partially extend it, limp a little, and pretend it's a cane. Works so far.
I have also been refused entry with that club (monopod). So now if I have doubts, I just partially extend it, limp a little, and pretend it's a cane. Works so far.
Dec 2, 2011 12:16:32 #
ghwestfall wrote:
I have had a Monfrotto monopod for years but it has disappointed me. The food is a hard rubber dome. On a hard surface it is unstable laterally. I've been looking for a "foot" that I can attach to the bottom and stop the minute lateral wiggling. Any solutions?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=765805&is=REG&si=rev#costumerReview
Dec 2, 2011 12:17:03 #
Check out the discussions and pics on how to use one. If you wedge it against your leg you won't have that problem in most cases.
It shouldn't be free standing vertical.
Regards,
Larry Leach
It shouldn't be free standing vertical.
Regards,
Larry Leach
ghwestfall wrote:
I have had a Monfrotto monopod for years but it has disappointed me. The food is a hard rubber dome. On a hard surface it is unstable laterally. I've been looking for a "foot" that I can attach to the bottom and stop the minute lateral wiggling. Any solutions?
Dec 2, 2011 12:21:35 #
TJ28012 wrote:
I have been to places where they would not allow tripods and would not have provisions to leave it in their care at the gate. What to do?
I have also been refused entry with that club (monopod). So now if I have doubts, I just partially extend it, limp a little, and pretend it's a cane. Works so far.
I have also been refused entry with that club (monopod). So now if I have doubts, I just partially extend it, limp a little, and pretend it's a cane. Works so far.
I usually don't take my camera places where other people have control over what I do. Sorry, but I didn't think in those terms. I probably shouldn't have posted. I'm mostly an outdoor photo-enthusiast. I don't do museums and art shows, concerts, etc. S'cuse me. Frankly, with IS/VR I usually don't use either kind and when I do it's the mono as a walking stick. I'm blessed to have good glass such that, when combined with IS/VR, I can handhold to about 1/8th and I reckon if the light is all that bad, I can do without the picture.
Dec 2, 2011 12:21:58 #
gessman wrote:
I have a mono but dropping one leg on a tri is about the same thing and then when you want a tri you have it.
Ruthlin wrote:
What are your experiences using Monopods? I travel a lot and I often find that I do not have time to put up my tripod to capture a picture. I would appreciate any positive and negative input
Thank you
Thank you
I have a mono but dropping one leg on a tri is about the same thing and then when you want a tri you have it.
This is true; however, as I said in my post, in some instances, "tripods" are prohibited, no matter how you intend to use them - I mean the gate guard won't even let you in if you have a tripod with you, but they don't seem to care about monopods.
Dec 2, 2011 12:25:21 #
Frank T wrote:
The advantages of a Monopod are that they are lighter, faster and more likely to be in your possession because they don't way a ton.
The downside is that they aren't a tripod and although they can help a lot, they aren't as steady as having three legs.
The downside is that they aren't a tripod and although they can help a lot, they aren't as steady as having three legs.
I would agree Frank with your observations and would add that a good, light Ball Head on a Monopod is very beneficial.
Dec 2, 2011 12:38:27 #
Mel Winner wrote:
I would agree Frank with your observations and would add that a good, light Ball Head on a Monopod is very beneficial.
Frank T wrote:
The advantages of a Monopod are that they are lighter, faster and more likely to be in your possession because they don't way a ton.
The downside is that they aren't a tripod and although they can help a lot, they aren't as steady as having three legs.
The downside is that they aren't a tripod and although they can help a lot, they aren't as steady as having three legs.
I would agree Frank with your observations and would add that a good, light Ball Head on a Monopod is very beneficial.
I just started using a Manfrotto mono with ballhead and if using proper stabilizing techniques, I would add that a ballhead is a "must" have addition.
Dec 2, 2011 12:50:51 #
Thanks your input is very helpful. Last year I was at a big outdoor event and I could not get close enough to take pictures of the dancers. Having a monopod with a remote would have been great.
