Got a monopod last week, with a quick-release plate.
Today I have been shooting for 6 hours and on several occasions I used it for both wideangle and full telezoom pics (35 to 360mm ecq.).
Now I download the pics to my PC and can clearly see the difference between the monopod and non-monopod pics. The ones where I had it on the monopod are so much sharper. Even at high shutter speeds.
At first I believed it to be a quite useless investment. I only got it to use it with the TCON-17 teleconverter, but I will certainly use it more often from now on in any condition with and without the teleconverter. The tripod is for <1/2s work, but this one is for 1/2s to 1/2000. :)
The quick release plate is a must-have. Screw the plate on at the start of the day and you'll be amazed how many times you pop it on and off. I am now thinking of getting one for my tripod as well.
Things to think about when buying:
* quick release plate
* how high does it come, a 1.45m monopod is useless when you are 2.00m
* how adjustable is the height? (how many sections, can you lock them at any position), how does it work when you kneel down.
* is it rigid?
* what kind of locks do you want? clip- or screwtype? (what do you trust more)
* Does it have a adjustable foot? -> An iron point thingy for outdoors, a rubber ring that you can screw down for indoors/slippery surface
* Size and weight (travel, packing, carrying it all day)
* Can you pan with it?
* Can you flip the camera on its side (I can't)
* Does it have something to help it stay still (like a clip where you can poot a foot on)
Please feel free to add your own tips and experiences.
I've got an Edixa S-1, but there is not a lot of info about it and I don't think it is sold in the US.
I can't share images at the moment, because I might use them for the challenges.
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