Monopod... Do you use one?

[mommamiax3]

I am thinking it would be a good piece of equipment to have when shooting certain photos, I can't always use a tripod. Thought this might be easier to work with, does anyone here use one? If so what do you recommend? I appreciate the input :)


Thanks,
Ange

[john227]

Hi Ange.
I have a Bogen monopod and I really like it for action photos. It doesn't have a head on it, just screws into the camera. This makes it impossible to turn the camera on end. I recently got a Vanguard tripod with a new head but have yet to put the head on the monopod. Unfortunately, Vanguard does not sell the heads seperately, but I'll make it work.
I do love the use of the monopod in those quick situations.
Hope this helps.
John

[Grant]

Ange

I have a A Manfrotto 681B with a 486RC2 head on it and I wouldn't be with out it. It has saved my bacon many time and infact I use it more than my tripod.

--

[BonzoDog]

I have a good solid Manfrotto. Rarely used it. Since getting my D80, never used it. The point being that with the Auto ISO adjsutment it is judt not necessary and I can handle almost any situation.

[jo]

I have one that I don't use because it doesn't help me. I weave back and forth too much when I "stand still". The tripod is a better choice for me -- and image stabilized lenses.

[Chuck S.]

Bonzo, are you satisfied with the Auto ISO adjustment feature? I haven't used it on my one camera that has it because I fear that the ISO will go so high that the image will be noisy. I guess it depends on the lighting situation....

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Chuck

[mommamiax3]

Hey guys :)

Thanks for all your input, I think I'm going to buy one. I shoot with a Cannon S2 IS, and it has a great image stabilization feature. But there are some shots that I really need the added assistance. I would like to become proficient in macro, and also shooting birds (hmm that could go a couple of ways) LOL!

Again thanks for the help, I'm watching a Manfrotto on e-bay now.

Ange

[Chuck S.]

It doesn't have a head on it, just screws into the camera. This makes it impossible to turn the camera on end
Mine (Bogen 3016) has a head on it (Bogen 3009) but the head is pretty small and not very useful. I may have to try something a little more flexible like Grant's using - if it will fit on the monopod. Off to do some research...annoying that the Manfrotto monopods and tripods are sold in the US under the Bogen name with a whole different numbering system!

Chuck

[Chuck S.]

Research concluded. 486 RC2 is the right alternative. Thanks Grant!

Chuck

[mom to 4]

I have one, and I love it! I never thought I would use one, NEVER thought I would actually like it, but thought I would try it. I just bought a cheap on at Walmart for about 10 or 15 bucks just to see if I liked it. I really just used it during football season, and it was terrific! It was a huge help. I don't use it during basketball at all, but it works fine for what I need.

[lowbone]

A monopod will help in certain situations but it is no substitue for a tripod. You will see allot of sports photographers on the sidelines with long lenses and monopods but they are using them mainly for mobility and to hold up very heavy lenses for long periods of time. If you want sharp photos use a tripod.

[John L Gray]

My Gitzo monopod goes with me all the time. Have had mine for years and its keeps on ticking. I setup my monopod with a "Really Right Stuff" quick release clamp. My camera's and large lens have base plates which work very well with the quick attachment to the monopod.

The key to any monopod is a good extension lock system. I've tried several pods out in the past that don't stayed locked and collapse.

Recently I added a level to my monopod and it works really very well.


Good luck in your search.

John

[NMarti]

I have a Giottos 5580 with the Bogen 3265 Joystick head and I love the head. It is so fast and easy to maneuver. One thing I like about the monopod model I have is the bottom opens up and there are three "feet" that come out that you attach to the bottom to create a quick tripod. They are a bit of an effort to attach but it has come in handy a couple of times.

[Grant]

Research concluded. 486 RC2 is the right alternative. Thanks Grant!

Chuck


Chuck the logic in picking the head was a bit bizarre and very personal to my need. Ok, now id the time, every one take your bazarre shots at me.

