Is a mono pod really that useful?

[cjm]

This is a n00bie type question but I have to ask because I have never really used one. Is a mono pod really that useful? Does it really help that much? Is it easy to use? Any avid monopod users have any input I would love to hear from you. :)

Also what is a good one to buy that is easy to use?

[lostdoggy]

After looking at you equipment list and you not having a Monopod tells me you have very strong arms and a steady hand. Then the answer is no for you. I like my monopod because it makes carrying the camera lens easier and provide some support. It also doubles as a walking stick and a weapon (for defense of cause) when needed.

[SYS]

I do not have IS on my 70-200 and of course the 24-70 doesn't, either. I use monopod all the time to serve as IS for indoor, low-light situations, as well as to take a load off my aching shoulders. I love my monopod's (sig) trigger height control mechanism that I employ all the time. This trigger mechanism is REALLY handy!!

[samsen]

I know of people who can swear by their monopod.
I am not sure that monopod is equivalent of IS. I think it is much better.

[keefyboy]

I shake like Michael J. Fox when he's off his meds (ow! ok! ok! bad me!) and I find that a monopod helps quite a lot when a tripod is not practical.

Think sport shooting or shooting events where you're in a crowd - setting up a tripod is NOT going to be possible at times. A monopod, on the other hand - just set it to a little less than eye-level (or whatever height you feel most stable / comfortable), and you can very easily move around. Pick it up, see a shooting opportunity, set the pod down, and you're ready to shoot - no unfolding of legs or making sure it's level.

Downsides? Well, it can kill creativity. Can, not does. Since you have the convenience of your camera and lens supported by the pod, you might not think to detach the camera in order to get a perspective shot that's not at normal human eye-level. It's possible - unlatch the quick-connect, or rotate the head 90 degrees to get the pod out of the way, but it's a bit of a bother. Shooting things in flight over your head might be problematic.

But if you're shooting things from eye-level, and want good mobility AND stability, IMO a monopod is irreplacable.

-Keith (who hopes MJ Fox has a thick skin :oops: )

[Woolburr]

Look on the sidelines of any big sporting event....tons of pods...that should be a bit of a clue. It really can and does make a difference...especially when shooting in marginal conditions.

[BearLeeAlive]

I use my monopod with a ballhead for 90+% of my macro work. It is great for getting into awkward places and maintaining some stability. I also use it with my 100-400 & 70-200 whenever possible, especially when I want to keep the camera up and at the ready without my wings falling off.

[Echo63]

the monopod will be handy if you are shooting sports etc and are looking thorough the camera for long periods of time (5mins+) especially with your longer heavier lenses on

[JohnnyG]

I use my monopod especially when I use my 100-400 because it's pretty heavy. I noticed that I tend to rest it on the monopod occasionally and that seems to help me keep from tightening my muscles up!

[4x4rock]

I don't use a monopod (yet). All my lenses are not that heavy.

If you think you'll be holding the camera for hours then you may want to consider it, otherwise, get a good neck strap. Another trick is if you have tripod collar, put it on and hood the tripod foot on your belt or backpack strap to reduce arm/neck strain.

[Lester Wareham]

This is a n00bie type question but I have to ask because I have never really used one. Is a mono pod really that useful? Does it really help that much? Is it easy to use? Any avid monopod users have any input I would love to hear from you. :)

Also what is a good one to buy that is easy to use?

It helps support the weight of larger telephoto lenses and gives about 1-2 stops advantage. In many cases any lens IS will give an advantage on top of that.

With macro work again it helps takes the weight but also helps you keep the focus point stable, more important than camera shake very often.

For general work again it will improve sharpness considerably but still allow good freedom of movement,

A tripod is obviously better but restricts movement and speed of work.

You need to have a light ball head on the pod. It also helps to use a quick release l-plate or a lens tripod ring to change format without having to put the head over at 90 degrees.

I use a Manfrotto 694 MonoPod with a little Velborn PH-253 head, the same head is also used with my lightweight tripod, a Velborn CF 530 PRO.

I tend to carry one or the other.

