MtnMan Loc: ID

Yes...vertically. The challenge is holding it to avoid twist and horizontal movement. When you try one with a 500 mm lens you see the challenge.

One of the main functions with a heavy lens is holding it up as you wait for the best shot.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

We can always count on you and MARC for kindly guidance and encouragement. Thanks for leading the way, in that compassionate manner, always good for a laugh you and mark.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Gee, that's a good idea. I imagine he has lots of friends with vehicles like this.
http://media.photobucket.com/user/madhlinajoseph/media/CoxandKingsUSA/SouthAfricaSafari-5_zpsf6d77a50.png.html?filters%5Bterm%5D=african%20safari&filters%5Bprimary%5D=images&sort=1&o=360

I'm from earth, where are you from?

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Sounds like a great trip. I look forward to seeing your pictures.

The Watcher

If you're a long time tripod user, be careful and don't step away. That has happened.

hawaiidave Loc: Honolulu, HI

On our safari we were instructed in no uncertain terms not to stand up or make sudden moves when near lions, and other dangerous animals. In a prior safari our guide told us about some guy that suddenly popped up out of his seat to get a shot of a lion. The lion charged the vehicle and it was a good thing the driver was alert and able to get out of the way. If you are on a more expensive safari, they will seat you two abreast and leave the middle seat empty so you have a better chance of shooting animals on both sides. But even then, a monopod would seem to me to be an encumbrance. I decided to lose the monopod, but then, I was shooting only a 70-300, not something as long as yours. Perhaps a short monopod with beanbag anchored on the seat between your legs?

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

:thumbup:

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Great suggestion, never thought of stepped away, but do not use monopods very often. I will now pay extra attention when l do.
Thanks
Duane

D0r1neK Loc: Connecticut

I am going on Safari to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia this summer and just purchased the 200-500. I love the lens and have been practicing using my monopod and find that the lens is too heavy and I shoot better holding it. Not sure if a more expensive one would work better. When you have your camera on the monopod does it not move? I have been there a couple of times and you will be able to rest the lens when your in the vehicle. When are you going?

MtnMan Loc: ID

Here is my first test with the actual rig I'll be using in Africa. This is in my yard a few minutes ago. About 100 of these critters are meandering around, plus a few deer.

Anyhow, I think this is going to work. I smushed my finger a couple of times so have to work on that but it is pretty easy to hold stable with the D800 and 200-500 on it. And needed.

(Download)

MtnMan Loc: ID

With the D800 it is too heavy to hold up for long. And it is very unsteady. I'm pleased with the monopod so far standing. I don't know what will happen in the vehicle.

I do need to tighten the connection to the lens and lock the swivel. I used locktite on connecting the head to the monopod. That was a lesson learned from a couple months ago when I had my new ballhead come loose of my tripod at the Grand Canyon. Fortunately the campground host had an allen wrench.

Leaving April 28.

epip Loc: Calabash ,NC

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to let me know what my first and last problem is.I'm sure that it pleases you to get a rise out of anyone that will listen to your dribble.Thanks again and don't forget to take your medication

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

FYI:

If you're watching something through the camera, it likely you are not aware of things right next to you.

Make sure someone is going to warn you should a critter start to aproach that you didn't know about.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Back from Africa. Will be starting posts with pics soon.

Bottom line on the monopod: don't clutter up your baggage.

I practiced with it and lugged it along. Although usable in the vehicles it was awkward and restricting. I gave it up after one game drive and opted for handholding with keeping the shutter speed up. The results will speak for themselves so stand by.

Also forget about sandbags. Unless your vehicle configurations vary from the four camps we used bean bags are generally unusable. Although a couple of camps made them available I didn't see anyone using them either. Even if there were a place to put them the passengers wriggle the vehicle.

If I were to go again it is unlikely I'd lug the D800 and 200-500. While it took great images it became a drag after a few days.

Next time I'd opt for a lightweight APS-C camera with fast zoom lens from around 100-300 mm and best high ISO performance and VR money can buy. Count on using it handheld in a vehicle with wiggling passengers. It must have a viewfinder to avoid LCD battery drain. My D5300 with 28-300 was close but I'm not delighted with it's high ISO performace. I took it on the walking tours and it was fine. I'll be comparing what it and my wife's D5300 with 18-300 did compared to the boat anchor rig.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Unless I want my camera and lens perfectly stable on a tripod and controlled by radio remote, then I'm sold on the monopod!
I quickly learned that the camera on a monopod is no more stable than the body that owns the arm that owns the hand stabilizing the camera and lens on top of the 'pod. So get your body in the most stable position...supported if possible.As mention in the first post ...by leaning against something solid, or sitting or kneeling.
I also use the principle of the rifle sling...a strap that passes over one shoulder, across the upper back, and under the opposite arm and wrapped in the grip by the "camera hand" .It permits the camera hand and arm to extend, putting the strap under tension to further stabilize the camera/lens mass. Helps a lot and can often buy you a couple or three stops of stability. My monopod is, next to my tripod, my most appreciated assistant.

Dave