TJ28012 wrote:
With a corded remote release taped to the monopod, you can "rise above the crowd". It will also provide some unique shots and works great even if you can't get to the front row at a parade or other crowded event. Shoot wide and crop and straighten later. Might even work better with an articulated viewing screen on you camera.
Dec 2, 2011 12:52:21 #
JodyEph wrote:
quote=gessman quote=Ruthlin What are your experi... (show quote)
You posted this without regard for my subsequent post which you either didn't see or chose to ignore. For your benefit, I'll post it again:
I usually don't take my camera places where other people have control over what I do. Sorry, but I didn't think in those terms. I probably shouldn't have posted. I'm mostly an outdoor photo-enthusiast. I don't do museums and art shows, concerts, etc. S'cuse me. Frankly, with IS/VR I usually don't use either kind and when I do it's the mono as a walking stick. I'm blessed to have good glass such that, when combined with IS/VR, I can handhold to about 1/8th and I reckon if the light is all that bad, I can do without the picture.
Dec 2, 2011 12:55:55 #
Enjoy, Thanks for your input. I just bought a monopod and I think I will use it a lot.
Canoe50d wrote:
I have a Tripod that also doubles as a mono. The QSX 9502TM. The center pulls out and you have a mono. I use it always. Mostly I don't like to carry a camera around my neck while hikiing. It bounces off my chest......I didn't like the head, so I picked up a Sunpak 6200pg and swapped out the head. So now I have two pods and love them both.
Dec 2, 2011 13:01:35 #
Dec 2, 2011 13:07:55 #
Ruthlin wrote:
Thanks I appreciate you input. I know using a tri... (show quote)
I have both. My problem is remembering them when I am tramping around. I do use them at home and when I plan a photo day.
Dec 2, 2011 13:29:01 #
Hi Ruthlin,
As the topic is about monopods, I shall stick to that. However, a monopod does not replace a tripod and if the size of a tripod is overkill for you, think about a carbon fiber Benro Transfunctioinal Tripod, which also converts to a monopod.
Now, I recommend a stabilizing system for all of my students and if a tripod becomes a shooting burden based on what you are going to photograph then the monopod is better than no pod at all.
I do not know how tall you are, but there are all sizes. I am short 5 foot 5 inches and I use the new Gitzo which collapsed is about 15 inches and extended about 5 foot 6 inches. But no matter what it should be carbon fiber which a more stable platform material. You should also consider a Manfrotto monopod head which is light weight and allows an up and down and sideways positioning.
Unlike a tripod you can keep your image stabilization on because you are still having the possibility of movement, where a tripod is a much more solid platform.
Good brands are Gitzo ($) Benro (Reasonable) Manfrotto (Reasonable). If I can be of further assistance please contact me at Blue Ridge Workshops, Elliot@Blueridgeworkshops.com
Good luck,
Elliot
As the topic is about monopods, I shall stick to that. However, a monopod does not replace a tripod and if the size of a tripod is overkill for you, think about a carbon fiber Benro Transfunctioinal Tripod, which also converts to a monopod.
Now, I recommend a stabilizing system for all of my students and if a tripod becomes a shooting burden based on what you are going to photograph then the monopod is better than no pod at all.
I do not know how tall you are, but there are all sizes. I am short 5 foot 5 inches and I use the new Gitzo which collapsed is about 15 inches and extended about 5 foot 6 inches. But no matter what it should be carbon fiber which a more stable platform material. You should also consider a Manfrotto monopod head which is light weight and allows an up and down and sideways positioning.
Unlike a tripod you can keep your image stabilization on because you are still having the possibility of movement, where a tripod is a much more solid platform.
Good brands are Gitzo ($) Benro (Reasonable) Manfrotto (Reasonable). If I can be of further assistance please contact me at Blue Ridge Workshops, Elliot@Blueridgeworkshops.com
Good luck,
Elliot
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