Use of Monopods (Page 3): I have a manfrotto monopd - which was much cheaper than the tripod - which makes a good sturdy walking pole. I also purchased a small ball head which can be...

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

DrWilk wrote:

How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

Any advice will appreciated.

I have a manfrotto monopd - which was much cheaper than the tripod - which makes a good sturdy walking pole. I also purchased a small ball head which can be carried separately and simply attached to the monopod when I need it.
A ball head is useful as the best way to use a monopod is to angle it to make a tripod with your two spayed out legs.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I use a mono pod allot for field macro and close up work....sports and always when I'm shooting birds from a blind. Mainly for weight...and adjusted to keep the view finder at eye level and a release cable always helps.

Roger Lee

I use my monopod with my bigger/longer glass and it really improves sharpness dramatically even with the IS on. Also handy for macro work I/E shooting butterflies as you can rock back and forth obtaining good focus . I also feel more secure carrying one as it makes a good club also.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

If you are using a wide angle lens or short tele I wouldn't bother with the monopod. If you are using a long, heavy lens it is absolutely worthwhile.
I have a colabsible hiking staff that has a camera mount screw under the knob at the top of the staff. This way I have a monopod with me whenever I'm out hiking.

Steven Seward Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I have used a monopod extensively in Art Museums where they usually do not allow tripods. Although not as good as a tripod, it steadies the camera better than the simple hand-held method. I tried to bring one with me to the Fox Republican Debate recently but the security would not allow it. I was reduced to hand-held, and my resolution suffered because of it.

tasherlock Loc: Brisbane Qld Australia

My wife is unsteady on her feet and since buying a Manfrotto Monopod all the movement seen in previous efforts has now gone. Nothing like rock solid photos. She highly recommends monopods. She uses it as a walking stick with a camera on it.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

[quote=DrWilk]How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

From time to time and it usage is unparalleled. But if you have the time a tripod is better. But for quick maneuverability the monopod gives support and a quick move. Both have their pluses that is why we have the two.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

DrWilk wrote:

How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

Any advice will appreciated.

I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 681B Monopod and a tilt head mounted on it. Any time I bring my 300 prime or 70-200 when shooting motorsports, football, etc., the monopod comes along and is used extensively. Those lenses start to get really heavy after a few hours of holding.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I use a Monostat Unipod with a RRS monopod head for long hikes

Jim Bob

DrWilk wrote:

How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

Any advice will appreciated.

Depends on the rig you need to support. If it's a DSLR with 35 or 50mm lens, for example, you could get by without support assuming you are capable of holding the camera relatively steady.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I use one regularly, primarily for sporting events and other, fast action shooting. There are also times when I am prevented from using a tripod in a specific building or other locations - like some zoos and a particular butterfly farm I like to frequent. They will allow a monopod, but a tripod is viewed as being too obtrusive and dangerous to other patrons. (My feeling is that the other patrons should just freaking leave then, but my views are not really welcome, as far as management is concerned.) It is of limited, but crucial use, in some venues.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I have one but use it infrequently. But it is small and light and slides down to a small height so I can easily transport it. There are times when it has been very handy, like having to shoot at 200 mm with a low shutter speed and wider than desired aperture.

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

How big a lens do you use with this mount.

DaveO wrote:

I am very unsteady. With the monopod I brace myself against almost anything, a car, tree, sit on a guardrail, side of a hill or whatever.

I got a manfrotto 681B with the 234RC tilt mount about a year ago. Very satisfied! B&H for easy reference.

Preachdude Loc: Geneva, OH

DrWilk wrote:

How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

Any advice will appreciated.

I sometimes use a "poor-man's" monopod, which is very light. I bought some lightweight chain equivalent to my height and afixed a 1/4-20" screw eye to one end. When I want to use it as a "monopod," I screw it into the tripod hole, and then I step on the other end. Lifting the camera against the chain while I make an image seems to give me about two-stops' worth of steadying. In many situations, it is just enough to get a better shot than without a tripod.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

DrWilk wrote:

How many people actually use a monopod on a regular basis? Do you find it useful? Convenient? Worth buying or bothering with?

I'm contemplating getting one for use while hiking around the mountains hereabouts but I'm just not convinced theyre worthwhile.

Any advice will appreciated.

I use mine a lot, especially when photographing my granddaughter playing soccer; have a ball head on it.