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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Monopods
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 06/16/2005 08:51:41 AM · #1
I always hear about tripods, and their obvious benefit, but no one ever mentions a monopod. At all the auto race I've ever been to every photog has a monopod with a big lens attached. This is under much higher shutter speeds, but how deos a monopod stack up for everyday photography, or low light, when the shutter speeds get slower. Does anyone use one?
 06/16/2005 08:59:56 AM · #2
I have a monopod and use it on occasion, particularly when I know space will be limited and a tripod will get in the way. Monopods can hold your vertical steady but you have to be careful with strong wind - you still have to steady for the horizontal plane. It also makes long days with heavy lenses easier on your hands, arms, and shoulders.

hope that helps!
d
 06/16/2005 09:00:58 AM · #3
I have both in my collection of equipment. I find the monopod is very flexable. Easy to carry, setup and move when setup. That is probably why the sports photographers use them. It is almost like not having anything at all. It is not as stable with only one leg. I find outdoors the extra mobility makes up for it.
06/16/2005 09:03:44 AM · #4
A lot of sports photog's will likely use monopods because the lenses pretty heavy, not to mention the extra steadiness at 400-600mm.
 06/16/2005 09:05:55 AM · #5
I have two monopods and a tripod. If I am set to stay in one place, eg, bird photography by a lake, I use the tripod. If I am on the move, I use the monopods.

Be careful with the type of monopod you get tho, I have a Bilora, good and sturdy, but it has twist grips for the sections. These lock really well when you have two hands free. If you want to raise or lower the sections with the camera mounted, the sections tend to turn as grips lock on, so your monopod can close up. I find the snap grips better, as they can be worked one handed.

Steve
 06/16/2005 09:49:26 AM · #6
A mono-pod with an IS lens makes for a nice pairing. No, it's not as good as a tripod. (Would you want to walk around with one leg?) But it's much better than hand-held.

A monopod eliminates the "y" axis (up & down) and adds a pivot to help limit the movement on the "x" & "z" axis (side to side & front to back). A tripod eliminates all movement on an axis.

However, you are looking at about 5x the weight and bulkiness. The monopod lets you travel light and still manage to stabilize your shots. I'd say that a monopod with an IS will achieve half the stability of a tripod. Wind is a big factor, but I've noticed that even on a tripod wind can be a big factor unless you have a heavy-duty tripod.
 06/16/2005 10:00:12 AM · #7
I have a Monopod....after DrJones showed up at a shoot with one....and I've never used it...NEVER! it's never at the right height. and to top off my anger..... DrJones told me recently that he never uses his either!!!

I'm the type that needs to keep up with the jone's....
 06/16/2005 10:05:24 AM · #8
i have a monopod, and have used it more than I thought I would. It's nice for stabilizing lol also as a walking stick when I'm goign up hills or on rocky unstable areas... and its lighter than the tripod
06/16/2005 11:31:08 AM · #9
I got real close yesterday to buying one. I will probably be my next purchase. I hope i use it alot...

Instead i got an Op/Tech Pro strap with quick release, and Op/Tech Grip Strap (it can be used with a neck strap) and a memory/battery wallet.

A real strap should be a nice thing.

Sorry for rambling, but hey, you folks understand. My wife and kids are like "a new strap - how nice..." and walk away shaking their heads.
 06/16/2005 11:38:28 AM · #10
Are there maybe monopods with a retractable spike inside? Would be good in nature photography where you can just stick the monopod in the ground. Would take care of the wobble factor

Just a thought..
 06/16/2005 11:38:56 AM · #11
I have a monopod I usually use at places where I'll be moving around a lot but as mentioned you really have to watch your horizonal plane. I find that very difficult when viewing through the LCD instead of the eyepiece. When using the eyepiece the camera is on your face and helps you steady it better.


06/16/2005 11:40:32 AM · #12
My second monopod, not the Bilora, is a 7dayshop.com special for £10.99, and it has the adjustable rubber foot with spike inside. The 7day is a cracking monopod and worth that small amount of money!

And, I ain't getting a discount for advertising.

Steve
 06/16/2005 11:46:26 AM · #13
I love using the monopod. Right now mine is somewhere in one of a 1000 boxes in storage and I wish I knew which one. It's perfect for quick shoots, crowded streets or tight areas. Won't replace a tripod 100% of the time.
Must be what you get used too.
 06/16/2005 11:47:15 AM · #14
THere is this article on how to use a monopod - as in using your body and legs to brace/stabilize it.
 06/16/2005 11:56:57 AM · #15
Originally posted by sabphoto:
I have a monopod I usually use at places where I'll be moving around a lot but as mentioned you really have to watch your horizonal plane. I find that very difficult when viewing through the LCD instead of the eyepiece. When using the eyepiece the camera is on your face and helps you steady it better.

Using a tripod head can eliminate the horizontal plane problem. I use a RC322 grip head and love it.
 06/16/2005 11:58:04 AM · #16
"it's never at the right height."
[[[ My monopod is easily adjustable. I've even adjusted it so I could be on my knees for shooting macros of plants.]]]

"Are there maybe monopods with a retractable spike inside?"
[[[Yes, Bogen/Manfrotto monopods come in variations with both a spike and "three-extending stabilizer legs"]]]

A key to using a monopod (if you don't have an adjustable head) is taking the time to adjust it's height properly. ie: if I am shooting a plane in the sky than I raise the height of the monopod so that I can tilt it upwards. If I am shooting flowers on the ground - then I lower the height so I can shoot downwards.

- The Saj

Message edited by author 2005-06-16 12:00:21.
 06/16/2005 09:33:34 PM · #17
Originally posted by coolhar:
Originally posted by sabphoto:
I have a monopod I usually use at places where I'll be moving around a lot but as mentioned you really have to watch your horizonal plane. I find that very difficult when viewing through the LCD instead of the eyepiece. When using the eyepiece the camera is on your face and helps you steady it better.

Using a tripod head can eliminate the horizontal plane problem. I use a RC322 grip head and love it.


Thanks for the tip, I have often wanted some way to tilt the camera while using the monopod but never knew what worked best. Anyone use those ball mounts? that looks best but can't really offord it yet.
 06/16/2005 10:09:02 PM · #18
Originally posted by sabphoto:

Thanks for the tip, I have often wanted some way to tilt the camera while using the monopod but never knew what worked best. Anyone use those ball mounts? that looks best but can't really offord it yet.

I have a ballhead (shared between tripod and monopod).
The tripod is great at home or when the car is nearby, but I never carry it around.
The monopod is nowhere near as awkward and yet it helps a LOT to keep away the shakes.
The ballhead is not the best solution for panoramas, but even that is do-able. For the rest of it, I like it a lot.
One twist of the wrist and the camera can be moved ANY which way, including into upright/portrait position.
 06/16/2005 11:41:32 PM · #19
I've got a 322RC2 grip head, a tripod and a monopod on the way, and for what itr's worth, my plan is similar to what others have posted here: interchange the head on the tri and mono, use the tri wherever possible, for the rest of the time, the mono will I'm sure come in handy.
 06/16/2005 11:56:01 PM · #20
I take my monopod while riding my bike in the country. When your heart rate is up, it sure helps steady you hands. I take the tripod when I'm going to be stationary for a longer time.

Message edited by author 2005-06-16 23:59:13.
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