TheSonofDarwin
27th of January 2008 (Sun), 13:07
I spent all morning reading through past tripod/monopod threads and couldn't find anything that was directed at this.
I know most macro shooters do handheld unless they are shooting a stationary object. That was my intention as well... until yesterday, I went out for the first time this winter to shoot and realized that there is absolutely no way I can remain still enough for a sharp macro shot. I thought I was still until I get my focus and saw the subject swaying maniacally like viewing the ground from an airplane going down.
Now, I have a tripod but I'm not lugging one around with me for hours at a time like I'd have to have done yesterday. It came. It stayed in the car.
So I figure a monopod is going to be my best bet, but need it to be something that isn't going to slow me down much. The Bogen 685B looks to be something quick to the shot, but I think the closed length could make for problems taking lower down shots.
I've seen that there are a number of sports photographers that use this, but never once a macro photographer. Is it just too long to be of any good? The quick-use system is what has me interested, I just don't see it in a shorter (closed) model. I could settle for a portable tripod so long as it was quick to get to the ground... the tripod I have now I have to invert the center pole if I want any low-shots with it. And that'd be why I don't use it often. Scratch that, ever.
I know most macro shooters do handheld unless they are shooting a stationary object. That was my intention as well... until yesterday, I went out for the first time this winter to shoot and realized that there is absolutely no way I can remain still enough for a sharp macro shot. I thought I was still until I get my focus and saw the subject swaying maniacally like viewing the ground from an airplane going down.
Now, I have a tripod but I'm not lugging one around with me for hours at a time like I'd have to have done yesterday. It came. It stayed in the car.
So I figure a monopod is going to be my best bet, but need it to be something that isn't going to slow me down much. The Bogen 685B looks to be something quick to the shot, but I think the closed length could make for problems taking lower down shots.
I've seen that there are a number of sports photographers that use this, but never once a macro photographer. Is it just too long to be of any good? The quick-use system is what has me interested, I just don't see it in a shorter (closed) model. I could settle for a portable tripod so long as it was quick to get to the ground... the tripod I have now I have to invert the center pole if I want any low-shots with it. And that'd be why I don't use it often. Scratch that, ever.