[René Damkot]

I don't think I'd have gotten this shot (http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/061006EHBO/source/image/rhd_20061006ehbo0265.jpg) without monopod: 1/40s; ISO 1600; 80-200L full open at 140mm.

[Tony The Pony]

just from the few seconds i used mine, its really useful.

[banana]

What are some monopods you would suggest? Since they are much more naturally prone to swaying and movement, would you think that a more stable (and, respectively, more expensive) is maybe not as neccisary as with a tripod?

[pttenn]

I have a Manfrotto and after the first trip to the zoo, didn't find it that helpful. I do as well hand-held and can move about and follow the animals without worrying about dragging the monopod along. Also I felt there was still a lot of lateral sway I couldn't control unless I was leaning up against something solid. Just my opinion.
Karen

[GlennSter]

cjm..where do you plan to get your monopod? im thinking of having one too. the house parties that i will be attending to this coming holidays will be all cramped and setting up a tripod is such a hassle...

[rklepper]

I use mine all the time. Helps a great deal. I would not want to be without one. In fact I just lost mine and had to order a new one with a new ballhead today.

[rklepper]

I should also add that I use mine for videotaping. While at games and everyone else is trying to handhold video cameras for 1+ hours, I just put mine on the pod and it works great.

[liza]

I use mine when I'm shooting football in crappy lighting conditions. Otherwise, I handhold everything.

[cjm]

cjm..where do you plan to get your monopod? im thinking of having one too. the house parties that i will be attending to this coming holidays will be all cramped and setting up a tripod is such a hassle...I agree with that. I am not a big Tripod guy myself. I own 2 very good ones but I only use it for the rare time I do night photography because I like being on the go.

I was thinking of probably picking one up either from a Canadian seller on eBay or maybe even locally. I thought about US retailers but what's the point? Stuff like pods are usually pretty much the same there as here.

[cjm]

Anyone ever hear of BENRO?

[GlennSter]

could you link me to a canadian seller in ebay too?

thanks bro!

[StealthLude]

I love my monopod

makes my macro shooting WAYYY better. takes the weight of the camrea of my arms...

Comfort factor allows me to shoot better and longer.

[sugarzebra]

I use a monopod alot and find it very handy. Based on Skip's (POTN veteran) recommendation I bought a Manfrotto 680B monopod and the 486RC2 ball head with quick release. Its the perfect combination of quality & price and I would highly recommend that combination to you. I was in a hurry to purchase so just ordered from Henry's.

[cjm]

could you link me to a canadian seller in ebay too?

thanks bro!Here is a current search of Canadian sellers, mostly they are Henry's but the prices seem not bad. CLICK HERE (http://search.ebay.ca/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&from=R10&satitle=monopod&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&floc=1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&sadis=200&fpos=T5E-0T9&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=)

[Woogie]

Without a monopod, you're forced to deal with 3 Axes: X, Y, and Z. With the tripod, it'll help eliminate one of those axes, thus giving you a more stable shot.

[naqs]

I don't think they are that usefull... to me they just get in the way, it is better to just practice keeping you camera still or get an IS lens. I only shoot motorsport so I'm not sure what they are like for nature or animal, but for that It could be usefull because you have such long and big lenses

[halfmoonray]

Without a monopod, you're forced to deal with 3 Axes: X, Y, and Z. With the tripod, it'll help eliminate one of those axes, thus giving you a more stable shot.

Very good description. But the x and y axes are still prone to movement. Movement is movement and if you need help in the z direction you probably need help in the x and y. The reason I am saying this is because I have had a monopod for about half a year so far and I am still learning/perfecting how to use it, steady it. If I would give that much attention to my hand holding the camera, I'd probably get the same results as from the monopod.

I primarily use it for macro work, where to change focus I have to move the camera. So in my opinion, the monopod is good when you need to move the camera...ie to focus or for panning.

I also use a remote shutter release along with my monopod to further prevent movement on shutter release.

[kram]

This is a n00bie type question but I have to ask because I have never really used one. Is a mono pod really that useful? Does it really help that much? Is it easy to use? Any avid monopod users have any input I would love to hear from you. :)

Also what is a good one to buy that is easy to use?

