Is it worth getting a monopod? [Archive]

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ImpMan71

07-09-2007, 10:41

Richard Black

07-09-2007, 10:54

I have one, but, alas, I haven't use it yet. Seems like a good idea but haven't had to need to break it out. With a light camera it should work great.
Keep us posted!

fidget

07-09-2007, 11:05

I regularly use a monopod, it can eliminate a few axes of movement of the camera (with a rigid monopod, a flexible one is no use) allowing sharper pics than the same slower speeds hand held (by me, anyway), but it's no substitute for a tripod.

Kin Lau

07-09-2007, 11:15

With the Bessa R2, you're better off using a table-top tripod. Use a vertical surface if a horizontal one isn't available.

I have several monopods that I use a lot with long lenses on my SLRs. You can use a mono for long exposures at night if you have a solid object to press it up against, but it's harder to use than a table-top.

iml

07-09-2007, 11:24

I reckon a monocle would be good :-)

Ian

smiway

07-09-2007, 11:33

A monpod can be very useful when traveling without a tripod if it is used correctly. The bottom of the monopod should be set further out than the top in a position similar to a tripod leg. You than can use your two legs as the other two legs of a tripod to steady the camera. I've been able to shoot at slower speeds this way and still obtain some well focused pictures.

Leica-Virgin

07-09-2007, 11:43

I used a monopod for a while when carrying a Mamiya C330 and 180mm lens around the the Lake District in England. Found it very useful in taking the weight of the camera when trying to hold the same position for a while. I now use it with the Crown Graphic for the same reason. Holding one of these up for a while puts a strain on my feeble muscles!! Having somethig to rest the camera on is a definite plus. I still use the fastest speed possible though. I am not sure there is much advantage to be gained with a 35mm in all honesty.

Xmas

07-09-2007, 12:08

They are useful but they are more difficult to use effectively than a Tripod.

Noel

nikon_sam

07-09-2007, 12:12

I have often thought about a monopod but never have done anything about it...In other words...I don't have one...
I would like to see more opinions either way...
I sometimes shoot with a TLR but would never have thought of using a monopod with it...
When using a RF one would think you are trying to fade into the background, so a mono or tripod would be like a huge spotlight on you...
I, at times, use a tripod with a TLR and SLR and unless it's a really slow shutter speed or time exposure on a RF I don't use either...

MartinL

07-09-2007, 12:42

I'm a hiker and my Gitzo carbon fiber monopod is my hiking pole of choice. Light and sturdy. A good wrist strap/grip and quick to mount a camera. Often useful on a rest break, mono partly extended and me sitting on a rock or log.

Table top tripod would be ideal. Can anybody recommend a good table to take on my hike?:)
Martin

nikon_sam

07-09-2007, 12:48

Table top tripod would be ideal. Can anybody recommend a good table to take on my hike?:)
Martin

Martin,

Tri a Folder...Oh God!!...That was funny...

I'm still laughing...:p

mervynyan

07-09-2007, 12:48

if you are getting a pod, get a real one.

Finder

07-09-2007, 12:48

Hardly use mine. I get about 1 to 2 stops slower shutter speeds with it. I have used it to hold the camera in the air and shoot down - you need a long cable release.

I would not take one to Paris.

Ducky

07-09-2007, 13:56

I have one I used with an SLR but found it awkward. I cant imagine using it on an RF. I also suggest a sturdy table top tripod. I have one with one leg made of a sturdy 90 deg. plastic with a velcro strap attached. I attaches nicely to any small pipe, chair back or similar.
I'd vote no on a mono.

ferider

07-09-2007, 14:08

For RF a good table top tripod (the classic way) is more useful, I find.
You can brace yourself against columns inside churches, etc.

I have a monopod but use it for SLR and long tele mostly.

Roland.

akitadog

07-09-2007, 14:22

Hi there,

I have used both monopod and small tripods and prefer small tripods.

I wrote a small article on tripods and will insert it here. Hope it helps.

Regards

HHK

Tripod Tales

A story about 3 tripods.

If you like to travel but still want to have 3 legged support there are a number of options that I use depending on what camera equipment I am bringing and what my overall requirements are.

If you want to travel ultra light, are carrying a small camera, or want light tabletop or wall support, then this is my favorite ultra light combination. I use a Manfrotto 3007 table top tripod and Manfrotto 428 Micro ball head. This is not the only combination, but at $48.00 US it is good price/performance. I have used this combination with a Rollei 35 and Leica M6. The tripod with head easily fits into a pocket on a Domke F803 camera satchel or other small camera bag. Otherwise it will also fit into a side pocket on your Jeans.

