Should I use a monopod?

[cmM]

I got me a Manfrotto monopod today.
The reason I bought it, is because I am waiting for my 75-300mm lens to arrive from B&H, and I will be going on a little field trip to the botanical garden here in chicago along with some members from Fred Miranda's forum this weekend. Now the lens does not have Image stabilization. Should I use a monopod anyway, or just leave it in the car if it's nice and bright outside.

I don't really know how uncomfortable it is or not, as I never used a monopod before in my life, so I could really use some suggestions.
What's the lowest shutter speed I can use haldheld to get decently sharp pictures ?

[John_T]

Monopods are great, but take some familiarization time. I use mine much more as a handle with a lot of leverage than extended to the ground. If you have a good ball head, you can find a comfortable angle and offset whereby you clamp the unextended pod under your right arm, bracing/zoom/focus with your left hand, operating with your right. Much steadier, and relieves your hands and arms. Neckstrap for safety, or taught for additional bracing. A good ball head is important, and with a quick release plate too, you are very flexible to hand hold or switch over to a tripod.

You can extend it a bit for support on a wall, table, stone, between your legs on a chair, et cetera ad infinitum. You can support on your belt buckle, in a pocket, anything. You can stick it up in the air over other's heads and release with timer or remote. Fun.

And above all you can carry the whole contraption on your shoulder like an axe with ease.

Don't think about How To Use a Monopod. Just play with it casually and you will find all sorts of ways to use it that suit you.

[CoolToolGuy]

A monopod can be a great help, but you may want to check with the folks at the gardens. Many gardens place restrictions on tripods due to the interference with the other guests, but I don't know if that extends to monopods at the one you are going to. Its worth checking.

I use a homemade chainpod when there are restrictions, and I have never had a problem. In fact, the staff usually becomes quite interested when they say me using it. A little light chain (6 to 7 feet) and a 1/4 - 20 eyebolt is all you need. Attach the chain to the eyebolt, screw the eyebolt into the tripod socket, and you are ready. Drop the chain to the floor, pick the right length, step on the chain, and pull up. Voila! And I bet your buddies from Fred Miranda will be amazed as well.

Have Fun

[cmM]

A monopod can be a great help, but you may want to check with the folks at the gardens. Many gardens place restrictions on tripods due to the interference with the other guests, but I don't know if that extends to monopods at the one you are going to. Its worth checking.
Have Fun

Yea, it's been checked and tripods are allowed. I just don't wanna carry it along if it's not really necessary. It doesn't fit into any of my back packs, so I'd have to carry it... and I don't really like my camera hanging on my back like and axe :roll: ; I'm paranoid.

Thanks for the replies.