monopods

Scott_the_Artist · 08-08-2009, 10:11 AM

I've never used a monopod before, do they really make that much of a difference? What situation would they help the most in?

In terms of make, is it as important to get a monopod from a very good manufacturer as a tripod purchase is?

mickeyobe · 08-08-2009, 10:30 AM

Scott,

Yes, they do make a difference.
They are nowhere near as stable as a tripod but are superior to the often shakey human bipod.

They can be carried where carrying a tripod would be difficult.
They can also be used as a hiking or walking stick.
One should try to make a tripod of the monopod and oneself - one monopod and two human legs.

They are invaluable if support is needed where a tripod would be impractical such as arenas and stadiums or parades.
They may also be allowed where tripods are banned as in museums and art galleries.

They should be equipped with a small pan head.

Mickey

**Kerrowdown** · 08-08-2009, 10:47 AM

As I have said on a previous thread, a resounding yes, just depends on what your using and what your trying to achieve.

Just take a look around at any of the photags at any major sporting event to see what I mean.

atupdate · 08-08-2009, 11:12 AM

A monopod is the only shake reduction system I have for my DS. It is very handy in low light situations where I've had to shoot at speeds slower than 1/focal length.

DS, DA 50-200, ISO 1600, f4.5, 138mm. 1/60 sec, monopod

DS, DA 50-200, ISO 3200, f6.7, 150mm, 1/30 sec, monopod

I bought a Manfrotto 679B monopod with a Slik SBH-120 ball head from B&H. I looked at a Manfrotto 676B (I think that was the model just below the 679) but it flexed too much. I love having a ball head as it is very fast and easy to go from a landscape orientation to portrait.

Tim

Last edited by atupdate; 08-09-2009 at 03:54 PM.

newarts · 08-09-2009, 05:11 AM

I find a short shooting stick to be very handy. It is an extensible stick with a Y on top. Just support the camera lens with the Y.

A "Derby" style cane handle will work as well.

Dave (usually in Iowa but temporarily in Mn).

Eruditass · 08-09-2009, 01:22 PM

should SR be on or off with a monopod?

chirpy · 08-09-2009, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by Eruditass

should SR be on or off with a monopod?

On. Although using a monopod helps greatly with shake (I always use one), there's still shake and SR still helps.

Arpe · 08-09-2009, 05:16 PM

But read this thread about some types rusting.

brecklundin · 08-10-2009, 03:23 AM

Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist

I've never used a monopod before, do they really make that much of a difference? What situation would they help the most in?

In terms of make, is it as important to get a monopod from a very good manufacturer as a tripod purchase is?

I use a mono-pod often...or I did when i had heavier lenses or am shooting in very low light situations where the shutter speed is not any greater than 1/2 sec. It's hard for me to hold a camera still, even on a monopod longer than that. I also used it on long lenses w/o any form of stabilization before moving to Pentax and the in-body stabilization.

I lucked out and found a nice deal last year on this carbon fiber monopod:

Amazon.com: Vanguard ELITE-CP324 Lightweight Professional Carbon Fiber Monopod: Camera & Photo

I paid something like $79 but that was in late June 2008. Even now when I made this post it's on sale for like $98...a pretty good price for what it is...

Carbon fiber has it's disadvantages but I like the advantages it offers in a monopod...especially the lighter weight. But one con is they can chip or crack if whacked on a rock or something though if they can make golf shafts out of CF then a monopod is a probably gonna last forever with proper care. I did not want metal because of the dent potential...plus, well the CF was the only one I could get shipped the overnight, so I might have rationalized the whole metal thing...hehehehe.

Something to consider is do you want twist locks or flip-lever locks. I am not thrilled with twist locks but feel they do last longer and also have just gotten used to them. When I bought my monopod I simply needed one I could have shipped overnight as I was taking shots at an event in the evening where a tripod would have been impractical or even dangerous to others.

Worth consideration is also the number of sections...not sure why it might matter but more sections can mean better stability/less vibration due to shorter segments, but also most levers/locks to adjust.

