monopods


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chjing

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Sep 11, 2006
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Can a monpod be as stable as a tripod?
if not, in what situations will there be a real need to use a monopod?
 

inside specific places that dont allow tripod.
 

when you need some form of stablisation and yet mobility..
 

can give more specific situations? i need to justify in buying a monpod.
 

Can a monpod be as stable as a tripod?
if not, in what situations will there be a real need to use a monopod?

A monopod, as it's name suggests has only 1 area of support, and it can never be as stable as a 3-legged tripod. However, there are some monopods that have retractable "feet" at the bottom that splays out so that it's more stable. But they're still not going to be as stable as a tripod.

Like some have said, they're great for use in tight places, and where you need some support with good control. Off hand, I can think of concerts, open-air shows, sporting events (especially with telephoto lenses) etc - basically any place with lots of people. A tripod occupies a lot of space when deployed, and it's too easy for people to knock against it and tip your expensive kit into the ground!

Monopods are light and easy to pack, and make excellent companions to a IS (image stablised) or VR (vibration reduction) lenses.
 

Uh. Why do you need us to help justify what you want to buy? :dunno:

The most important question is, what do you intend to use the monopod for?

Although dscans has pointed out several good points, it sometimes isn't meant for everybody's style of shooting or needs.
 

Monopods are easy to lug around and you'll probably get to use it much often than a tripod if you like shooting everything around you. I love mine so far, I can hand-hold a 1/20 shot at night with a 50mm lens with reasonable sharpness that I can't get without a monopod (even if I rest my arms/elbows on something firm).

Needless to say, shots that requires a second or more will require a tripod (and probably a remote release), but I find tripods cumbersome to set up and use while walking around town.

IS/VR/SR + monopod is even better :)
 

can give more specific situations? i need to justify in buying a monpod.

Light weight...

Simplicity, easy to use and set up. I personally use it for macros.
 

Monopods, beside being lighter, smaller and more mobile, allows for quicker setup (as compared to a tripod) so it is useful if you will be constantly on the move and do not want to miss that important shot.
 

Hi guys, so do u think a monopod should at least extend tall enough to reach your standing eye view? if u walk around for taking pic?

i am thinking of getting a monopod but i notice some are like extend to 160cm only...
 

Hi guys, so do u think a monopod should at least extend tall enough to reach your standing eye view? if u walk around for taking pic?

i am thinking of getting a monopod but i notice some are like extend to 160cm only...

Like a tripod, it is better to invest in a more robust and one that flexes less under heavy weight, especially if you see yourself using heavy lens.
 

or you can buy a D3 and shoot at ISO6400 or 3200

anyway a monopod is use for fast and light setup
like sports where it is hard to hold the heavy lens stable for too long

for night work with long exposure, it is better to get a tripod
 

Hi guys, so do u think a monopod should at least extend tall enough to reach your standing eye view? if u walk around for taking pic?

i am thinking of getting a monopod but i notice some are like extend to 160cm only...

Yes, it's best to have one which will extend up to your working height. And if you're using a head, make sure it works in the other portrait orientation too.
 

If you really want a monopod but don't want to spend the money, just extend one leg on your tripod. Of course, it's heavy compared to a monopod, but it's still light enough to carry around.
 

Unless you are really tall... I don't see why a 160cm mono + height of ballhead + height of camera is too short?

Not forgetting that frequently even in normal shooting, one does not stand straight up.
 

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