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Author Topic: Monopod  (Read 12515 times)

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« on: September 26, 2010, 14:17 »
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I think we need a "miscellaneous" category under "Photography Equipment". :)

Anyway, I'm thinking of buying a monopod so I can have an extra support when I'm travelling, without having to carry a tripod. It won't be a substitute for a tripod, of course, but something lighter for when I'm hiking.

Now, there is a store here in Rio, their website is full of options, but most is available by ordering only, and I want to buy it this week.  The brands they offer are: Benro, Digipod, Manfrotto, Slik and Weifeng. Slik is only one model (SLIM-POD), light (280g) but takes only 1.25kg.  For the others, they have more options.

Any suggestions?

I also need a ballhead with quick-release - I have been having that in my list for a while - and I suppose I can buy one for it and one for regular use with a tripod. Or should I get something lighter for the monopod as well?


Fotonaut

« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2010, 14:45 »
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You could take Yuri's advice:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOFkCZ6TtGQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I will try it out when I can afford it. I have a simple Manfrotto now, but never use it.

Fotonaut

« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2010, 14:48 »
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Xalanx

« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2010, 15:13 »
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I only use tripods, and only Manfrotto. But again, the weight doesn't matter for me, no matter where I go. Monopods didn't gave me great results at longer focal lengths. Also, if you need to shoot macro, a monopod will be useless. While this one will be great, you can go almost to the ground level with it.

« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2010, 16:10 »
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I was thinking about monopod and I once tried and shoot about 70% of one outdoor session with monopod (using Canon 5D Mk 2). Looking at resulting pictures I don't see any difference compared with handheld mode (such as percent of sharp pictures was the same). Using monopod was indeed less convenient than handheld.

So for me personally monopod is useless and I decided not to buy one. I use handheld for all people shots (whether it's studio or outdoor) and I use tripod for low-light outdoor pictures.

I suspect the story might be different if you use much heavier medium-format gear.

« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2010, 16:12 »
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The 190XB tripod was in my list or maybe the 190XWNB with the spiked feet. Now that store I mentioned doesn't offer any of the 190 series.   :(

That modepod in Yuri's video, 685B, isn't available either, but they have the 680B, which is about the same weight (770gx800g) but shorter when retracted (51x74cm). Both have very good reviews at B&H. They also have the 679B, which is a bit lighter (700g), but it is 62cm long when retracted, with only three sections.

Benro has a lighter one, MP-68M8, 500g, 48cm retracted, but I couldn't get any reviews about it.  Their heads get good reviews at B&H and come with a bubble level, but if I understand it right they only fit 1/4in-thread tripods and monopods, and Manfrotto tripods use 3/8in thread.

« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2010, 16:14 »
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MikLav,

What focal lenghs did you use when tryingthe monopod?

Curious, I always thought it would be useful, but then we have two here saying no.  ???

sc

« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2010, 16:37 »
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I use my 680b all the time - especially when using my 70-200 lens
I'm just using the manfroto 3229 swivel head
which is working fine for me with this configuration since the lens will rotate to vertical.

Xalanax is right about Macro with a monopod - I'm not getting very good results there either.

Also most of the ball heads that I have looked into have a tripod to head attachment of 3/8" with an adapter for 1/4" - you might want to double check that.
« Last Edit: September 26, 2010, 22:13 by sc »

« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2010, 16:46 »
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MikLav,

What focal lenghs did you use when trying the monopod?

Curious, I always thought it would be useful, but then we have two here saying no.  ???

85mm

P.S. I also was thinking about an alternative to my rather bulky 10-yrs-old Manfrotto 190 and last year I bought Slik Pro 330DX. I am quite happy with it - it is very stable yet quite light (I could make it lighter by replacing the head but I am ok for now with the original one); and it's very easy to remove the central column if I need to fit it into my smaller travel bag (more details here: http://miklav.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html)
« Last Edit: September 26, 2010, 16:53 by MikLav »

« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2010, 16:46 »
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I find these interesting too:

http://www.trek-tech.com/products/trekpods.html


I use one of these.  It is a useable walking stick but I replaced the magnetic ball head camera mount with a Manfroto pistol grip ball head with quick release (322RC2).  The magnet was not strong enough for my D300.  It is a little clumsy to use but the Manfroto grip can be adjusted for left handed shooters.  That sold me.

c h e e r s
fred
« Last Edit: September 26, 2010, 16:48 by Fred »

« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2010, 21:04 »
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Any suggestions?
I can't miss a monopod! Since I travel a lot ( those extra overweight charges on planes) I can't miss my carbon fiber Manfrotto pod. It's very light and strong. The ballhead is from Giotto Manfrotto too and the problem is that's is as heavy as the pod. I wouldn't save any money on a good mono or tripod.
« Last Edit: November 12, 2010, 07:27 by FD-regular »

« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2010, 22:05 »
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So now we have pro-monopod 3 x 2 anti-monipods?

SNP

  • Canadian Photographer
« Reply #12 on: September 27, 2010, 00:11 »
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have you shot with a monopod before? just asking because I really hate shooting with one. any conditions that require the use of a tripod I either use a tripod or bump up my ISO as far as possible. I've found a monopod is essentially useless in stock shooting. it just doesn't produce sharp enough focus. there are some very light tripods that are as easy to carry around....I bought a Sherpa with a trigger head for $89 USD, and it works as well as my heavy duty Manfrotto tripod, sometimes better because of the trigger head. it is much lighter and when compacted I can hang it from one of the loops in my camera bag for easy portability.

« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2010, 02:21 »
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I use a monopod a lot, but not for stock. I like to shoot landscapes just for pleasure. I use a5d mkII, and with the lens on it is heavy.(I am an average sized woman, with not particularly strong arms). The monopod takes the weight and gives the right amount of steadiness.
I have tried lightweight tripods as Hawkeye suggested, but the lightest ones just wobble too much.They have less stability than the carbon monopod, and take longer to put up. The shot I remember missing was a circling eagle over the Welsh mountains. It was flying in a valley level with me (I was on a hill). It shot away just as I got the tripod ready. I should have shot hand-held, but knew I would not get a good shot. After that I stuck with monopods.
In my search for the perfect solution, I have collected eight tripods and three monopods!

« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2010, 20:24 »
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Hawk_eye,

No, I never used a monopod, but in a open jeep tour last year I used my tripod as a monopod, so to speak (would not be able to open the tripod inside the jeep...) and I felt, though I haven't taken test shots to prove it, that it gave me an extra support.  But then in many moments I missed not having a quick release to allow me to shoot free of the tripod.  This experience was basically wildlife shooting.  

I don't do studio anyway, except for objects, and then I use a tripod.

Clivia,

Outdoors is my purpose, either landscape or wildlife.  Taking one camera + two lenses (+ accessories, water, etc) is already weight enough for me, that's why I was looking for a compact and lighter solution.  Although my tripod is part of my baggage, I only take it on short hikes.

« Reply #15 on: September 27, 2010, 23:21 »
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Just a suggestion: buy _any_ cheap and light monopod, like http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-MP100-Photo-Video-Monopod/dp/B0002RBQO0/
It is cheap enough to throw it away later if either you do not like shooting with monopod or want to upgrade to something good.

(edited to remove link to canon monopod with very baaaad unchangeable ballhead)
« Last Edit: September 27, 2010, 23:35 by UncleGene »

« Reply #16 on: September 28, 2010, 03:22 »
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I could not understand Yuri when it came to the swivl mount that he was using, does anyone know what the name of this product is?

« Reply #17 on: September 28, 2010, 03:33 »
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I could not understand Yuri when it came to the swivl mount that he was using, does anyone know what the name of this product is?


I think he was talking about this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423693-REG/Custom_Brackets_DIGITALPROSV.html

« Reply #18 on: September 28, 2010, 14:53 »
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I could not understand Yuri when it came to the swivl mount that he was using, does anyone know what the name of this product is?


I think he was talking about this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423693-REG/Custom_Brackets_DIGITALPROSV.html


Thats it, thank you

« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2010, 19:25 »
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there are some places where a tripod just isn't realistic.  I've used a trek pod for several years

http://www.pix-now.com/Travel/Peru shows our Andes trek where i used the monopod most of the time.  we were limited in the total baggage weight we could bring for the 2 week trek, and since we would be camping at 14K' and going over 16K' passes many days, i didn't want to have it in my daypack.  in addition, on a trip like this, you don't have the luxury of being able to deploy a tripod every time - it's hard work, and you need to keep moving to cover the distances needed. in addition, exertion at altitude doesn't make your handheld shots any steadier!

so, for me, the monopod lets me reach places i otherwise would not see and still take acceptable images  - my images from this trip are accepted & sell at all the major agencies, including alamy.

another way i've used the monopod is on long car trips - where we need to cover 500 - 600 miles per day.  these aren't photo days, but a monopod let's me stop quickly, get some pix and keep moving

steve

« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2010, 19:41 »
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Hey Maria.

I bought Yuri's advice monopod on eBay (.co.uk) and got it delivered here in Brazil. I use it often on my 70-200 2.8 L IS USM since it's a bloody heavy lens. Can't complain! It's a great monopod, specially the quick up-and-down function! ;)

« Reply #21 on: November 11, 2010, 11:24 »
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You could take Yuri's advice:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOFkCZ6TtGQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I will try it out when I can afford it. I have a simple Manfrotto now, but never use it.


Just for a reference, here is Yuri's new setup: The Yuri Arcurs SteadyPod

Custom Brackets, along with Yuri, have designed an exciting new studio and on location camera setup. This system allows the camera to rotate from horizontal to vertical and to tilt forwards and backwards when attached to a monopod or tripod.  For the Tilt Head, we have introduced an industry first, separate lock and drag knobs for the most precise control possible. It also includes the very popular Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod.

You can find more information about the SteadyPod and what it includes at: newbielink:http://www.steady-pod.com [nonactive]

vonkara

« Reply #22 on: November 11, 2010, 11:36 »
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 :)
« Last Edit: November 11, 2010, 11:47 by Vonkara »

microstockphoto.co.uk

« Reply #23 on: November 11, 2010, 12:08 »
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I'm afraid a monopod can be very dangerous for your camera if you forget it's not a tripod

« Reply #24 on: November 11, 2010, 15:32 »
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I'm afraid a monopod can be very dangerous for your camera if you forget it's not a tripod
Well, there is a strap on it to place around your wrist.


 

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