I absolutely recommend a monopod. I lived with just a tripod and one that was a little heavy for my taste. After I picked up my Benro tripod/monopod, I see that I end up walking out with the monopod very often.

Esp. useful for long shots and on days when the sun's not too helpful (which is almost all days in a place like Hong Kong).

Anyone ever hear of BENRO?

My Benros are awesome value for money. I occasionally test them trying to push the monopod down with my weight :) They are really strong, trust me!!

[Nick_C]

Surely a monopod cant get you sharp results at slower shutter speeds? ok you have managed to remove any vertical movement but you still have to hold the camera+monopod steady from horizontal movement, I guess you could lean it up against a wall or something..

Ive never really looked into monopods much, ive got a Manfrotto 190 ProB with the 804RC2 head as a little Christmas present ;-)

Nick :-)

[EOSAddict]

I have a manfrotto neotec with trigger grip that is really handy. In the summer I used it to get shots at 1.3s (braced) because I didn't have a tripod with me.

[Lester Wareham]

Surely a monopod cant get you sharp results at slower shutter speeds? ok you have managed to remove any vertical movement but you still have to hold the camera+monopod steady from horizontal movement, I guess you could lean it up against a wall or something..

Ive never really looked into monopods much, ive got a Manfrotto 190 ProB with the 804RC2 head as a little Christmas present ;-)

Nick :-)

Of course there are limits and the monopod effect is more effective in the vertical direction. Perhaps an illustrative example:

The following show a 100% crop around the center focus point with IS off in the following order; tripod, handheld and monopod, 300mm f4L IS lens 1/8th second:

http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/tripod%20F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Handheld%20IS%20Off%20F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Monopod%20IS%20Off%20F.jpg

And for fun Handheld IS On Mode 1 1/6th of a second:
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Handheld_IS_M1/6/Crops/F.jpg

I rest my case your honour.

[SkipD]

In my opinion, a monopod's usefulness is much more for taking the weight off my arms when holding a long lens for a long time "at the ready" than it is for being a tripod substitute.

As you can see in Lester's photos above, you can be steadier with a monopod than without, but it's no substitute for a tripod when absolute steadiness is the requirement.

However, if you are waiting for some wildlife or sports action and holding the camera/lens aimed at the expected are for the action for a long time, the monopod really helps. You can re-frame the shot much more quickly than if you were using a tripod, but the monopod has taken the strain off your arms, wrist, and fingers for the duration.

[Nick_C]

Of course there are limits and the monopod effect is more effective in the vertical direction. Perhaps an illustrative example:

The following show a 100% crop around the center focus point with IS off in the following order; tripod, handheld and monopod, 300mm f4L IS lens 1/8th second:





And for fun Handheld IS On Mode 1 1/6th of a second:


I rest my case your honour.

Thanks for those, very interesting results there, so a standard tripod is always the best, a monopod I can see does make it a little less blurry though, I have a 350D so luckily weight isnt an issue as with 30D owners, using a monopod to ease the heavy loads is a good idea though.

Nick :-)

[Lester Wareham]

Thanks for those, very interesting results there, so a standard tripod is always the best, a monopod I can see does make it a little less blurry though, I have a 350D so luckily weight isnt an issue as with 30D owners, using a monopod to ease the heavy loads is a good idea though.

Nick :-)

Well that was my big near 4Kg tripod, a benbo with a Kirk BH-1 head and mirror lockup, so it is probably as good as it gets assuming minimal AF error. Even so, out of the wind my light tripod (1.1Kg) will do nearly as well although the 300mm is getting a bit big for it. Now a lot of people I expect use even heavy more solid tripods than that.

A tripod is always best but it is amazing how much a monopod helps.

[cjm]

I think I am getting a Manfrotto monopod for Christmas. ;) my parents the other day were asking what I wanted for christmas and I mentioned a monopod so today I went out and bought a monopod for them to give to me (they buy it from me). I just wonder though if they'll get the right one ;) lol

[SYS]

Of course there are limits and the monopod effect is more effective in the vertical direction. Perhaps an illustrative example:

The following show a 100% crop around the center focus point with IS off in the following order; tripod, handheld and monopod, 300mm f4L IS lens 1/8th second:

http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/tripod%20F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Handheld%20IS%20Off%20F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Monopod%20IS%20Off%20F.jpg

And for fun Handheld IS On Mode 1 1/6th of a second:
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Handheld_IS_M1/6/Crops/F.jpg

I rest my case your honour.

