Should I use a monopod with the Tamrom 150-600? I just bought the 150-600 lens and am beginning to think my eyes and ambition are way bigger than my ability. It's very heavy and...

gmccaleb Loc: East KY / South AL

I just bought the 150-600 lens and am beginning to think my eyes and ambition are way bigger than my ability. It's very heavy and cumbersome for me. I'm really afraid of dropping it and am ordering a Cotton Carrier to use for hikes with it. My camera store people said they would not trust it on a monopod, while birders I know say yes. I can use a tripod, but that will get heavy quickly. Thought?? Monopod or no? Thanks for your advice.

ronjay Loc: york Pa.

I purchased a canon monopod 2 years ago. the first year i carried a canon 100-400mm lens which is 3.5 lbs. The next year i carried a Tamron 100-600mm which is 5 lbs. Both lenses worked well on this monopod. If i am setting up for an extended shoot where i am sitting or standing for a long period i use a Tripod. At many sporting events you see many monopods used by professionals. They monopods with bigger lens than the Tamron.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

gmccaleb wrote:

I just bought the 150-600 lens and am beginning to think my eyes and ambition are way bigger than my ability. It's very heavy and cumbersome for me. I'm really afraid of dropping it and am ordering a Cotton Carrier to use for hikes with it. My camera store people said they would not trust it on a monopod, while birders I know say yes. I can use a tripod, but that will get heavy quickly. Thought?? Monopod or no? Thanks for your advice.

Have seen many with long heavy lens on monopods at events. The added stability of a monopod can easily get you that shot you would have thrown away due to camera shake with a long & heavy lens.

As long as you take care with it I would think there is no problem. I have not tried my Sigma 170-500 with a monopod, but don't see any issues.

NateInMaine

Manfrotto makes a heavy-duty monopod that will easily handle any lens.
You absolutely can use a monopod with any lens. After nearly 40 years shooting sports professionally using big lenses on a monopod, I can tell you that, yes, you can use a monopod with your Tamron 150-600.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Sounds like the store clerks were trying to up sell you...

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

gmccaleb wrote:

I just bought the 150-600 lens and am beginning to think my eyes and ambition are way bigger than my ability. It's very heavy and cumbersome for me. I'm really afraid of dropping it and am ordering a Cotton Carrier to use for hikes with it. My camera store people said they would not trust it on a monopod, while birders I know say yes. I can use a tripod, but that will get heavy quickly. Thought?? Monopod or no? Thanks for your advice.

Work out and build some stamina. It takes a lot of practice. I know several, actually many, women that carry a camera and 500mm f/4 lens. This weighs in at about 13 pounds. And they all, but one, shoot hand held.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

gmccaleb wrote:

My camera store people said they would not trust it on a monopod,

Best Buy? Can this be a case where the store people haven't used one? Or maybe never used a camera? OMG! :shock:

You're getting better advice here from people who have done it.

p.s. - This is only partially in jest. I really, really asked a clerk in the Best Buy camera department if they have ball heads and he said, "You mean like for a trailer hitch?" :roll:

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I use my 50-500mm on a monopod and it works just fine.

Dana C Loc: Buhl, Idaho

I use my monopod quite a bit with my Tam 200-5-- and my Nikon 80-200 two ring. I shorten the pod if I need to shoot something that would allow for the pod to rest on the ground, floor etc. and I can go back to pod support in just a few seconds.

davidheald1942 Loc: Mars (the planet)

gmccaleb wrote:

I just bought the 150-600 lens and am beginning to think my eyes and ambition are way bigger than my ability. It's very heavy and cumbersome for me. I'm really afraid of dropping it and am ordering a Cotton Carrier to use for hikes with it. My camera store people said they would not trust it on a monopod, while birders I know say yes. I can use a tripod, but that will get heavy quickly. Thought?? Monopod or no? Thanks for your advice.

Tripod only,.,.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I use the mono on hikes. Sit on something,lean against a tree, or whatever,helps me.

Jim Bob

NateInMaine wrote:

Manfrotto makes a heavy-duty monopod that will easily handle any lens.
You absolutely can use a monopod with any lens. After nearly 40 years shooting sports professionally using big lenses on a monopod, I can tell you that, yes, you can use a monopod with your Tamron 150-600.

I agree with your post. Manfrotto monopod is excellent and yes, for best results a monopod (or tri-pod) should be used. You might be able to squeeze off a few good hand-held shots with image stabilization engaged. But after a while, that baby gets heavy and camera shake intrudes.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Jim Bob wrote:

I agree with your post. Manfrotto monopod is excellent and yes, for best results a monopod (or tri-pod) should be used. You might be able to squeeze off a few good hand-held shots with image stabilization engaged. But after a while, that baby gets heavy and camera shake intrudes.

I'm very pleased with the Manfrotto 681B and 234RC tilt head. Works well with my 150-500 Sig. Lots of hiking with little extra weight!

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Get the Manfrotto 681b monopod. I use it with my D610 and the 150-600 Sigma sport lens, SigZilla. My combination of camera and lens is over 2 pounds heavier than yours. The Manfrotto handles it like it was made for it. It is a pro level monopod and won't let you down. I don't use a head either. The 2 in 1 mounting screw threads right into the lens collar securely. To change the orientation of the shot from landscape to portrait simply rotate the lens in the collar 90*
Your photo "guy" obviously has never seen the multitude of pro photographers on the sidelines with their gear on monopods, that weighs much more than even mine does.
Go to B&H's web site and order one. I'm sure you'll like it.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I shoot 85% from a monopod, full frame and medium format with long lenses. get a good one also if you shoot from a seated of kneeling position, you don't have to fully extend it.