Monopod or tripod?

[namasste]

I found less than I thought on this topic when I searched. I can't help wondering though if my money is better spent on a new tripod (mine sucks!!!!) or a decent monopod. I'll need the monopod anyway for sports but I'm trying to determine if I'll use the tripod that much once I have the monopod. I do shoot landscape and things like that as well so it's not all sports.

Second ? is if I need a head on the MP or just screw the thing right to the camera body. Does the swivel head really help?

I'm trying to think of where I'd use the tripod over the monopod (I shoot handheld a lot)

[BearLeeAlive]

Both have there place. I personally would buy a tripod first, but I do use my monopod more. The thing is, where I need the tripod it is almost necessary, where I use the monopod it is more of an aide. I use the monopod for awkward angle macro shooting all the time, it really helps with stability. While my 100-400 is an excellent lens to use handheld, my keeper rate is much higher when using the monopod. I have tried using no head, no way. I love using the ballhead with the monopod, especially with macro. If you are shooting sports or something where you will be a good distance from the object (thus shooting right near horizontal all the time) it is really not needed.

[nutsnbolts]

Both should technically be in your arsenal, however, I do find my monopod have more use due to the fact that it's easier to pull out and carry around. The tripod is a bit more work.

Regarding the swivel head, if you mean that "do you need a ballhead," in my opinion, it's essential. Well not really essential but makes thing a whole lot easier when you can move your camera in all different angles (come to think of it, yes, it's essential). The proper use of a monopod in how you move it around depends on how your camera is placed on top of your monopod. Screwing it in directly (without a ballhead) makes it static (I don't know if that's the right word). In other words, you have to move your monopod to achieve the angle.

Now when you speak about swivel, there are different ballheads out there but more specifically a 486RC2 and 488RC2 are ballheads by manfrotto that essentially differ in that the 488RC2 swivels (so to speak) and the 486RC2 doesn't.

Usually people get the 486RC2 ballhead for a monopod and when they get a tripod, they get a 488RC2. Think of it this way, with a 486 on a monopod, all you have to to is twist the monopod to "swivel" it. If you had the 488 on the tripod, you can keep the legs still and just turn the camera/ballhead, instead of lifting the entire 3 legs off the ground to "swivel".

Understand?

[primoz]

Monopod is not replacement for tripod, or vice versa. If you need tripod, get it. Monopod won't be helpful in situations where you would need tripod, and tripod won't help much in situations where monopod is right way to go.
As far as monopod itself goes. In my opinion you don't need monopod for equipment you have listed in signature. Monopod is basically meant for support of heavy lenses. And your lenses are far from that. Personally I work 70 or 80% of time with 300/2.8 without monopod, and 70-200/2.8, which is still quite a bit heavier then 100-300 you have, never even saw monopod :) But that's my personal way of working, so someone might not agree with me :)

[20DNewbie]

I've got a couple tripods and IIRC 3 monopods, I can count the times I've used the tripods on one hand but at those times I've needed them. Monopods are pretty handy(with the heavier glass) when your standing there waiting for the action so to speak.

As far as heads on monos, I don't see the point, but like BLA stated above I use it for mostly horse shows/sports so I'm on a horizontal plane 99% of the time.

[nutsnbolts]

To note:

As you can see everyone has a use for a monopod or lack there off. Everyone may or may not need a ballhead, some may find the monopod to be used only to support weight but honestly, all points are valid, depending on YOU! Take each advice as a grain of salt.

Heck, you can even use the monopod as a walking stick! :)

The point is, a monopod supports weight, a monopod is easier to set up, lighter to carry, used a walking stick, used to beat people, used essentially for countless many things.

20D newbie shoots only in horizontal planes which is a valid point of not having a ballhead but why limit yourself? If I decide to shoot horseshows, guess what I can. If I decide to quickly release my camera for another shot, I can. If I want to use my monopod to reach out to someone and then point the camera upwards, I can.

The bottom line is, monopods are very useful and you can achieve 1 to 3 stops using one with proper use as opposed to handholding.

Primoz as a sports photography has experience and don't need a monopod Practice practice practice but you should really take into consideration the generalities of whether you need one or not. The past two posters (nothing against your posts) are specific users.

[nutsnbolts]

Oh what about a tripod?

Oh, I have a light tripod which I use if I was going to do some macros or if I want to do some small studio product shots, depending on the situation. However, considering that I travel internationally/domestically and I need something light, fast, a monopod has far more use....for ME.

[namasste]

Oh what about a tripod?

Oh, I have a light tripod which I use if I was going to do some macros or if I want to do some small studio product shots, depending on the situation. However, considering that I travel internationally/domestically and I need something light, fast, a monopod has far more use....for ME.