Very interesting, although it'd have been even more interesting to have included a test shot with the IS (on) + monopod. I'd bet the result to be lot closer to the shot with the tripod.

[SYS]

I think I am getting a Manfrotto monopod for Christmas. ;) my parents the other day were asking what I wanted for christmas and I mentioned a monopod so today I went out and bought a monopod for them to give to me (they buy it from me). I just wonder though if they'll get the right one ;) lol

What??!! Are you nuts??!! I'd have mentioned another L lens instead of a monopod!! :lol:

[sswanson]

...I bought a Manfrotto 680B monopod and the 486RC2 ball head with quick release. Its the perfect combination of quality & price and I would highly recommend that combination to you.

Some quick looking makes me wonder if you couldn't get about the same result with the BEN109? I can't tell if it is quick release, but it would allow portrait and landscape shooting, and is very reasonably priced.

B&H Page: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=BEMPT&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=4639

[cjm]

What??!! Are you nuts??!! I'd have mentioned another L lens instead of a monopod!! :lol:I wish but my parents don't have enough money to buy me even a kit lens for Christmas never mind a L lens. In fact the monopod cost $75 but I am going to sell it to them for $50 and chew the $25 extra they dont need to know about. It would have been "cheaper" to buy on online at B&H or on eBay but factor in shipping, and the exchange rate it would have come about the same amount.

Sounds weird to some I am sure knowing what you're getting but this is the silly way my family seems to work. Strange I am sure.

[cjm]

Wait until they see what I got them though, Muhahhahahaha they'll be very surprised.

[Nick_C]

Ive got all my presents ready for Christmas now, "all" thats a joke, I can count them on a few fingers.. :-)

My parents asked me what I wanted so in the end I ordered a few little bits not costing much & they got them for me, that way at least I know im getting something I want & not the dreaded SOCKS & PANTS!!! lol..

I wish Santa would come down my chimney with a few lenses or something, although since the house renovations & the fact that the chimney is now blocked up isnt helping I guess & if he rings on the doorbell at 4am he definately wont get an answer, santa or not!! :-)

Nick ;-)

[Lester Wareham]

Very interesting, although it'd have been even more interesting to have included a test shot with the IS (on) + monopod. I'd bet the result to be lot closer to the shot with the tripod.

You can see a lot more IS/Tripod/Monopod/Handheld evaluations here (http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/index.htm), the pictures at low shutter speeds just illustrate the point but higher shutter speeds are more practical. Also it is statistically safer to look at trends rather than single points.

However, here are Monopod IS off, Monopod Mode 1 and Monopod Mode 2 at similar speeds.

http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Monopod_IS_off/10/Crops/F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Monopod_IS_M1/13/Crops/F.jpg
http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/IS_Tests/EF_300mm_f4L_IS_no_tc/Monopod_IS_M2/15/Crops/F.jpg

[sswanson]

If it's stability, not support, you are looking for - you may be interested in making a VERY portable tool that appears to have a similar stabalizing effect. A chain that you stand on when taking the photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coffeefromhell/200651868/

[delhi]

i wonder how many stops will a monopod yield vs. handheld. 1-stop?

[Lester Wareham]

i wonder how many stops will a monopod yield vs. handheld. 1-stop?

It's not that simple but yes a stop or 2.

[Lester Wareham]

If it's stability, not support, you are looking for - you may be interested in making a VERY portable tool that appears to have a similar stabalizing effect. A chain that you stand on when taking the photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coffeefromhell/200651868/

Yes its an old trick, normally just a peice of string. A monopod will be better, also it will help take the weight of the kit.

[cjm]

Surprise Surprise I did get a manfrotto monopod for Christmas. The one time I have used it with my 70-200 L made it even more amazing! The ballhead I bought for it is worth its weight in steel! :)