monopod - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

12/26/2003 12:25:23 AM · #1

hey, has anyone tried this monopod before, it looks pretty good, vanguard mp-15. Im 5'10" and only 14, so im on a limited budget, yet i want a monopod thats as tall as i can get it. It also has a quick release shoe, and flip levers. Has anyone used this ? Good? Bad? Do you have any other suggestions for monopods?

sonnyh

Canon EOS-7D

12/26/2003 03:01:28 PM · #2

I bought a Bogin monopod because I didn't want to lug around a tripod all the time but I found the monopod almost useless except in very limited circumstances. Don't forget that the monopod has to be held straight and steady by you. I put the monopod to rest and instead just bought a bag for my tripod that would swing over my shoulder. Cost of monopod - $79.00 -- cost of bag $29.00 -- happiness -- priceless!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/26/2003 03:11:13 PM · #3

i do a lot of sports photography, especially hockey, and sometimes i shoot in penalty boxes with limited light, and cannot bring a tripod in there.

Glen King

Nikon Coolpix 3100

12/28/2003 07:17:35 PM · #4

I have a monopod that I use when I'm going to be moving around a lot. Mainly on trips to the zoo or taking pictures at games. Sonnyh is right, you have to be aware of the position and stability of the monopod.
p.s. Mine is called a POLECAT and was about $40 online.

Message edited by author 2003-12-28 19:18:18.

Jason

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

12/28/2003 08:07:24 PM · #5

Long ago... I bought a Bogen 3249 monopod and mounted a 3229 head to it. Very happy with it. Makes a good wacking stick too... err a walking stick. :)

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/28/2003 09:24:11 PM · #6

jason, out of curiosity, i see this monopod is somewhere around 5 feet, i am 5'10" and only 14, and im not done growing. I want something that will be good in the future as well. Is it really necessary to have a tripod your height? I see most monopods dont tower over 63 inches.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

12/28/2003 09:47:59 PM · #7

Originally posted by scab-lab:

I never used one of these, but they look interesting enough to try.

String Tripod

ahaze

12/28/2003 10:33:24 PM · #8

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by scab-lab:
I never used one of these, but they look interesting enough to try.

String Tripod

So just by having the camera (basically) tethered to your foot steadies it? I would think movement in your hands and shake from shutter release would still be factors.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

12/28/2003 10:38:11 PM · #9

If you are pulling upwards you get some steadying effect. I think if you have your elbows braced so the tension is the same on the left and the right, you'd minimize the true "shake" effect quite a bit. It's cheap enough to try out; you can just make a complete loop of string over the camera to try and get a feel for it. I've never made one myself, just remembered that it has been referenced ...

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

12/28/2003 10:40:30 PM · #10

Originally posted by ahaze:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by scab-lab:
I never used one of these, but they look interesting enough to try.

String Tripod

So just by having the camera (basically) tethered to your foot steadies it? I would think movement in your hands and shake from shutter release would still be factors.

It does work; think about steadying a camera a against a stationary object; it works the same way. Not as well, mind you, but good enough to get that extra couple stops, which is often all you need. And takes up very little space.
Main disadvantage is it gets dirty, and then you don't want to put back in your bag & contaminate your gear. A good thick ziplock bag helps with that, and keeping it in an outside compartment.

Jason

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/28/2003 11:18:21 PM · #11

When considering monopods and measuring against your own height... keep in mind that the monopod only has to get the camera to eye level. So between the height of the camera and possibly some sort of head on it, this may open your range back up again when consider which is best for you.

12/28/2003 11:28:23 PM · #12

good point. I use the sony f717 and the EVF is probably a good 2 inches off from the base of the camera, although it would still be too short on the monopod you purchased. I think im gonna keep looking for a taller one than yours because im on a limited budget and cant really afford to get another monopod maybe 6 months to a year from now when I continue growing.