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07/26/2008 01:29:59 PM · #1 |
Ok, I am all excited about my new toys but I am frustrated because the 400mm f/5.6 is so heavy compared to what I am used to and I am totally unaccustomed to using a monopod.
Anyone have any tips and pointers for using a long, heavy lens handheld and with a monopod?
I want to learn how to use these things properly. I have done some google searches but haven't come up with much. I found fairly good monopod info but not on using heavy lenses. |
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07/26/2008 01:35:23 PM · #2 |
send them both to me..immediately.
:D
I wish I had your problem.. |
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07/26/2008 01:41:31 PM · #3 |
| Interested to see some informed replies. To be honest, I find a monopod to be next to worthless and I haven't used mine in the longest time. While it can be a hassle lugging around the tripod, it's a hassle worth dealing with in my experience. |
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07/26/2008 01:47:11 PM · #4 |
Eat your Wheaties then get to a gym and workout with the weights. You need some muscle to lug that thing around. :)
I'm sorry I can't offer a real advice. My biggest lens is a 70-200mm and I've never used a monopod. But I'm sure that someone here will have some good advice for you.
Enjoy your big lens and the nice muscles you'll soon have!
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07/26/2008 01:49:50 PM · #5 |
I use a monopod for sports all the time. Just attach the monopod to the attachment that is on the lens (do NOT connect the monopod to the camera itself) and you'll find that the lens is pretty well balanced.
Monopods are good for horizontal movement (like sports). Not so good for anything vertical.
Not sure what else to tell you ... would love to have that lens. Would love even more to have the 400mm 2.8L instead! :-)
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07/26/2008 01:53:13 PM · #6 |
which monopod are you using?
I have an el cheapo tripod..but it is beast to carry around... |
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07/26/2008 01:59:47 PM · #7 |
I found this link...it gives a couple tips on foot positioning.
Edit - I didn't add the link LOL
Message edited by author 2008-07-26 14:00:40. |
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07/26/2008 02:02:55 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by egamble:
which monopod are you using?
I have an el cheapo tripod..but it is beast to carry around... |
I have a Bogen 680B monopod with this Bogen 486RC2 head. My tripod is very similar to the monopod but with a Bogen 488RC4 head (and 3 legs of course).
I noticed that horizontal movement was great with the monopod but when I needed to move vertically I couldn't do it very easily. |
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07/26/2008 02:03:51 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
Would love even more to have the 400mm 2.8L instead! :-) |
You and me both! It's the ultimate lens for shooting many sports.
Since I'm wishing I might as well wish for a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM Lens and a Wimberley Gimbal Tripod Head too. I'll buy one of these as soon as I can talk my wife into it. :)
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07/26/2008 02:05:07 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by DarkRider:
I found this link...it gives a couple tips on foot positioning.
Edit - I didn't add the link LOL |
Yeah, that is what I was reading on monopod use...very good info I think.
I guess I need to just work out with my lens to get the muscle. My arms were so tired after going shooting and hiking for a couple hours yesterday. I love the reach on this lens but the weight is hard on me when I go hiking with it. |
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07/26/2008 02:22:08 PM · #11 |
If your doing some hand held shots...wrap your camera strap around your shoulder (I use my left shoulder) and twist a little to make some tension. This really helps add some stability. I keep my left foot back right foot forward plant your feet and bend your knees a bit. Good balance will really help. A lower COG is always more stable. And not just for the big lenses too. Try it with a 50mm low light you should see a difference!
Keeping your arm muscles relaxed will help reduce shake and your arms won't get as tired so fast. Breathing techniques for rifle shooting also help.
Also try using the monopod while on one/both knee(s). Adds a different perspective and even more stability. |
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07/26/2008 02:39:03 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Mick:
Originally posted by dwterry:
Would love even more to have the 400mm 2.8L instead! :-) |
You and me both! It's the ultimate lens for shooting many sports.
...
I'll buy one of these as soon as I can talk my wife into it. :) |
You know, the list price is $11,000 and Amazon is selling it for ONLY $6,500 ... you SAVE a whopping $4,500. Just wait until I tell my wife how I saved $4,500 today. She'll be *so* impressed!!! How could she NOT love me for that?!?
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07/26/2008 02:41:32 PM · #13 |
| brace yourself any way you can!! use mode 2 on is if it has it- if you have ever shot a rifle think of your shot like that use your center focus point and try to keep it perfect on your target!! oh and have fun!!! |
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07/26/2008 02:50:52 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
Originally posted by Mick:
Originally posted by dwterry:
Would love even more to have the 400mm 2.8L instead! :-) |
You and me both! It's the ultimate lens for shooting many sports.
...
I'll buy one of these as soon as I can talk my wife into it. :) |
You know, the list price is $11,000 and Amazon is selling it for ONLY $6,500 ... you SAVE a whopping $4,500. Just wait until I tell my wife how I saved $4,500 today. She'll be *so* impressed!!! How could she NOT love me for that?!? |
What a great idea! I'm sure she will be ecstatic that you saved so much. :D
Too bad I can't use that with the 800mm lens. It's like $12,000 everywhere that I've looked. :(
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07/26/2008 02:53:25 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by rider:
brace yourself any way you can!! use mode 2 on is if it has it- if you have ever shot a rifle think of your shot like that use your center focus point and try to keep it perfect on your target!! oh and have fun!!! |
Lets you get that KILLer shot! |
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07/26/2008 03:02:59 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by DarkRider:
Originally posted by rider:
brace yourself any way you can!! use mode 2 on is if it has it- if you have ever shot a rifle think of your shot like that use your center focus point and try to keep it perfect on your target!! oh and have fun!!! |
Lets you get that KILLer shot! |
Funny, I was thinking about my breathing technique for shooting guns when I was out with my camera yesterday.
BTW, I was so busy looking up in the trees and the sky that I nearly stepped on a 6ft RATTLESNAKE crossing the trail! I yelled $h!t when the snake and I met each other's eyes and he slithered very quickly in the brush. I was too startled to use my camera and with the 11ft minimum focusing distance on the 400mm I couldn't have gotten a shot of him anyway. I was damn near on top of him. |
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07/26/2008 03:13:59 PM · #17 |
I got lucky, I have a German made collapsable tripod that is light weight, and I can manage to stuff it in my back pocket for transport. (You wouldn't want to sit with it though.) Brand name is Ising. Collapsed down it is less than 11" tall. Extended it is about 4'.
It was a gift from my uncle to my parents over 50 years ago. Still in very nice shape. It is not as stable as the modern big tripods with all their bracing. It is a tripod and not much more. But for times when I am moving from spot to spot, it is just the ticket.
There are a couple floating around on the internet.
One on eBay... //tinyurl.com/5znzmk
One from a dealer... //tinyurl.com/6mvmwp
Not affiliated with either. Mine has aluminum legs with stainless ends.
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07/26/2008 03:23:19 PM · #18 |
How to use a monopod
Search our forums too, lots of monopod threads to choose from.
Message edited by author 2008-07-26 15:24:35.
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