Monopod for my S5. Is it viable?

[Elbain]

I need of a more stability for my shots, for shots of animals (wildlife photography), besides in dark environments.
I don't need long exposures or a support base for the camera, by a long time.
I just need some stability with agility.

In this case, is the monopode my solution? My cam is the S5 IS.

I would like to get some comments and sugestions about that... mainly of who has or had one.
Thank you, friends!

[Mark]

Well personally, I generally will use a monopod if shooting 300 2.8 or heavier lenses, just for the weight of the bloody things, but with a ps I would advise against monopod usage

[SkipD]

A monopod (notice there is no "e" in monopod ;)) is best used for holding a heavy camera/lens for a long time. The monopod does not really provide a lot of extra stability either. Just try standing on one leg :D to understand this.

What you really want, in my opinion, is a decent quality tripod. A decent ball head on the tripod will give you the ability to rapidly re-aim the camera. You can even leave the ball head loose if you want to follow motion.

[SMP_Homer]

A monopod (notice there is no "e" in monopod ;)) is best used for holding a heavy camera/lens for a long time. The monopod does not really provide a lot of extra stability either. Just try standing on one leg :D to understand this.



Not quite accurate way to compare... you wouldn't let your camera & gear on the monopod w/o holding it!!!!
Agree with everything else... the monopod's best use is for holding heavy gear longer than without, specifically in areas where a tripod isn't allowed, possible or convenient

[Elbain]

... notice there is no "e" in monopod ;)...
Thanks, it was a lapse!!! (Take it easy!!! My English is recent!:D)

Thanks everybody by your comments, until now!

For me, the tripod takes time to organize . So, the monopod is more easy and fast to fasten, on quick situations...
With relationship to the stability, this is not very fasten, but avoids tremors (very harmful with precarious illumination).

[jgrussell]

If you cannot use a tripod, and handholding isn't steady enough, then a monopod may well help.

[Woogie]

Have you exhausted all of your on-camera options? Like turning up the ISO.

[andrewc]

How about something like a Gorillapod?

[Elbain]

How about something like a Gorillapod?
Who knows, andrewc! That is a kind of monopod?
Please, do you have some image of this?

(Who did repair the title of my thread? Thanks a lot!!:D)

[Jon]

It's more a bendable-leg tabletop tripod. The Gorillapod SLR or SLR Zoom (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/470237-REG/Joby_GP301EN_Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom_Flexible_Mini_Tri pod.html) should be able to hold an S5 reasonably well. The legs can be bent around tree limbs, etc. to help hold it in place (though I wouldn't walk away from it with a very heavy camera on it), which is part of its "charm".

[Elbain]

Hi Jon! Thanks for explanation (and the link!).
Personally, this "charm" doesn't attract me too. In any way, it's more an option for my problem.
I just thought that it's very small (mini-Tripod)!

Thanks everybody for your help!

[Elbain]

Somebody helped me with the images, bringing the olz's thread here (images of tripod, monopod, ballhead...). Thanks a lot again!

[RPCrowe]

Screw an eye-bolt into the tripod socket of your camera.

Attach a cord or strong to the eye-bolt and tie a washer (or any other weight) to the other end.

Step on the end of the string or cord and then pull up a bit until the cord is tight.

This will provide additional stability at virtually no cost and very little additional weight to carry.

Good luck!