Mono Pods?

[CanadianMe]

Who hear owns one and how do you find them, I tried a couple the other day and just felt odd. Maybe I need to look at the different ones but for the money do you find them worth while? And if you have one what brand do you have and how well do the work? I do mostly urban photography but I still head into the wilds on Northern Ontario would it be worth the investment?

Thanks again all for all the info I received from here, so very much appreciated.

 

[ann]

I have several monopods and about 4 tripods. I use the monopods frequently i really like them.

this is my favorite

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/powerReviews.jsp?sku=5523&is=REG

as it has a quick release for the legs and i don't have to use the individual release points,.

remember you will also need to buy a specific head type

 

[lifeafter2am]

I use mine all the time for sports shooting. Not only does it stabilize the shot, but you also don't have to support a huge lens and camera the whole time. Mine is a Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2.

 

[timyuan]

I use mine all the time for sports shooting. Not only does it stabilize the shot, but you also don't have to support a huge lens and camera the whole time. Mine is a Gitzo Mountaineer Series 2.

it is useful indeed. mine is manfrotto, good quality. around $70

 

[Chibamonkey]

I used one years ago when I was doing a lot of backpacking, and loved it.

Started using walking sticks (think multipurpose offroad monopod) w/ Y-attachments for handgun hunting several years ago, and just bought a new Leki Sierra AS for both handgun hunting and photography.

http://www.leki.com/Trekking/products.aspx?prodid=44

This model is little short for a camera, but works well for handguns. It is also extremely rugged, lightweight, and easy to operate.

The stability that you get for the size, weight, and portablility of a monopod or a walking stick is well worth it.

 

[CanadianMe]

Great thanks, I guess I just need to look and see which ones like and get a decent head. I have decided to get a 400mm or 500mm lens so I don't think it is much of an option now.


Ok one more thing, sorry about the million questions but I sort of would like to go with something along this type with the 3 feet at the bottom any pros or cons these types, do they work well in both urban and Bush ? Or am I giving up something with this type for shooting in the bush?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/powerReviews.jsp?sku=5492&is=REG

 

[Heck]

This is the one I got and I use it all the time for helping taking the weight of a 70 - 200 2.8 lens


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/353309-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__679B_Monopod_Black_with.html

 

[Chibamonkey]

Ok one more thing, sorry about the million questions but I sort of would like to go with something along this type with the 3 feet at the bottom any pros or cons these types, do they work well in both urban and Bush ? Or am I giving up something with this type for shooting in the bush?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/powerReviews.jsp?sku=5492&is=REG

My question is just how far and rugged do you plan on getting out into? A thing to remember is if you are going any distance, you are going to have to carry it in and out. Is it going to be portable enough to let you do this? Another question would be if you are going to have a relatively flat area to set it up on? To me, it appears that what you are looking at would have to be set up on a relatively flat area, and will be considerably top heavy with little lateral support to keep it from tipping unless you are constantly holding it. Personally, I would stick with a straight monopod. Less hassle.

 

[CanadianMe]

Thats what I wanted to know, not what I want, was not sure if the legs folded up and had a cap to turn into a true monopod. Will go with the regular one then, Thanks. Why I ask all these questions, when I am not sure just ask.

 

[Chibamonkey]

From the picture on the website, it appears that the legs fold up, and you deploy the legs when you want them.

You will be surprised how much stability you can get from a monopod.

After surfing a little bit, I found an accesssory set of legs made by Bogen that mounts on any of their monopods. If you get a monopod, then decide you need more stability, you could purchase at that time.

I think that you will be surprised how much they help w/o any additional support.

No matter what, good luck.

 

[CanadianMe]

Great thanks, I love options. More to consider, I like your set up. Leaning that way.

 

[selmerdave]

I have the Bogen monopod with the tripod legs. The tripod legs are a poor substitute for a real tripod, but if it isn't windy and you can be gentle enough not to disturb the camera when shooting, it basically does the trick. I have found it quite useful, normally as a monopod of course.

Dave

 

[SommarShade]

Hey,

I have zero expirience on monopods, but tons on tripods, I have a question.

Sometimes I like to walk around not far form where I live and shoot handheld, but I also dont like to shoot everything at 1.8 with a shutter of 15. they dont always come out well. Its a different type of pic, not a long exposure, but more of a ambient / spontaneous shot.

Im just curious will a monopod allow me to get say, a 50th/70th over a 15th ? in the same situation ?

that way I can go to like 2.4 or 2.8 on my 50mm with a 30th shutter and get better sharpness and make sure there will be no blur issues.

I cant just take take the tripod everywhere. and the shots are a lot less spontaneous since it takes like 45 seconds to set up for each shot.

I'm guessing the monopod would be like 5 seconds....


If only they made a tripod that the legs sprung out when you pressed a button and you didnt have to fiddle with collapsing them either. or adjusting the head heigth on top, it could all be part of the legs. combines with a ball head this would be killer for night shooters. alas I think soemone makes one, but its like 1K or something

 

[JerryPH]

I have one and it is nice for the D200 and 70-200 F/2.8 VR lens combination. My hands would be falling off after 3 hours of shooting without it... a monopod is also something that is allowed in places like many museums where tripods are not.

 

[lifeafter2am]

I have one and it is nice for the D200 and 70-200 F/2.8 VR lens combination. My hands would be falling off after 3 hours of shooting without it... a monopod is also something that is allowed in places like many museums where tripods are not.

I think thats a good point too. There are a few places around here that are like that as well.