justamonopod

[vvizard]

I see they weight different, support different weights and have different hights.. Except for that, is there any _real_ difference between a $50 and a $150 monopod?

[Whaler]

Unable to sometimes think beyond my nose I bought a $39 Bogen the WITHOUT a flip head. It works very well for horizontal shots only. Given the opportunity I would buy this one. By the way you will take better pictures with one. My 2 cents

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=254606&is=REG

[SoCal69]

Personally, I didn't need the flip head as I use it mostly with long lenses. Just loosen the tripod collar and flip the camera to vertical. I bought this one because of the pistol grip which allows for very quick height adjustment and the weight capacity (about 17 lbs). The price actually went up $2.00 since I ordered it 2 weeks ago!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5523&is=REG

[vvizard]

Thanks. I'm just worried about height of it. I'm ~ 180cm tall. Guess the 162.3cm (+ 5-7 up til the viewfinder will be enough). Cause I really, really do not want to stand a whole day shooting with my back bent so that I can lean "down" to the viewfinder. But thanks for the tip. Adding it to my wishlist, and buy it next time I order something from b&h

[CoolToolGuy]

I got this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5534&is=REG

It is a 4 section, which I wanted so it would pack small. I have the 484RC2 ball head on it. Its working out fine for me.

[vvizard]

Hm, at least I _NEED_ a monopod before my next motorsports event. I just saw this picture shot over at the Norwegian foto-sharing-site..

http://foto.no/cgi-bin/bildekritikk/vis_bilde.cgi?id=113426

Guess most of you don't speak Norwegian, but the photo speaks for itself, and I'll translate the rest:

Canon 10D, 70-200L IS
f/22
1/45s <----- WOW :shock:

And then the photographer add his short comment, which translates roughly into this:

"Monopod is fu**ing genius for panning! Why haven't anybody tipped me off about this before :D"

So I thought.. Yeah, why haven't they :P I _NEED_ one! I can't believe that shot is 1/45s. Is the IS helping a lot on panned shots to? Cause this sharp panned images I've only gotten at 1/125s and higher.

[CoolToolGuy]

vvizard,

If money is an issue, try a chainpod.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=25765

All you need is some very light chain and a 1/4-20 eye bolt. It's not quite as stable as a monopod, but it will cost you less than $10, and you can carry it in your pocket. It has worked for me for many years.

Have Fun,

[vvizard]

No money really isn't _that_ much of an issue :P No seriously that thing looks funny, how does it work? :)

[Whaler]

True for long lens just use the lens mounting ring but for my 17-40 and 50 the flip head would be handy.

[CoolToolGuy]

No money really isn't _that_ much of an issue :P No seriously that thing looks funny, how does it work? :)

The concept is simple - you screw the eye bolt into the tripod socket and let the chain fall to the ground. Select the right length (standing, crouching, kneeling) and step on the chain. Pull the camera up against the tension of the chain, and voila - instant camera steadying! It is much quicker to adjust than a monopod, and if you make the chain long enough you can steady the camera over your head (or above the crowd at the drags :wink: ). I have had one for years, and it has really earned its keep. It won't totally replace a monopod, but it is definitely a nice tool to have in your bag. :D