Thanks to all of you. I've stayed quiet more or less to see how this unfolds. To clarify, I will be using the monopod for sports a lot and while my current EF100-300 certainly doesn't need one, I am going to be buying one of the 70-200's or possibly the Sigma 100-300 or 120-300 so I think weight will be an issue. I suppose most of the sports stuff will be on a horizontal plane so perhaps no need for the ball head there. I do alos shoot lanscape and urban type stuff though and I think the BH might be useful in those applications.

All that said, I purchased the Amvona A04 ball head. Can I use this on both a tripod and third party monopod? I ask since I'd probably just buy the mono now and see if it suits 90% of my needs before buying legs for a tripod. Not to say I won't get the tripod legs at some point but if I'd rather use the money elsewhere if I'm only going to use the tripod sporadic ally.

[nutsnbolts]

I can't speak for the Amvona ballhead but you can technically use the ballheads interchangeably. I can't remember the threading dimensions but I think there are 2 types. Regardless, they do sell threading adapters (I think that is what they are called).

[namasste]

I can't speak for the Amvona ballhead but you can technically use the ballheads interchangeably. I can't remember the threading dimensions but I think there are 2 types. Regardless, they do sell threading adapters (I think that is what they are called).

sweet! I think I'll give the whole monopod thing a go with the ballhead and see if it meets the majority of my needs. If so, I just svaed some loot on the tripod legs. Thanks again for all the help on this!

[20DNewbie]

Perhaps I should have also mentioned I always have at least one ballhead in the trunk in case I do end up needing it on my mono for whatever reason.

I can't speak for the Amvona ballhead but you can technically use the ballheads interchangeably. I can't remember the threading dimensions but I think there are 2 types. Regardless, they do sell threading adapters (I think that is what they are called).

One of my monos is the Bogen-Manfrotto 679B which has both thread sizes built in so you need not worry about adapters.

I've been thinking of picking up one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/205331-REG/Wimberley_C30_C_30_Quick_Release_Clamp.html) so I could have the QR option by mounting it to my 679B.

[namasste]

Perhaps I should have also mentioned I always have at least one ballhead in the trunk in case I do end up needing it on my mono for whatever reason.



One of my monos is the Bogen-Manfrotto 679B which has both thread sizes built in so you need not worry about adapters.

I've been thinking of picking up one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/205331-REG/Wimberley_C30_C_30_Quick_Release_Clamp.html) so I could have the QR option by mounting it to my 679B.
for the price of the Amvona, I'd buy another BH and just swap the body between the two never removing the plate. might be the way to go once I decide how much I'll use the 3pod.

[Orange88]

Can someone enlighten me as to the use of a monopod, the thought of a camera sitting on the top of a solitary rod for stability makes me laugh :D

[RPCrowe]

First, I will always use a head of some sorts with a monopod. I get my best support when the monopod is directly under the camera/lens and perpindicular (90 degrees) to the ground (or 90 degrees to level ground if you are shooting from an incline.

Since I mostly use the monopod with my two lenses having tripod rings (70-200mm f/4L IS and 400mm f/5.6L); I don't need the head to tweak the horizon or to change from landscape to portrait position. I do, however want some type of a head when I need to shoot up or down.

Manfrotto distributes a head specially made for monopods. It is light in weight and relatively inexpensive. I would choose that head if I were just starting in using a monopod.

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?detailPid=8214&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB34&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&marketList=MARKET:MKT1|

Here is a listing for the monopod head (AKA Tilt Top) on eBay with a monopod included.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BOGEN-MANFROTTO-679B-MANFROTTO-3232-HEAD_W0QQitemZ150171414116QQihZ005QQcategoryZ30095 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I now use the manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Camera Support when I am shooting with my 400mm f/5.6 lens and either a monopod or a tripod. This support (AKA Head) is heavy at 1.7 pounds and it is fairly expensive at around $100 but, it is wonderful to shoot with. I can balance the lens so it stays in place but needs only slight pressure for moving it.

This is great for following fast moving subjects like race cars or hydroplane boats but, would be overkill for your stated uses.

I will only use the monopod with my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (which I will carry in a bag) when I am also using the 400mm f/5.6L on a monopod. That is simply because I have no place to put the monopod when I change cameras, so I put the 400mm back in my bag and mount the 70-200mm.

[BearLeeAlive]

Can someone enlighten me as to the use of a monopod, the thought of a camera sitting on the top of a solitary rod for stability makes me laugh :D
Your two legs form the other part of a tripod. It is used mostly where shooting stuff on the move where a tripod would take too long to set up.

[nutsnbolts]

Can someone enlighten me as to the use of a monopod, the thought of a camera sitting on the top of a solitary rod for stability makes me laugh :D

Practice a little more and when you realize that you can't shoot certain things because you're too shaky or it's too dark and you wish you had a couple more stops, try out a monopod and you can achieve what you couldn't before.

