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07/05/2008 11:48:11 PM · #1 |
To make a long story short...I when to shoot the fireworks the other night. My wife and I got there what I thought was early and took the last parking space. Found a great spot and started to set-up my gear. I go to put my D300 on my tripod and then realize I took the batter grip off to save some space in a smaller bag and left the quick connect plate at home on the grip...(r4p...first time.
So I go to the camera shop to pickup 2 extra connector plates. Ended up walking out with a new Manafrotto 681 Monopod and a 486RC2 ballhead and they threw in an extra plate too FREE!
THIS THING IN AWESOME!!! It is so tight, and smooth. When I was in the store I was playing with all the models on display. It was the only one that I COULD NOT get to collapse pushing down on it. I then tried lifting it up and tapping the ground with it. IT DID NOT BUDGE A mm. My sales guy said hit it harder and I picked it up 3 feet and stabbed it into the ground STILL DIDN’T BUDGE!!!AWESOME... It was also the only one of the bunch that you could adjust the height up and the tip stayed on the floor all the others I had to use my toe to extend them.
I cannot say how much I am impressed with the quality of this product. It is light (1.7 lbs) not ultalight, sooo smooooth, very quick to adjust just two clips, and will hold 26 lbs. It’s not super compact but for how fast it adjusts that’s so worth it to me. The ball head is simple with a great range of motion. It has one thumb lock to control and does not require much pressure to lock. The lock is even spring loaded so you can pull it out and adjust its locking position. It adds 1 lbs of solid steel construction to the total setup and can hold 13.2 lbs of gear. That’s more then enough considering you’re not going to take both hands off the camera at any one time. (I hope I remember that...LOL)
Sorry this is getting so long I'm just so excited about my new gear. I highly recommend looking into this setup if you are in the market for a monopod.
Thanks Scott
PS I already had the Manafrotto 190CL tripod with 141RC head and it kicks A5$ too!
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07/05/2008 11:55:44 PM · #2 |
Congratulations...It is always great to hear feedback from others on equipment.
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07/06/2008 12:20:53 AM · #3 |
I am happy that you found a piece of gear that suits your style. I shot the fireworks here with a monopod last night, and it's one of the items that is never left behind when I go anywhere with my camera.
The Giottos MM 5580 is the model that I have, and it has allowed me to get a lot of shooting angles that I would not be able to shoot any other way.By using the monopod and self timer I can put the camera over and around things and shoot. If you look in my portfolio, you will see some of the results.
The 5580 also has 3, 16 inch screw in legs stored inside the bottom tube which make it into a low tripod by putting 2 of them at the head end, or a taller one by screwing 3 into the sides of the foot. I use it with one of the legs at the top and brace that with my neck or arm when shooting with it. It gives great stability that way for telephoto or macro shooting on the move. When shooting tele shots from my work truck, I put the main leg on the passenger side window sill and it makes it possible to shoot 300mm at 1/90 sec.
I have used it as a rock climbing stick in the Rio Grande Gorge, and here in the swamp it makes a handy poke stick for keeping the gators out from underfoot. I can't say enough about how convenient and useful it is.
eta Try hooking the monopod foot in your belt, and panning with something like a flying bird. You will be surprised how smoothly you can turn by using your hips and back for the motion.
Message edited by author 2008-07-06 00:32:08.
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07/06/2008 12:48:02 AM · #4 |
| I have the same monopod.. and I agree it is quite nice. =) |
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07/06/2008 01:08:12 AM · #5 |
| Okay, gonna show my newbiness here--what are monopods good for--what can they do that tripods can't--and for that matter, how can they stay still enough to be useful? |
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07/06/2008 01:11:08 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by zackdezon:
Okay, gonna show my newbiness here--what are monopods good for--what can they do that tripods can't--and for that matter, how can they stay still enough to be useful? |
1 - Good to use as a walking stick in bush, rocks etc, until you need to use it to assist stabilizing your camera.
2 - Good for use at sporting events....especially when using weighty lenses.
3 - Good for use in winds...even when there is good light.
4 - Good for use in crowds at stadiums for example, where there is not enough room for a tripod.
Do you get the drift?