Also, I added an inexpensive Bogen tilt-swivel head to it...I obviously never use the swivel part...I mean it's a MONOPOD so swivel is a given there...hehehe...but I do and have found that the tilt nice when ya need it to get more of a down angle than possible otherwise. I found a ball head too twitchy for my tastes...that is a very personal thing and a ball head lets you switch to portrait mode if you do not have a quick-release setup installed as well.

reeftool · 08-10-2009, 10:17 AM

I find my monopods very useful and they work pretty good to help steady the camera. I use a monopod/hiking stick fron Trek Pod. I also have a telescoping one that collapses down short enough to use it from my kayak. I have an inexpensive ball head on mine that I find works perfectly well for my needs.

Gooshin · 08-10-2009, 10:55 AM

monopods most definetly help, even in situations where there is lots of light.

making panning and following much easier.

gives you the most stability without resorting to a tripod, so you are maximizing your equipment.

netuser · 08-10-2009, 02:54 PM

I use monopods for birding and some events

bladerunner0427 · 08-10-2009, 03:48 PM

Yes, monopods do make a difference from my experience. I was at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con and this was my first time with a dslr. For the panels I attended (low light shooting inside a giant ballroom), I used my Sigma 70-300 with a monopod. Did some test shots w/o the monopod and there is noticeable less blur especially at the long end. The Sigma 70-300 is not a fast lens so the monopod helps. Sitting at the panels for hours on end, it's nice to have the camera rest on a monopod rather than dangle from a strap around my neck - cuts down on fatigue. A monopod is also lighter and easier to tote around compared to a tripod.

fccwpe · 08-10-2009, 09:17 PM

Got me a $20 mono off e-bay and it works fine. Best advice was already stated... Make a tripod of yourself and the monopod. It will help reduce the heartbeat shake and the breathing rhythm messing the shot up.

kenyee · 08-11-2009, 10:09 AM

the canon monopod gets fairly good reviews too...comes w/ a ballhead for only $25. Probably the least expensive canon item that's decent ;-)

08-08-2009, 10:11 AM	#1
Scott_the_Artist Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 62	monopods I've never used a monopod before, do they really make that much of a difference? What situation would they help the most in? In terms of make, is it as important to get a monopod from a very good manufacturer as a tripod purchase is?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Monopods	Gene Temple	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	12	02-14-2010 10:29 AM
monopods	dafiryde	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	17	03-22-2009 08:44 AM
Let's talk Monopods....	Ed in GA	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	11	05-02-2008 02:09 PM
monopods	simons-photography	Photographic Technique	21	04-13-2008 12:33 PM
monopods	thePiRaTE!!	Photographic Technique	13	11-15-2007 04:23 AM

08-08-2009, 10:30 AM	#2
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	Scott, Yes, they do make a difference. They are nowhere near as stable as a tripod but are superior to the often shakey human bipod. They can be carried where carrying a tripod would be difficult. They can also be used as a hiking or walking stick. One should try to make a tripod of the monopod and oneself - one monopod and two human legs. They are invaluable if support is needed where a tripod would be impractical such as arenas and stadiums or parades. They may also be allowed where tripods are banned as in museums and art galleries. They should be equipped with a small pan head. Mickey

08-08-2009, 10:47 AM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,867	As I have said on a previous thread, a resounding yes, just depends on what your using and what your trying to achieve. Just take a look around at any of the photags at any major sporting event to see what I mean.

08-08-2009, 11:12 AM	#4
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	A monopod is the only shake reduction system I have for my DS. It is very handy in low light situations where I've had to shoot at speeds slower than 1/focal length. DS, DA 50-200, ISO 1600, f4.5, 138mm. 1/60 sec, monopod DS, DA 50-200, ISO 3200, f6.7, 150mm, 1/30 sec, monopod I bought a Manfrotto 679B monopod with a Slik SBH-120 ball head from B&H. I looked at a Manfrotto 676B (I think that was the model just below the 679) but it flexed too much. I love having a ball head as it is very fast and easy to go from a landscape orientation to portrait. Tim Last edited by atupdate; 08-09-2009 at 03:54 PM.

08-09-2009, 05:11 AM	#5
newarts Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 2,965	I find a short shooting stick to be very handy. It is an extensible stick with a Y on top. Just support the camera lens with the Y. A "Derby" style cane handle will work as well. Dave (usually in Iowa but temporarily in Mn).

