Motorsports: Monopod or tripod?

[Majarvis]

Hey guys, I was just wondering what some of you would recommend for photographing events such as Formula One; whether to use a monopod or tripod.

I have never used either before, as I am new to photography, so any advice or suggestions would be useful.

Of course, sitting in the stands at an F1 event gives me little space (will be attending the Canadian Grand Prix in June - Grandstand 11 in turn one). I will need something that is not too big, but offers me good stability to reduce camera shake and provide a crisp shot.

So, this is where my question comes in; to use a monopod or tripod? I suppose that with a monopod, it will provide me better ability to pan and whatnot, whereas a tripod will not?

Any suggestions are obviously recommended, as I do not know which avenue to go down.

Thanks :)

[GSH]

Of course, sitting in the stands at an F1 event gives me little space (will be attending the Canadian Grand Prix in June - Grandstand 11 in turn one). I will need something that is not too big, but offers me good stability to reduce camera shake and provide a crisp shot.




You've answered your own question really. Go for a monopod.

I doubt you'll see many people Trackside with Tripods, they're too cumbersome and if you're in a crowd people will be constantly falling over the legs.

[Cadwell]

Monopod.

[Majarvis]

Awesome, thanks guys :)

[primoz]

As everyone mentioned already monopod is way to go. I can't imagine shooting any of action with tripod. It's just too clumsy. Tripod is nice for landscape where nothing moves, but with sport you don't shoot one static piece of track, but you are shooting all over the place. And with monopod it's easy to do, with tripod... well I just can't imagine doing it :)

[Majarvis]

Very true :)

Are there any features that I should be looking at in the monopod I purchase that are crucial?

[Cadwell]

Make sure it's a nice sturdy one with a weight rating sufficient for the weight of your camera and lens plus a bit of leaning weight. A head isn't particularly useful in motorsports photography.

[blinking8s]

monopod for life...acts as a lightsaber, walking stick, ninja turtle bow, light switch arm extender (mine stays right by the couch for this, and if you lose the remote to your tv you can get pretty good at hitting those tiny buttons as well

[Majarvis]

Make sure it's a nice sturdy one with a weight rating sufficient for the weight of your camera and lens plus a bit of leaning weight. A head isn't particularly useful in motorsports photography.
Great tips, thanks ever so much :cool:

monopod for life...acts as a lightsaber, walking stick, ninja turtle bow, light switch arm extender (mine stays right by the couch for this, and if you lose the remote to your tv you can get pretty good at hitting those tiny buttons as well
Also excellent uses :lol: