Monopod question -- does it help with general stability?

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #7329230
I can't say as I've seen anything bipodal that's commercially available.

Perfect it, patent it and you might get rich.

I've seen small tripodal feet for a monopod however they're not meant to let the shaft stand freely, just add a little stability.

I have one of those (Giottos MM5580) for about 3 years now and I have used the small legs only once.

Hermeto wrote in post #7329324
I have one of those (Giottos MM5580) for about 3 years now and I have used the small legs only once.

Did it work at all? I could see the small legs being of benefit with smaller kit like the OP mentioned.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #7329329
Did it work at all? I could see the small legs being of benefit with smaller kit like the OP mentioned.

It worked fine, but as you mentioned earlier, it couldn’t be trusted to stand on its own..

Hermeto wrote in post #7329324
I have one of those (Giottos MM5580) for about 3 years now and I have used the small legs only once.

I have seen something similar in stores (Manfrotto I think?) I think is more a gadget than verry useful.

I am looking for somting similar to this in photo equipment :http://www.shotgun-store.co.uk/rifle-bipod-551-p.asp

I always think of a monopod as giving 1-2 stops of stability - in other words if I have a 100mm FF (or equivalent) lens that I can handhold at 1/125 with decent results I could probably go to 1/30 with a monopod. Technique can assist here - there's prior posts about how to use a monopod ideally and supposed to use it with a forward angle and your legs as the other legs of a "tripod". See here

yvonchap wrote in post #7329860
I have seen something similar in stores (Manfrotto I think?) I think is more a gadget than verre useful.

I am looking for somting similar to this in photo equipment :http://www.shotgun-store.co.uk/rifle-bipod-551-p.asp

You could lash two monopods together!

My Manfrotto 3231 monopod has tripod legs that fold into the shaft.

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The problem with monopods is that as you breathe, it moves not only back and forth, but side to side. However, a monopod is fine when fast shutter speeds are used. I could not afford an expensive tripod, so I bought one for around $150.00. A lot of the newer tripods include a monopod (the head attaches to a removable monopod), so if you buy such a tripod, you have both.

I use a bipod for shooting my rifle sometimes, but while these stop lateral movement, they don't stop the up and down movement created when you breath. If I have to use my bipod for hunting, I still rest it against a tree trunk to form a sort of tripod. Otherwise there is too much reticle movement (up and down), specially if I get a little exited. Biathlon shooter slow down their heart rate to control movement, but I don't know how to do that.

WT21 wrote in post #7327198
Sounds like a mixed review then. I guess I'll have to give it a whirl and try it. Quick release head, though, as I'll need to set-up/break down quickly.

Thanks for the inputs.

If used with a brace (Manfrotto has a shoulder stock accessory), it will help a bit as you can make your legs and the monopod into a tripod, limited perhaps, but a great improvement over hand held.

I have also seen chain or cord devices that attach to the tripod hole in the bottom of the camera, you step on one end and it is adjusted so there is tension when you have the camera at eye level.

Not an effective tripod but might help.

Rafromak wrote in post #7330695
The problem with monopods is that as you breathe, it moves not only back and forth, but side to side. However, a monopod is fine when fast shutter speeds are used. I could not afford an expensive tripod, so I bought one for around $150.00. A lot of the newer tripods include a monopod (the head attaches to a removable monopod), so if you buy such a tripod, you have both.

I use a bipod for shooting my rifle sometimes, but while these stop lateral movement, they don't stop the up and down movement created when you breath. If I have to use my bipod for hunting, I still rest it against a tree trunk to form a sort of tripod. Otherwise there is too much reticle movement (up and down), specially if I get a little exited. Biathlon shooter slow down their heart rate to control movement, but I don't know how to do that.

Thank you for the input of your expérience in rifle shooting.

Neverless it has to be more stable than a monopod, when a tripod can not be used.

It is important to understand that proper method of using a monopod. If you do it can provide a good bit of stability. Check this out:

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

and pay particular attention to Options 2 and 3. Both work very well and give you the added stability of using your body as part of the support. I use my monopod pretty frequently and find it works quite well. It's much lighter than a tripod, collapses into a very compact package, and doesn't get in the way like a tripod can. I also use it for video with my HV20 and it's quite effective in that role as well.

A decent, inexpensive monopod to consider would be the Manfrotto 680 or 681 (I have the 681). This ball head with quick release is good. You may wish to lean your monopod aginst a wall, rail or other things. This is why you should get a ball head and not one of the flip/tilt heads. I have the pull out feet. I don't recommend them. I have used mine once and it adds weight as well.

i used it if im doing an event where i know its drab tae pictures of (insert name here) DV or celebrity or whatveer becuase i dont like carrying around hte 5dmk2, 24-70 + 580ex for 3 hours.

I hate Mono-Pod's with a burning passion for one reason, my pictures when I toke them for long exposures on my dslr they were blurry as hell.

its becuase you use it for the wrong things