Beginner's question: Monopod Technique

[gangeslim]

Hi everyone,

I am a beginner in photography and am slowly practicing to lessen my camera movement. I have recently managed to get hold of a monopod for my long range shots using a tamron 28-300 lens but am still combating movement.
Is there a technique for using a monopod which can be imparted to me? I normally shoot plants and trees and occasionally an interesting bird or animal which i chance upon.
thanks all in advance! =)

 

[frenchbean]

Here's a good read...

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

 

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Hi everyone,

I am a beginner in photography and am slowly practicing to lessen my camera movement. I have recently managed to get hold of a monopod for my long range shots using a tamron 28-300 lens but am still combating movement.
Is there a technique for using a monopod which can be imparted to me? I normally shoot plants and trees and occasionally an interesting bird or animal which i chance upon.
thanks all in advance! =)

hmm problem is i guess the lens is rather 'slow' thats y u have a problem...

basic principles, a tripod have 3 legs, monopod have 1 leg, hence tripod have distribution of weight across 3 axle, and monopod dun have, so if you place it in the middle, it will sway front back left right, but definitely eliminate 1 axis of handheld, up down...

depending on the feet of monopod, i prefer those with big base, then if possible, i find a nice anchor and stick it there to eliminate another axis, for eg, if there is a hole in front, i stick it in about 30-45 degree then put my pressure on the monopod, so it won't go front back already... if u stabilise abit it won't go left right...

same can be done if u stick it to the side...

if nowhere, then use your feet, spread your legs wide, then stick the monopod to the arch of hind leg (whichever comfortable)...

 

[gangeslim]

oh wow thanks frenchbean and Del_CtrlnoAlt
i am going to practise more!

 

[gangeslim]

i practised with all the "Stances" in the webbie and find that the 2nd "Karate" stance being the most stable. But takes some getting use to.
I am thinking of improvising a monopod pouch using a rock-climbing chalk bag. Anyone has experiences with a monopod pouch before?

 

[westwest1]

actually got no right or wrong...as long as u fell comfortable and is stable...thats the best already...why bother to read how to use a monopod??

I use a ladder and monopod...what i do is sit on the ladder...and monopod to support camera and shoot...very stable and comfortable...

 

[gangeslim]

haha nice! but i cannot bring a ladder out to the field where i do most of my photography heehee. i think have to lift some weights and build more muscle to better stabalize the camera =)

 

[westwest1]

haha nice! but i cannot bring a ladder out to the field where i do most of my photography heehee. i think have to lift some weights and build more muscle to better stabalize the camera =)

its not muscle that count...its how u hold your camera...and hold u stand...

2step ladder is quite light...might want to get one...:lovegrin:

 

[gangeslim]

haha ok! i will go try and scout around see see look look =)
but i have alot of constraints as i usually do bashing through mangroves and secondary forests when out on surveys so too much equipment also got problem. but u got me thinking, maybe one of those folding seats might do the trick of the 2 step ladder too! i go try it out one of these days, i have one of those tripod seats around somewhere!
thanks for the suggestion westwest1!