08-09-2009, 01:22 PM	#6
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	should SR be on or off with a monopod?

08-09-2009, 01:24 PM	#7
chirpy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: UK, Berkshire Posts: 143	Originally posted by Eruditass should SR be on or off with a monopod? On. Although using a monopod helps greatly with shake (I always use one), there's still shake and SR still helps.

08-09-2009, 05:16 PM	#8
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	But read this thread about some types rusting.

08-10-2009, 03:23 AM	#9
brecklundin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,674	Originally posted by Scott_the_Artist I've never used a monopod before, do they really make that much of a difference? What situation would they help the most in? In terms of make, is it as important to get a monopod from a very good manufacturer as a tripod purchase is? I use a mono-pod often...or I did when i had heavier lenses or am shooting in very low light situations where the shutter speed is not any greater than 1/2 sec. It's hard for me to hold a camera still, even on a monopod longer than that. I also used it on long lenses w/o any form of stabilization before moving to Pentax and the in-body stabilization. I lucked out and found a nice deal last year on this carbon fiber monopod: Amazon.com: Vanguard ELITE-CP324 Lightweight Professional Carbon Fiber Monopod: Camera & Photo I paid something like $79 but that was in late June 2008. Even now when I made this post it's on sale for like $98...a pretty good price for what it is... Carbon fiber has it's disadvantages but I like the advantages it offers in a monopod...especially the lighter weight. But one con is they can chip or crack if whacked on a rock or something though if they can make golf shafts out of CF then a monopod is a probably gonna last forever with proper care. I did not want metal because of the dent potential...plus, well the CF was the only one I could get shipped the overnight, so I might have rationalized the whole metal thing...hehehehe. Something to consider is do you want twist locks or flip-lever locks. I am not thrilled with twist locks but feel they do last longer and also have just gotten used to them. When I bought my monopod I simply needed one I could have shipped overnight as I was taking shots at an event in the evening where a tripod would have been impractical or even dangerous to others. Worth consideration is also the number of sections...not sure why it might matter but more sections can mean better stability/less vibration due to shorter segments, but also most levers/locks to adjust. Also, I added an inexpensive Bogen tilt-swivel head to it...I obviously never use the swivel part...I mean it's a MONOPOD so swivel is a given there...hehehe...but I do and have found that the tilt nice when ya need it to get more of a down angle than possible otherwise. I found a ball head too twitchy for my tastes...that is a very personal thing and a ball head lets you switch to portrait mode if you do not have a quick-release setup installed as well.

08-10-2009, 10:17 AM	#10
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,555	I find my monopods very useful and they work pretty good to help steady the camera. I use a monopod/hiking stick fron Trek Pod. I also have a telescoping one that collapses down short enough to use it from my kayak. I have an inexpensive ball head on mine that I find works perfectly well for my needs.

08-10-2009, 10:55 AM	#11
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	monopods most definetly help, even in situations where there is lots of light. making panning and following much easier. gives you the most stability without resorting to a tripod, so you are maximizing your equipment.

08-10-2009, 02:54 PM	#12
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236	I use monopods for birding and some events

08-10-2009, 03:48 PM	#13
bladerunner0427 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 113	Yes, monopods do make a difference from my experience. I was at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con and this was my first time with a dslr. For the panels I attended (low light shooting inside a giant ballroom), I used my Sigma 70-300 with a monopod. Did some test shots w/o the monopod and there is noticeable less blur especially at the long end. The Sigma 70-300 is not a fast lens so the monopod helps. Sitting at the panels for hours on end, it's nice to have the camera rest on a monopod rather than dangle from a strap around my neck - cuts down on fatigue. A monopod is also lighter and easier to tote around compared to a tripod.

08-10-2009, 09:17 PM	#14
fccwpe Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perris, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 380	Got me a $20 mono off e-bay and it works fine. Best advice was already stated... Make a tripod of yourself and the monopod. It will help reduce the heartbeat shake and the breathing rhythm messing the shot up.

08-11-2009, 10:09 AM	#15
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	the canon monopod gets fairly good reviews too...comes w/ a ballhead for only $25. Probably the least expensive canon item that's decent ;-)