Mamfrotto 3007 With Ball Head

Maximum Height: 4.0 Inches
Folded Length: 7.0 Inches

If you want more versatility, and more height, there are a number of options that I really like as well. I use a Gitzo G0011 series Table Top tripod with a Giotto MH1004 Ball Head, and a quick release plate. Currently, you can get the Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Table Top tripod online for around $157.00. I use the older version of this tripod that I bought on e-bay for $80.00 brand new. The only difference is in the center column. If you have more money to spend, and want more height for the same weight you can use the new G0057 Carbon Fiber Table Top tripod from Gitzo. It extends much taller, 28” with center column and 21 “ without center column extended, but weighs less than the aluminum version, and is almost as small folded. However it is almost double the cost at $312.00. I like this tripod for a number of reasons, but primarily because at 30” with a ball head, and with the tripod on a table, it is almost at eye level. This can be very handy while traveling.

Gitzo G0011 Aluminum Without ball Head

Maximum Height: 18.75 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 10.5 “
Folded Length: 8.5”
Weight: 0.90 lbs

Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Without ball Head

Maximum Height: 18.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 11.0 “
Folded Length: 9.8”
Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Gitzo G0057 Carbon Fiber Without ball Head

Maximum Height: 28.3.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 21.5 “
Folded Length: 10.6”
Weight: 0.80 lbs.

If you use wide-angle lenses a lot, you will need a full height or taller tripod. The reason for this is simply really. With a wide-angle lens, you will want to keep your camera level to avoid converging vertical lines. So, unless you want to have a lot of low foreground in your image, you will need a full height or taller tripod. How tall depend on your height and also on the look you are trying to achieve.

Which tripod you bring when travelling all depends on you needs, and how willing you are to carry extra weight. Better to compromise than to not have a tripod. I like to do night shots and landscapes while traveling and Image quality is important, but in my case, because I am not able to carry a lot of weight, I take the Gitzo G0011 tripod and Giotto MH1004 Ball Head. This is as always a compromise, but with a Kirk quick release it is used with everything from a Rollei 35 to my Mamiya 6 with a 150mm lens. It is stable, convenient, and I put one of the tripod legs through my belt loop for easy carrying. If I had more money I would prefer the Gitzo G0057 for the extra height that it provides.

Well, that about says it all.

HHK
“C” December 5, 2005

35mmdelux

07-09-2007, 14:36

Not worth the hassel. Take faster film and/or fibre tripod if you must.

ChrisPlatt

07-09-2007, 14:45

My friend Bob who lurks here (Hi, Hickster!) always uses a "stick" with his Rolleiflex.
He claims he can handhold very slow speeds, when necessary bracing against a doorway, etc.
I believe him. His photos are always super sharp...

Chris

35mmdelux

07-09-2007, 14:49

I've been to Paris several times since 1973, last time a couple years ago. I might take one for night shots. During the day its just too encumbering. Ditto that with London, where you want to enter/exit quikly. When you really think about it its more for extreme low light cond. Remember that you can't set one up in alot of places.

Also, you might be setting yourself up for trouble given the tightened security over photography in Paris. And if you're American, then you'll really tick them off.

Do like HCB, carry your cam by your side and quikly up to your eye for the shot.

Tuolumne

07-09-2007, 15:06

If you want a nice table tripod try the Gorillapod with ball head from Joby. You can see it here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476533-REG/Joby__Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom_Mini_Tripod_with.html

A monopod is Ok, but as has been pointed out, you still have to brace yourself pretty well to use it effectively. You might prefer a small, lightweight tripod. Gitzo makes small ones that weigh just 1.5 pounds. Of course, you'll still need an Acra-type ball head ( I use the ball heads and L-mounts from Really Right Stuff), so the expense starts to get considerable. Also very effective is a bean bag you can rest on almost any surface that will provide a cushioned and very stable platform for your camera at slow speeds. I would stay away from a monopod and even a tripod unless you have some very specific picture requirements, e.g. night time shots at very slow speeds, that absolutely require it. Keep it simple and don't clutter yourself with too much gear.

/T

MartinL

07-09-2007, 15:24

Before the OP's question disappears due to a terminal case of thread drift (which I probably helped along), let me answer more directly. As a great photographer, if I require extra stability, I use a legit tripod. As a realistic and often mediocre photographer, I typically leave my tripod at home.