[primoz]

As far as 70-200 or 120-300 goes (no idea about 100-300), you still don't need head, even if shooting vertical. Those two lenses have tripod collar, so you attach monopod to lens and not camera. When changing from horizontal to vertical, you just spin lens and camera vertical, while tripod collar stays same way. Personally I never attached monopod to camera yet, but always to lens.
But as Nutsnbolts wrote... my use is probably pretty specific. And btw... I still use monopod :) Just came back from 2 hours of volleyball European Champions league and I wouldn't like to shoot with 300/2.8 and without monopod :) But for some sports (for example cycling, xc skiing or ski jumping) I just can't shoot with monopod, even if they last longer and even if I still shoot with 300/2.8. But that's me, and as with everything, what fits me best, might not fit you best :)

[BearLeeAlive]

A ballhead, not just a swivel, is very important for me atop the monopod for macro work. Chasing bugs takes me in to bushes, ditches and all kinds of awkward situations. Sometimes I will place the foot of the monopod strategically so when I lean forward or to the side I will swing sloooowly toward the insect. The final position often has the camera at a different angle then perpendicular to the monopod, in fact almost always. Often I am reaching way forward so that I don't get too close and scare it away. Without a monopod, and the ballhead on top, I would be terribly unstable and the shot would turn out lousy. Using the monopod has increased my keepers by many fold.

At times when using longer lenses shooting birds in trees, the ballhead comes in handy too (though the swivel would work good here too). Most times neither would be required.

In using the 486RC2 on the monopod, and the 488RC2 on my tripod, allows me quick mounting and swapping of cameras, or just to go to hand held quickly as well.

Most of the posts here have nailed it in that no two people will shoot the same, even in the same situation. One must take all the ideas that others use, and try to determine what will work best for them, then put these ideas in to practice to see if the indeed do work well for you. I have had quite a few ideas I put in to practice that I have since discarded because they did not work well in use. :)

[namasste]

I can say this for sure, I can't wait to get my monopod!!! I shot girls high school soccer tonight with the Sigma 120-300 and could have really used that support for both comfort as well as performance. I shot wide open at 3200 ISO but had to keep my shutter around 400 which was right on the edge of getting usable shots and definitely lowered the keeper rate. Should be getting one this weekend. Thanks again to everyone. You all own!

[Rudy M.]

One thing not mentioned is using velcro straps, gaffer tape, or rope with your monopod. The velcro straps with a D ring on one end for back packing etc work great for lashing the monopod to fence post, table leg, canopy leg, small tree, brush, whatever. A tripod takes up lots of space when deployed, and really has no place on the sideline of sport events. Tripods are heavier and more awkward to carry too. I have an OK Slik tripod with a Manfroto ball head on it. I have not used it in over a year. I have taken the ball head off and put it on my Manfroto monopod though mostly I use the Manfroto monopod head that simply flips from landscape to portrait. The ball head adds weight and length I don't need. Out in the bush, you can use a velcro strap to hold 2 sticks together and lay the monopod in the upper V for a tripod for shooting bugs and mushrooms and crawlys. You could get really fancy and get some shooting sticks that fold up small from a gun shop, but why spend the money. Which ever you get, do get a QR mount with enough plates to put on the bottom of your camera and your larger lens collars. Get a robust monopod, not a flimsy one--at least plan on $150--$200 for a decent monopod, head, QR and some bases. Experiment holding the monopod by pressing it against one of your legs, holding the other one back, forming sort of a combat stance.

[BearLeeAlive]

Good idea with the strap Rudy, I had not thought of that and I do have one of those cheap mini tripods with that feature. I have a bunch of webbing straps with Fastex buckles that would work for that use too.

[RPCrowe]

Can someone enlighten me as to the use of a monopod, the thought of a camera sitting on the top of a solitary rod for stability makes me laugh :D

Please see:

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

By the way, have you ever noticed at the sidelines of football games the masses of large "white" Canon "L" lenses - almost every one of them supported with a monopod? I don't see any of these photographers laughing at the others. Maybe they know something that you don't!

MONOPOD TIP:

When traveling; take a strip of 1" Velcro about 24" long sewn back to back (hooks on one side loops on the other side). You can occasionally find this type of velcro ready-made.

Use the velcro to secure your monopod to any sturdy object nearby (fence post, railing, etc.)

This will give you a very sturdy camera platform but, will only weigh an ounce or so and, rolled up, will take up very little room in your bag.

[primoz]

By the way, have you ever noticed at the sidelines of football games the masses of large "white" Canon "L" lenses - almost every one of them supported with a monopod? I don't see any of these photographers laughing at the others. Maybe they know something that you don't!
This is not because of stability. It's simply because lenses are a bit heavy. Did you try to shoot for 3 hours with 400/2.8 from hand? Actually for 400/2.8 10mins is too much without monopod... at least for me, and I shoot a lot from hand with 300/2.8. But it all depends. So most of time, monopod is used to support heavy weight and make work easier, not to add stability. It does help with stability too, but very very little. And with sport, you normally don't have problems with blurred photos caused by camera shake (even on long lenses), so monopod is not used for that.