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11/29/2002 01:22:44 PM · #1 |
Hi everyone! I'm new to the forums, but since I bought my Canon A40 in late June I've become intensely interested in photography (before that I only had a Vivitar SLR point and shoot). I plan on getting a set of close up lenses, UV/haze filter, and infrared lens for christmas.
The other essential item I plan on getting is a tripod or monopod, but can't decide which...I'd like to have some kinda of support for my camera when taking pictures in populated downtown city areas, museums, but also of outdoor day/night landscapes. The tripods I'm considering are the Slik U9000 and Velbon CX570. Don't really have any monopods in mind, but I saw a decent one in Ritz Camera today.
Which would you folks recommend, monopod or tripod (I'm looking to spend in the range of $50 or lower)?
Also, generally speaking, what's the lowest shutter speed I can expect to use with a monopod without getting camera shake? |
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11/29/2002 01:38:50 PM · #2 |
Go for a tripod. They are more versatile because they are self supporting where as the monopod takes practice and patience and you obviously can't do exposures of several seconds (unless you're very good with a monopod). When you find that you need a monopod more than a tripod then get a monopod.
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11/29/2002 02:49:33 PM · #3 |
It really depends on what you are going to be doing more of, setup shots or shooting on the go.
I have both a tripod and a monopod. I got the bargain basement version of each and have been perfectly happy. The monopod was only like $15 at Best Buy. I've used it at sporting events and the like, but I've gotten TONS more use out of the tripod.
I wouldn't go top of the line unless you have money to burn. Instead, I'd go for a remote for the camera. You'll really enjoy it when you want to do setup shots.
Rob 8) |
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11/29/2002 02:51:47 PM · #4 |
Oh yeah...
The tripod that I have also has a monopod built into it. It's bulky, but you could look for a 2-in-1 thing to save some dough. Just a thought.
Rob
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11/29/2002 06:55:31 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by musashi:
Hi everyone! I'm new to the forums, but since I bought my Canon A40 in late June I've become intensely interested in photography (before that I only had a Vivitar SLR point and shoot). I plan on getting a set of close up lenses, UV/haze filter, and infrared lens for christmas.
The other essential item I plan on getting is a tripod or monopod, but can't decide which...I'd like to have some kinda of support for my camera when taking pictures in populated downtown city areas, museums, but also of outdoor day/night landscapes. The tripods I'm considering are the Slik U9000 and Velbon CX570. Don't really have any monopods in mind, but I saw a decent one in Ritz Camera today.
Which would you folks recommend, monopod or tripod (I'm looking to spend in the range of $50 or lower)?
Also, generally speaking, what's the lowest shutter speed I can expect to use with a monopod without getting camera shake?
Hello musashi,
Like most here I have both and could not do without either. If you can only get one, I would suggest you start with the tripod. Better you should go to the store and try them both with your camera.
Good luck.
P.S. I use my monopod twice as much as my tripod. What works for you and all that!
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11/29/2002 11:52:42 PM · #6 |
I used my monopod at an event last weekend, and my brother, who is a professional newspaper photographer, mocked me for using it since I don't have a huge lens to support. (Just one more instance of me looking like a dork in my brother's eyes :)
According to him, most people use monopods solely for supporting giant lenses since they'd get too heavy to try to support them for a long period of time. I did find it helpful since it helped me keep the camera steady (and reasonably level) for an extended period of time, but I only have a 300mm lens that isn't really absurdly large like the ones he uses.
I would agree with the others here who are suggesting a tripod to start with. If you're doing a night shot, or whatever, that demands a long shutter speed, you're always going to be able to do a better job with three legs hitting the ground rather than just one. Obviously a monopod is going to have 360 degrees of motion that it will be susceptible (sp?) to.
Definitely go for the tripod -- unless you're in a situation where you don't have a lot of room to set up three legs, or if you're going to be setting it up hurridly all the time, there's no real photographic advantage of a monopod that I'm aware of. |
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11/30/2002 12:23:32 AM · #7 |
Also, you can get roughly the monopod effect by extending only one leg on a tripod.
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11/30/2002 12:14:44 PM · #8 |
Thanks for the tips, I'm going to go ahead and just get the tripod instead (maybe I'll get a monopod later down the road). It's seems like I'll be able to get much more functionality out of the tripod.
Have any of you had any experience with the tripods I was considering Slik U9000 or Velbon CX570? Would one of these be a good choice for the under $50 price range?
* This message has been edited by the author on 11/30/2002 12:13:26 PM.
* This message has been edited by the author on 11/30/2002 12:14:35 PM. |
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