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Monopods
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Jun 17, 2017 06:09:37   #
stenojj
 
Manglesphoto wrote:
Save your money!!! buy a tripod. Been there done that, the monopods are great for very few people, but they do make a good walking stick or if heavy enough a good attitude modifier.


I have a good tripod. Sometimes I want to walk around the yard and take pictures. Too much work and bulk trying to carry the tripod. I'm too unsteady with the camera sometimes and just wanted "some" support to help me hold still. I have a stick monopod with no feet and I still sway at times so I thought the one with feet would give offer me a little more steadiness, that's all.

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Jun 17, 2017 06:12:48   #
Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida
 
I bought a set put em on the Manfrotto I picked up @ a thrift store and they work well. Cost about $18, + monopod = $5 happy now. Also: found two way tilt head works best for me, ball heads are prone to flop any which way while getting set (way to fidgety in my hands.)
Screamin Scott wrote:
Those feet (a different brand though) can be purchased separately to fit other make monopods. I've seen any number of them advertised.

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Jun 17, 2017 06:42:17   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
stenojj wrote:
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free with one of my zoom lens last year. I'm not real steady holding my camera and this helps "somewhat." I've noticed there are monopods out that have 3 feet which I think would even help me more. The one I got free is just a straight piece. Does anybody have a suggestion which one would be a good one to purchase? I don't always like setting up a tripod for a quick shot. I was just curious if anyone else uses a monopod. Thanks in advance for any input.
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free... (show quote)


Buying a monopod is like buying shoes. You shouldn't really buy any until you try them on. Monopods are a very personal item. I strongly suggest you visit a local camera store, even if you have to drive a ways. It is the ONLY way you will be happy. Personally I have sold mine as they tend to get in my way of getting the shots I want.

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Jun 17, 2017 06:47:27   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
dsiner wrote:
I have the same issue. I got a couple suggestions here on UHH, I am leaning towards a Sirui monopod and a tilt head. Not cheap but apparently well built.


I have one from Sirui - very versatile, very helpful

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Jun 17, 2017 06:56:43   #
stenojj
 
THANKS EVERYONE for your input. I did order a Sirui with the snap locks vs. the twist locks on the leg. I hope it serves my purpose, which I'm sure it will. I'm excited now for it to come. This is such a GREAT site to get information and suggestions, especially when you're a beginner. Thanks again!!!!

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Jun 17, 2017 07:19:16   #
BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD
 
When I got the one I did, snap locks were not offered - sure wish they had of been

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Jun 17, 2017 07:20:59   #
Nikonman44
 
Have no idea where you are shooting or what but you can always look for a fixed object, wall, gate, post or some other sturdy item to use as a prop.

The faster F stop is really the answer in some cases but if you want to use slower then take your partner along and have them stand still as you use their shoulder or whatever to allow a stationary help.

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Jun 17, 2017 07:31:06   #
stenojj
 
Nikonman44 wrote:
Have no idea where you are shooting or what but you can always look for a fixed object, wall, gate, post or some other sturdy item to use as a prop.

The faster F stop is really the answer in some cases but if you want to use slower then take your partner along and have them stand still as you use their shoulder or whatever to allow a stationary help.


When walking around the yard or down by our pond, there is nothing to lean on in the area where I want to shoot. My stick monopod works to some extent so I'm sure the monopod with the feet with definitely serve my purpose. Thanks for the tip on the low f/stop! Will keep that in mind.

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Jun 17, 2017 07:37:00   #
Doug RC Loc: Western Massachusetts
 
Greetings to all,

Ever since I heard the term 'mono-pod' I have used a high quality very light weight pro "Tripod" .. I attached a Velcro 'wrist wrap' to the point
just above the lowest and smallest leg extension .. then extending the sections as necessary and the 'extendable 'top/neck' section to mono pod
height .. lock everything down firmly and presto 'mono-pod'. I attached a cord to the neck and to one of the bottom leg sections and fasten a good
"sling carrier as one would use for a hunting rifle" carry it across my back OR .. pull the sling snug and use it as a "hiking pole" (this is a "solid"
tripod") ... yes the 'pod' takes a beating but it has (so far) lasted me five years .. even once falling through the ice (me) I was able to get out
using the 'extended pod' .. and .. when I need or want a tripod this little lightweight beast is ready at the tug of a Velcro strap.
... I am CERTAIN that many of you guys and gals already do that but I haven't seen it mentioned in awhile.? "F8 and Forget it"

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Jun 17, 2017 07:47:37   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
stenojj wrote:
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free with one of my zoom lens last year. I'm not real steady holding my camera and this helps "somewhat." I've noticed there are monopods out that have 3 feet which I think would even help me more. The one I got free is just a straight piece. Does anybody have a suggestion which one would be a good one to purchase? I don't always like setting up a tripod for a quick shot. I was just curious if anyone else uses a monopod. Thanks in advance for any input.
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free... (show quote)


I would say a monopod with 3 feet becomes a tripod. If you are thinking something like those canes you see on TV the small spread would provide no more stability than any other monopod. If it is difficult to hold steady I have no real solution outside of a real tripod. I have used monopods in the past and found they are generally in the way as much as a tripod. I can lean against something or rest the camera on my hat on a railing etc. much quicker and do better.

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Jun 17, 2017 08:20:27   #
dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)
 
A monopod is no tripod. But there are times when a monopod is the right answer. I spent many hours at sporting events shooting with a heavy telephoto supported by a monopod. Prevented arm strain from muscling that combination for hours, and helped steady the camera-lens combination as well. I found a stout monopod to be the best, not one that was a little wiggly, or might bend if I leaned too hard on it. I had an aluminum Manfrotto monopod for years; wore out the rubber foot on the bottom a couple of times - replaced it with a rubber chair leg foot picked up at a hardware store (they come in different diameters). Finally had to replace that monopod and bought another stout aluminum Manfrotto. Got the four section model so it could travel easier. I also have a lightweight carbon fiber tripod where the center post and one leg combine to become a monopod, but don't feel comfortable leaning on it. About those little feet thingies, I see no advantage in them.

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Jun 17, 2017 09:00:05   #
EagleEye
 
Have a look at this one if you'd like versatility & options. https://mogopod.com

I have one and like it, but also have a single purpose Gitzo for when the Mogopod features aren't needed.

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Jun 17, 2017 09:12:26   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
stenojj wrote:
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free with one of my zoom lens last year. I'm not real steady holding my camera and this helps "somewhat." I've noticed there are monopods out that have 3 feet which I think would even help me more. The one I got free is just a straight piece. Does anybody have a suggestion which one would be a good one to purchase? I don't always like setting up a tripod for a quick shot. I was just curious if anyone else uses a monopod. Thanks in advance for any input.
I would like to purchase a monopod. I got one free... (show quote)


Can't imagine what three feet on a monopod would accomplish other than restrict movement. OTOH a tilt head has real purpose.

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Jun 17, 2017 09:30:37   #
bcrawf
 
In some cases of telephoto use, a monopod is the ticket. I favor using a small ball-head on it, set to be movable, but tightened enough to provide some friction (so the camera's aim can be changed on the vertical axis). I wonder of others here used such a technique.

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Jun 17, 2017 09:32:10   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
bcrawf wrote:
In some cases of telephoto use, a monopod is the ticket. I favor using a small ball-head on it, set to be movable, but tightened enough to provide some friction (so the camera's aim can be changed on the vertical axis). I wonder of others here used such a technique.


I haven't but sounds intriguing.

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