How to use a monopod

[Aylwin]

No, I'm not giving advice. I'm asking.

This (from another thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38356)) prompted me to start this one:

...Monopods can be used more ways that just straight up and down on the ground. I've leaned my against trees, buildings, tucked it under my arm, and many other positions. I've even found it adds stability in handheld shots when it's just hanging down below the camera and not touching the ground at all. If I didn't have a ball head on it, it wouldn't be nearly as versatile.

I recently bought a tripod and ball head. Now, it looks like I can use it on the monopod too. I still don't quite understand though. How do you lean the monopod against something? Doesn't the camera get in the way? More explanation please.

Until now, I've simply mounted my camera directly on the monopod, using it the "basic way". I admit it's a bit restrictive but I didn't know any better. Please give more tips on using a monopod.

Also, what's the practical advantage of using a monopod in terms of exposure? One stop?

Thanks,

[neil_r]

I use a Ball Head with my monopod, Key advantage for me is:- I can go portrate as well as landscape, I do not have to use the support vertically (i.e. straight up and down) handy for leaning over a ditch?. as for the stops I reacon at 400mm i can squeeze an extra 2

N

[Aylwin]

Thanks for the reply, Neil.

I've just checked my monopod and it turns out I can't mount the ball head. I can only screw the camera directly on top. Does this mean I need a new monopod? Or are there adapters available?

[Belmondo]

If you have the little screw sticking out of the top of the monopod that mounts directly to your camera, that is probably 1/4-20 male thread. Most ball heads mount to a 3/8" thread, so you need a 1/4 to 3/8 threaded bushing. They are available.

[slejhamer]

I prefer "option 2" for stability: http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

[Aylwin]

Wow! I've only been using option 1 and now I find out that it's actually the worst way to use a monopod. :shock:

Excellent link! Thanks! :)

[Belmondo]

Wow! I've only been using option 1 and now I find out that it's actually the worst way to use a monopod. :shock:

Excellent link! Thanks! :)

You, and probably 90% of all monopod users.

Also, we had a thread a while back about someone who belived a monopod could also be used as a weapon. (Note: the Forum does not advocate the use of anything as weapons.....not even weapons.) :wink:

[Scottes]

Also, we had a thread a while back about someone who belived a monopod could also be used as a weapon.

What I said was... Oh, wait.

...the Forum does not advocate the use of anything as weapons.....not even weapons.

Never mind.

[LazyPhotographer]

Check out the new Lexus commercial - the one with the road race flying towards a group of people & photogs. Look for the guy with the BIG white lens... and a monopod.

[Conk]

Here is a photo showing one setup for a Manfrotto monopod.
http://genji.image.pbase.com/u38/conk/upload/31825535.monopodandhead.jpg
It shows the dual screw mounts so that it can accompany two screw sizes and a swivel head that allows for landscape and portrait settings. Notice that on the monopod the inner screw. It is spring loaded so that the outer 1/4-20 thread will detract and allow for the use of the 1/8 screw thread. Very simple and fairly reasonable in $$. This setup was approx $100.00.

[Himalayan]

I get a amvona.com's Dynatran Model AT-1016 with ballhead today. Pretty good price us$4X.00.

[Aylwin]

Conk, I can't see your image. This link works better: http://www.pbase.com/images/31825535.jpg

Here's my ballhead:
http://www.cal-family.org/download/ballhead.jpg

I just got it so I don't know if it's any good. It has lots of knobs and numbers. Pretty heavy too (heavier than my monopod). When I bought it I was mainly thinking of using it with the tripod. Would this be okay with the monopod too?

I been trying to practice the other methods on using a monopod and now I realise it's impossible without a ballhead.

[Conk]

Thanks for the reply, Neil.

I've just checked my monopod and it turns out I can't mount the ball head. I can only screw the camera directly on top. Does this mean I need a new monopod? Or are there adapters available?

From the looks of the photo you posted there should be no problem mounting your camera on the ballhead and monopod.
Mine is different as it is a quick release with a swivel head. It's a pain screwing the camera on when you need it fast.

[CyberDyneSystems]

You certainly "can" use that really nice ballhead on a monopod. but it is a trifle overkill IMHO..

And a lot of extra weight. I use a mere "tilt only" head .. the 'pod itself pans.. so all I ever need is a way to tilt the camera up and down.. this is not easy on a 'pod without a tilting head.