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Tri Pod vs Monopod? Not for studio work
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Nov 12, 2017 08:09:24   #
Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC
 
I have both but seldom use either. I handhold most of the time shooting wildlife, I never know if the subject will pose or run to the nearest cover.

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Nov 12, 2017 08:13:43   #
crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada
 
waegwan wrote:
I use a Manfrotto 680B with a 234RC head. I have not and don't think I would ever use it for landscape but it always goes with me when I travel when I'm visiting tourist sites like folk villages and markets and downtown areas. It makes a big difference in my camera stability, that is the photos taken with it in most cases are noticeably sharper than without. At 22 inches long it is easy to carry and attach and set up. I don't use it every day but 3 or 4 times a year I will use it every day for a week or 10 days when I traveling or covering an event. Having said that, I have to say I'm just not as steady as I used to be and I mostly use a Canon 28-300 lens that weighs 3.5 lbs. The 680B has been discontinued but they are still available on the internet and many others are comparable.
I use a Manfrotto 680B with a 234RC head. I have n... (show quote)


Same monopod setup.
I used to laugh, scoff and mock the monopod when I saw them....until I used one.
My purpose is mostly horizontal sports with long lens (Football, Alpine skiing). This is where the monopod shines for me. Less about being tired hand holding and more about stability and AF spot focus on the target. At 600mm, trying to lock the spot focus on target is difficult and the monpod provides extra stability.
You can also shoot slightly lower SS as the camera shake is reduced with a monopod. I find the sports action can be frozen at 800ss for football but I have to shoot 1600ss at 600mm hand held to completely get the images tack sharp. Monopod allows me to get back down to 800 (still risk some shots) and can shoot under the field lights without the ISO being so high that "I jus wanna go home".

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Nov 12, 2017 10:09:39   #
Ddanner
 
Some tripods have a center column that can be removed and used as a monopod.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1329103-REG/nest_nt_tl59_al_traveler_series_59_tripod_monopod_aluminum.html

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Nov 12, 2017 10:11:29   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
I have seen a $60 piece on eBay that can convert the leg from a RRS tripod into a monopod. Seems like it could work but I don't know if most people would want to go to that trouble.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Ddanner wrote:
Some tripods have a center column that can be removed and used as a monopod.

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Nov 12, 2017 13:39:23   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
SharpShooter wrote:
I have two monopods and I can't remember that last time I used one. For how I shoot I just don't find them useful. I've tried to like them but it just won't stick. I realize there are times to use one, like the sidelines at the super-bowl but I just haven't gotten around to shooting a super-bowl yet!! And I DO shoot a lot of sports with both heavy cameras and heavy lenses.
I think the biggest problem with a monopod, especially with a heavy lens is that you can NEVER set it down. You wouldn't be able to unwrap a sandwich without the whole thing flipping upside down!!!
Maybe just me!
SS
I have two monopods and I can't remember that last... (show quote)


That is why they make and use tether straps ....

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Nov 12, 2017 13:48:58   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
Kevin.M wrote:
I do mostly landscape/outdoor photography.

I'm wondering, if you have a good tripod, is a monopod a useful tool to have, and when would you use it? Which do you prefer and why?


I have several good tripods. I have several good monopods. I also have a bodypod. My preference depends on the stability I think I need vs convenience. My first preference for convenience is the bodypod - or, more stability less convenience - monopod - or, MORE stability LESS convenience, TRIPOD. Shutter speed, lens focal length and subject distance determine the stability requirement.

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Nov 12, 2017 15:16:55   #
cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA
 
I use Tripods (seldom, but I do use them), monopods (quite a bit as I shoot mainly sports action) and also hand hold. My preference is ti hand hold but that is sometimes just impractical for me. No one right answer -- it's what works best for YOU and your results! Best of luck.

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Nov 12, 2017 16:02:30   #
bwilliams
 
I use a mefoto with the leg that converts to mono pod. Mono pod for sports tripod for landscapes and waterfalls.

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Nov 12, 2017 19:16:20   #
iggy Loc: Southern Utah
 
My tripod (as many do) has a leg that twists off and converts to a monopod, so I have have in the field. If I need to be extra still, I use the tripod, otherwise, I find the mono easier to manage. It also takes some of the stress (weight) off with heavier lenses.

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Nov 12, 2017 19:56:22   #
pendennis
 
I usually have one in the SUV with my tripods. They work great in areas where tripods are either not practical, or not allowed. I'm to the point where the monopod becomes the third leg of my natural bipod. I have an old Bogen ball head with the hexagonal plate, and it works fine. However, when I need real support, such as for landscape and architecture, I use a tripod.

In urban settings, I can lean against a building, using the monopod, and I can be very steady.

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Nov 12, 2017 20:29:20   #
waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li
 
Ddanner wrote:
Some tripods have a center column that can be removed and used as a monopod.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1329103-REG/nest_nt_tl59_al_traveler_series_59_tripod_monopod_aluminum.html


I have three tripods each with a leg that converts to a monopod but they are all too short. One of them has a couple of extension pieces that will make it tall enough but then I have carry them along. I have just found it easier to carry the Manfrotto 680 when needed and use the tripod when needed. For my lifestyle, I use the monopod more. I use a Black Rapid Sport strap with a M-Plate Pro. I can quickly attach the monopod without removing the sling strap from me or the camera and use the strap as part of the stabilization system. It works for me. :-)

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Nov 12, 2017 20:38:03   #
SharpShooter Loc: NorCal
 
YeloCab1 wrote:
I mainly do spur of the moment type stuff. I see something and I stop to get a picture or two ... or three ... or 50 ... By the time I set a tripod or a monopod up whatever I'm photographing would be gone most of the time


Yes Yellow, I know what you mean? I stopped to take the same exact pic you got, and by the time I got the tripod set up, the calf was feeding its OWN young!!!! LoL
SS

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Nov 13, 2017 09:06:58   #
YeloCab1
 
This hawk landed on the clothesline pole in my back yard one day while I was outside smoking a cigarette. I had to sneak back in for my camera and hope I didn't scare it away. It would have been impossible for me to also set up a tripod or monopod
SharpShooter wrote:
Yes Yellow, I know what you mean? I stopped to take the same exact pic you got, and by the time I got the tripod set up, the calf was feeding its OWN young!!!! LoL
SS


(Download)

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Nov 13, 2017 13:01:31   #
Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ
 
BassmanBruce wrote:
I have both and I use the monopod when either I or the subject are moving at speeds that the tripod becomes a hinderance.
If the speeds get to where the monopod hinders, I handhold.
Hope that helps.

Edit: wording changed for clarity.


Thank you for the answer. It does help me.

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Nov 13, 2017 13:33:51   #
daddybear Loc: Brunswick, NY
 
I have a monopod in the SUV I have not used in years. I purchased a Chickenfoot from B&H, a monopod with legs. Because of hand shakes, well past two stops, 99 percent of my photos are taken on it or my Manfrotto tripod.

deanr

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