I chose the head fist because a ball head seemed to make sense. Second it accepts the same base plates as the rest of my equipment. Finally there was one cheaper and lighter one that probably would have worked well but for only $10 more this one was such a bargain.

--

[Grant]

A monopod will help in certain situations but it is no substitue for a tripod.


This is certainly true. Some of the advantages of a monopod over a tripod are, the are more portable, faster to use, cheaper and can be use in places where tripod can't (museums and art galleries).

Tripods handle well will give two full to stops advantage over hand held. Where a tripod will give you three stop (I can see a war coming with that remark):D

--

[Grant]

When using a monopod there are many advantages of stepping out of the box. Most of use seem to receive our monopod education by watching NFL photographers on CNN. The stand bolt up right and swivel. Not only does my monopod do that but it also does crazy Monopod tricks. I wedge it between rung of a fence, branched of a tree, or just about anything and lock it into place with a slight pressure. I will place i horizontly on the ground tilting the head up and laying on the shaft to get those very very low shots of mushrooms and ground flowers. Oh yes It does stand up right and swivel.

--

[BonzoDog]

Bonzo, are you satisfied with the Auto ISO adjustment feature? I haven't used it on my one camera that has it because I fear that the ISO will go so high that the image will be noisy. I guess it depends on the lighting situation....

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Chuck

I was highly skeptical as I have always been a 100 ASA man. I set it up based on Ken Rockwell s recommendation and then forgot about it. I was wondering why so many shots in dull light seemed to be working and then I remembered it. It seems to go down as low as one thirtieth to one fiftieth and if the light calls for it to go lower it ups the ISO instead. Last week I took some shots just after dusk in a lightly lit area. You could see the grain fairly easily with a hard look at full screen but that was when the light was really low. In a school hall or ordinarily lit room, it is fine.
It is an impressive feature. My only concern is that as I was brought up with F stops, depth of field and so on, am I going to forget it. On the other hand I am excited by the opportunities digital is opening up.

[BonzoDog]

Bonzo, are you satisfied with the Auto ISO adjustment feature? I haven't used it on my one camera that has it because I fear that the ISO will go so high that the image will be noisy. I guess it depends on the lighting situation....

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Chuck

One more item I just remembered. I always look for somewhere to rest the camera or me, typically a wall or post but it could be a car roof or tree. If it is upright I press the camera against it and hope. 50% of the time it works.

[NMarti]

I wedge it between rung of a fence, branched of a tree, or just about anything and lock it into place with a slight pressure. --

Grant
I have a small bungee cord attached to my bag and when I need to wedge the monopod I use the cord to twist around it and attach to fence or tree or whatever to make sure it stays secure. I've even used it to suspend it at extreme angeles by bracing the bottom of the monopod against something and then using the cord to hook the top from the camera mount to a nail in a post or a fence or a branch. Just takes a couple of seconds and I sure feel better about it not falling.

[Byron Gale]

Bonzo, are you satisfied with the Auto ISO adjustment feature?...Chuck,

I have read the Ken Rockwell guide to which BonzoDog refers. He indicates that you can select a shutter speed threshold. The Auto ISO will maintain 100 until your shutter goes slower than your threshold, and then will begin to select higher ISO settings.

For completeness, HERE (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d80/users-guide/menus-custom.htm#07) is the info.

That remains ahead of me on my learning curve with the D80.

Byron

[virgo1]

Thanks Nancy for the bungee cord idea. I have the same monopod as you with the 3 feet. A bungee or two would be a great help, like an extra hand.
Eva;);)

[Chuck S.]

The Auto ISO will maintain 100 until your shutter goes slower than your threshold, and then will begin to select higher ISO settings

Byron: Alas, that's a feature (and a very good one) that Nikon has but Canon doesn't. IF I had a Nikon, I would certainly try that feature!

:) :(

Chuck

[bwolford]

I now use my monopod more than my tripod.

Brice