As a hiker, I will sometimes substitute my pair of Leki poles for my single Gitzo Monopod that is designed, IMO, to be a state of the art hiking pole with the added advantage of Gitzo's nicely turned screw-head swivel for a camera. Nothing beats this pole/pod for this dual purpose.

But generally, for those who walk no further than their auto to the pub, IMO a monopod is like one of those "extra" lenses that we leave a home-----not because we don't love them, but because we just don't want to exceed our schlep quotient.

Finally, I have the niftyiest little Manfrotto table top that I use every time I want to take a picture of me in Paris.

Martin

ImpMan71

07-09-2007, 21:42

Thank you all for your responses.
I have a small Velbon tripod, that when fully extended goes to about 14-18 inches.
After all your comments I feel that this is probably the best thing for me to take - even better as it wont cost me any money :-)
I wasn't aware they had tightened security over photography in Paris - thanks for that, I will have to do a google & investigate.
Thanks again,
Colin

alan davus

07-10-2007, 01:10

Sparrow

07-10-2007, 01:53

Sparrow

07-10-2007, 01:58

You could always take a small tripod and only extend one leg.

not as daft as it sounds in a busy city, then you’d have the option of either

Tuolumne

07-10-2007, 09:17

I do a lot of multi day hiking and these days just about the first thing I pack is my Leki Sierra trekking pole. A great support when crossing rivers, doubles as an ice axe when climbing in snow, a definite help when descending steep slippery slopes and as I found out on my last trip to New Zealand, its a very effective weapon when warding off an attack by a bunch of keas whilst camping on Cascade Saddle. But wait there's more. Unscrew the wooden knob on top and "voila" a monopod. Leki market it as a " Photo" trekking pole and its one of the best multi purpose tools I have ever owned.

I have one of these, but can't remember the brand. An aluminum hiking stick which has adjustable length. The tip unscrews to expose a really wicked steel pointed tip. Good protection against wild keas and terrorists, too. Scarily, you could probably get it onto an airplane with no trouble at all. Mine also has a wooden grip that unscrews to reveal a 1/4x20 screw that I attach a small Really Right Stuff ball head to. Works great. But I still prefer to work without it if I can. I think you should get a bean bag for the Paris trip. Totally unthreatening and works great on many many surfasces as a rock solid suypport for you camera.

/T

harmsr

07-10-2007, 09:18

For personal travel and vacation, I have never taken either my tripod or monopod. For planned shoots, of course they go. For hiking, a monopod works nice.

I do bring a small tabletop and mini ball head along. These can help tremendously.

They work braced against all kind of things, including on your own chest.

Best,

Ray

eli griggs

07-10-2007, 10:00

I have used a mono-pod for years and have found it well worth the effort to tote about; it can be the difference of getting the shot or not. Mine has three fold out 'feet' in the bottom cap and with a self-timer and cable release does pretty good duty standing in for a tripod. Standing on or placing my bag on the feet adds a bit of stability in light winds, etc.

With a long release or timer, a camera with a wide lens can be held aloft or out over a barrier or low over water, etc for otherwise impossible shots

An additional benefit of carrying a fairly heavy metal stick is it makes a decent aggressive dog beater. Some two-legged vermin also think twice about bothering someone with a legal means to defend themselves. To be sure, it beats the heck out of throwing cameras and lens at some dangerous annoyance.

Eli

furcafe

07-10-2007, 10:27

I have a nice Manfrotto 3249B that I rarely use, but I do find it worthwhile when I do need to use it. It definitely works for night shots. Usually I prefer to shoot handheld w/the occasional resort to "natural" supports (leaning against streetlamps, etc.) as it can be a PITA to carry a monopod--it's certainly smaller/lighter than a full tripod but can still be a significant burden to schlep around. However, I also usually have fast glass, am willing to shoot @ high ISOs, & have a lot of experience w/handholding cameras. In urban environments like Paris, a table tripod might work well for the occasional long exposure, but a monopod may be more useful if you do more nature/landscape shooting (or do so in the future) for the reasons mentioned by others.

Personally, as a city-dweller/shooter, I would like to see a combination umbrella-monopod, & by that I mean a regular-sized golf-like umbrella that can be used as a monopod when not being used as an umbrella (w/camera attaching to the handle end). Does anyone know of a product like that? I know there are combination walking staff-umbrellas & walking staff-monopods.

