Use of Monopods (Page 6): I use one particularly when I have a heavier lens on, or a night when I want a longer exposure and need to be steady. My monopod is actually a hiking stick...

marsdad Loc: NE Florida

I use one particularly when I have a heavier lens on, or a night when I want a longer exposure and need to be steady. My monopod is actually a hiking stick with a threaded handle tip which is specifically made to accept the fitting on the camera bottom, so it serves a double purpose admirably. Would not be without it.

rocketride Loc: Upstate NY

cjc2 wrote:

I use monopods extensively as I am a sports shoote... (show quote)

I find that the question of whether a ball (or pan-tilt) head is useful on a monopod boils down to whether the photographer does much shooting away from the horizon. A one-axis swivel head is good for switching between landscape and portrait, or could be used for tilt (at the expense of not being able to go into portrait). I find it useful to use a small ball head (one of the larger Joby models) and it works well for me even with a FF DSLR with battery grip and a substantial lens.

A photographer who usually shoots somewhere near level (many sports photographers, for instance) can often get away with leaning the entire rig forwards or backwards to get the tilt they need.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

rocketride wrote:

What is the shortest length they can be adjusted down to? My monopod goes down to 14" + 1.5" for the little ball head I use on it. (And occasionally, I wish I could get it down to a few inches shorter.)

That information is in the links I provided, but since it's you, for the one I picked on as an example:

The name 'Carbonlite' speaks for itself! A trekking pole made of pure carbon which knows no limits when it comes to comfort, technology and ergonomics. Exclusive technology like the Aergon Thermo Compact grip and the Super Lock system are used here. The first-class processing of high-quality components contributes to its durability, and the total weight is unbelievably low. The perfect trekking model in the high end world of carbon poles. The minimal pack size of 62 cm is a significant benefit when transporting the pole and especially when stowing it in a backpack. In addition, the excellent bending resistance makes for a perfect swing behaviour. The trekking master with style and character. 100% HM Carbon Shaft AERGON Thermo Long Grip Air-textured strap wicks and dries quickly SLS Locking System 16mm/14mm/12mm shaft diameter 14.7 oz per pair Length: 63-135cm Sold as a pair

I do have Leki ski poles, and they are a very good brand, but I haven't tried any of these things. I'm just trying to point out that there are plenty of available options to the OP's original question, with a few addition comments based on some of the responses.

There is a solution to most problems available somewhere these days, although it does sometimes take some work to hunt it down.

Good luck!

Jerry Kos Loc: Milwaukee, Wi

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.

Any advice will appreciated.[/quote]
Actually I used a monopod for the first time at our VFW Mem. day activity and I loved it. Great pic's. Esp. when your at an event that has uneven ground (cemetery), fair grounds, air shows, fireworks, etc.

dar_clicks Loc: Utah

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.

A monopod doesn't replace a tripod, but it definitely makes a difference over hand-held. I've used one a lot (same one since the '70s) and have added gadgets to the top to make it easier to flip from horizontal to vertical and tilt up or down. I may re-think and simplify all that one of these days.

A monopod can serve double duty as a walking stick. Also, I find it indispensable for small cameras that are difficult to hold steady. (I don't have any equipment with image stabilization.)

Heavy equipment gets tricky and can start to introduce a tendency to rotate side-to-side, so perhaps a monopod with those fold down legs on the bottom would help with that.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

ROTFLMAO - You must be hallucinating - a hiking stick/mono pod but never - ever a ski pole mono pod.
The vision of this is mind boggling.

Shutterbugsailer wrote:

What about ski poles?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Harvey wrote:

ROTFLMAO - You must be hallucinating - a hiking stick/mono pod but never - ever a ski pole mono pod.
The vision of this is mind boggling.

Hi Harvey, how are you!

It's good for a laugh, but it can be real, see my recent post in this thread!

Take care

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I was a little quick on this reply - mostly because I never was a person who Skied - lived and worked in that stuff so I never really played in it other than sleds & toboggans with the kids.
Now I use to have a little "C" clamp that had an adjustable camera mounting bolt on it so I could clamp it on most anything - poles ( ski Poles included I am sure ) chairs tree limbs - heck any thing 1 1/2 inches would suddenly be a camera holder.

Harvey wrote:

ROTFLMAO - You must be hallucinating - a hiking stick/mono pod but never - ever a ski pole mono pod.
The vision of this is mind boggling.

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

I use a monopod all the time. i clip it to my belt so its always there if I need it. I use a tripod when I know that I am going to be more stationary or shooting large format

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Harvey wrote:

I was a little quick on this reply - mostly because I never was a person who Skied - lived and worked in that stuff so I never really played in it other than sleds & toboggans with the kids.
Now I use to have a little "C" clamp that had an adjustable camera mounting bolt on it so I could clamp it on most anything - poles ( ski Poles included I am sure ) chairs tree limbs - heck any thing 1 1/2 inches would suddenly be a camera holder.

I remember a gadget like that, probably still sitting in a box somewhere around the house, ball adjustment was kind of small and light weight though, not sure if I ever used it except to try it out, Bob.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

Boxers or briefs...to each his/her own. Wait...that can't be right!

diwanicki Loc: New Jersey

Have used one for many years and with large telephoto lens for Soccer it's a must.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I used mine a lot - my original tripod was such a beast to carry around & this gadget worked great.

bobmcculloch wrote:

I remember a gadget like that, probably still sitting in a box somewhere around the house, ball adjustment was kind of small and light weight though, not sure if I ever used it except to try it out, Bob.

Murray Loc: New Westminster

I took mine on a 3 week trip to China. Worked well and was (relatively) unobtrusive

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I use a monopod with a RRS head all the time. When I walk in the Everglades the monopod doubles as a walking stick and a prob to see how deep the water is along my path. I use two a carbon one and a new Surui that has feet you are able to deploy.