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07/06/2008 01:15:18 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by zackdezon:
Okay, gonna show my newbiness here--what are monopods good for--what can they do that tripods can't--and for that matter, how can they stay still enough to be useful? |
Tripods are uniquely superior than a monopod, but, again monopods have a unique quality about them when needing a platform to steady the camera when on the go.
You see a lot of sports and nature photogs using a monopod because of the dynamics of the field, and usually the long lens attached to the camera body.
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07/06/2008 01:35:21 AM · #8 |
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07/06/2008 02:16:00 AM · #9 |
Judi forgot two:
5 - A whoop-ass stick.
6 - Something to use if Darth Vader sneaks up on you.
Message edited by author 2008-07-06 02:58:50. |
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07/06/2008 07:36:43 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Brad:
Judi forgot two:
5 - A whoop-ass stick.
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What do you think I use when my whip breaks???
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07/06/2008 07:40:48 AM · #11 |
I don't wanna know.....
;) |
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07/06/2008 08:48:55 AM · #12 |
Hi Brad!
(That is all - just wanted to say hi.) |
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07/06/2008 10:45:20 AM · #13 |
Thanks everyone for some cool tips.
Judi - your way too funny!
Waddy – great tips thx, and you have some great pics too
Brad – congrats on your new mono too (I think I seen it last night before you edited)
Just wanted to add it’s a great POKING stick too. Last night I poked the Cat, both Dogs and my Wife. I just know someone’s gona turn this dirty!
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07/06/2008 01:00:09 PM · #14 |
Hey where did you pick that stuff up at. Im in Barrie and would like to know where you got that kick ass deal.
Thx
Maybe we can hook up one day and shoot if you like and if time permits.
Leo |
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07/06/2008 01:14:35 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by DarkRider:
Just wanted to add it’s a great POKING stick too. Last night I poked the Cat, both Dogs and my Wife. I just know someone’s gona turn this dirty! |
Looks like you did that yourself :P |
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07/06/2008 02:29:46 PM · #16 |
| You are making me want to spend some more money!! The tripod is a pain to haul around sometimes. |
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07/06/2008 04:18:45 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by LVicari:
Hey where did you pick that stuff up at. Im in Barrie and would like to know where you got that kick ass deal.
Thx
Maybe we can hook up one day and shoot if you like and if time permits.
Leo |
I get 90% of my gear at Henrys in Ancaster (just outside Hamilton). I'm not sure if it was a "kick ass deal" or not, but I paid $175.44 for the setup.
I'll keep a GTG in mind. My wife is from Midland and here parents are still there so I am up that way ever now and then.  Quigley was looking for photo buddies not too long ago and he is in Orillia try and PM him. And I will let you know if im heading out that way too.
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07/07/2008 03:01:27 AM · #18 |
| Hey Scott, I have the same Mono and you're right it is friggin amazing. When you bought yours did it come with a little plastic ring thingy that has a wierd looking allen head pattern on it? If so DON'T lose it. I tossed mine thinking it was some sort of shipping and packing thing and it turns out it's for adjusting the tension of your clamps. DUH!!! Good thing I have a friend at Calumet. They hooked me up with a spare. |
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07/07/2008 08:36:25 AM · #19 |
Perfect payback on using my new monopod:
iso1600, 1/50sec (no IS), focal length 500mm!
Then use it with the self-timer or remote and get way up there for the shot:
That was WAR - 40yrs later and still jammin! |
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07/07/2008 08:39:36 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by Brad:
Perfect payback on using my new monopod:
iso1600, 1/50sec (no IS), focal length 500mm!
Then use it with the self-timer or remote and get way up there for the shot:
That was WAR - 40yrs later and still jammin! |
very good cuz, (i fink the reason u use the monopod is cuz you're short.. :) |
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07/07/2008 08:44:47 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by goodman:
(i fink the reason u use the monopod is cuz you're short.. :) |
Nope. Was 1/3 the price of that 3-legged version. I'm cheap. *laffing* |
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07/07/2008 09:31:28 AM · #22 |
High angle:
Panning with monopod hooked in belt:
Getting the "How did you do that?" shot:
 Poke stick:
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