Hi,
I'm going to Paris for a weekend in September & am considering getting a monopod to take with me.
Are they worth having - I've never used one before.
Will I be able to take night shots with it?
I have several tripods, but find they are too heavy & bulky to easily travel around with.
I will be taking my Bessa R2 with me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers,
Colin

Xmas

07-10-2007, 10:38

If you get a photo white umbrella if may have a suitable end piece and it will work as fill in reflector as well as for rain.

Noel

kuvvy

07-10-2007, 10:55

Bought a monopod last year as I thought I would need it for some particular shots i was planning. It's a Manfrotto and I got a nice Micro Ball head for it. Never used it for those shots and has never been used yet.

Creagerj

07-10-2007, 11:08

eli griggs

07-10-2007, 11:15

I think that the way a mono-pod locks up has a lot to do with its' easy of carry. Mine uses simple twist locks and they are very strong in use. That makes for a smooth stick' that is easy to carry and doesn't snag on every little thing.

Looking at other designs, like the Manfrotto, with its' side-locking toggles, it's easy to see why it's often left behind; IMHO.

Eli

Robert Price

07-10-2007, 11:40

I use a terking pole as a monopod myself. With a small ballhead and quick release plate. the pole colapses to a nice height too. I used to have a monopod but it was just too..... showy i guess. There certainly is nothing wrong with useing a monopod though.

back alley

07-10-2007, 12:33

i have a great monopod. it locks/unlocks by twisting the sections of the pole. small, light and strong.

i have used it quite a bit with a slr and a long zoom lens.

never with a rf camera.

joe

Ariya

07-10-2007, 13:03

I've had a monopod for a couple of years and I think I have used it twice. Not a substitute for a tripod. You could always get a carbon fiber tripod. You'll have to be a human statue in order to take any lengthy shots.

Agreed. I bought a Manfrotto monopod a couple of years ago, used it twice and sold it a month ago. It only supports the camera on a single axis, you control the rest which to me equates to hand holding. I definitely do not recommend one for long exposures. A small tripod is the way to go.

Steve Bellayr

07-10-2007, 13:42

Instead of a monopod I'd rather use a soft shutter release which will get me to at least 30 on the shutter. A rangefinder is really for fast hand held photography. (My opinion only.) Tripod should be in your line up. I have a heavy one for medium format.

ruben

07-10-2007, 15:32

Hi,
I'm going to Paris for a weekend in September & am considering getting a monopod to take with me.
Are they worth having - I've never used one before.
Will I be able to take night shots with it?
I have several tripods, but find they are too heavy & bulky to easily travel around with.
I will be taking my Bessa R2 with me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers,
Colin

Besides a four or five tripods, table pod, cable releases, and mini soft releases, I have 2 monopods, one sturdy and the other lighter. Within the limited use they get, the lighter is always the weapon of choice for its convenience.

In contrast to a tripod, I do not find any reason why a monopod should be sturdy, unless you are using cameras/lenses above 5 kg. For mounting a Bessa the lightest and cheapest monopod will be too much sturdy.

No doubt monopods are less effective than a tripods, but less cumbersome too. Nevertheless they are quite cumbersome by themselves compared to no-monopod. You still have to open and brake the legs, adjust height, manipulate monopod head, and screw the monopod to your camera. The same with table tops, with the latter being less practical but much more compact.

Like a tripod, a monopod is a piece of gear attracting attention. Less attention if you arrange a strap and carry it with a strap around your back. A monopod pending from your pants belt will look somewhat aggressive, which is not bad to keep bad guys far away.

It seems to me, and you still have to think it by yourself, that a monopod will find its best use for SLRs' tele lenses - not for night rf photography.

For night rf photography I would prefer 2 cheaper devices. First a Mini Soft Release, giving you an extra f/stop when pushed by the joint of your index.

The other one is my own capacity in finding around, when needed and if needed, places to put my camera on, or my body to lean. In a super developed city like Paris, this shouldn't be a problem at all.

Lastly, for the price of a light monopod, or even cheaper, you can buy for Paris At Night a Yashica G (GT, GTN, GS, GSN) offering you fixed lens highest quality optics, lowest ever shutter vibration, and AE capability for night shooting.

Cheers,
Ruben

ImpMan71

07-10-2007, 20:13

I have a Konica S3 which has a fast lens - perhaps I should take that?