Do I need a monopod?

Hi All,

I will be shooting all day a drift event this weekend and I rented a 70-200 F4. I have a light body (Crappy T5) but I don't remember if that lens is heavy or not. Should I get a monopod or not really needed? I want to pan freely so monopod might be an issue?

YES, and make sure you use the tripod ring on the lens (pretty sure that one has one).

erikfig wrote in post #18345450
Hi All,

I will be shooting all day a drift event this weekend and I rented a 70-200 F4. I have a light body (Crappy T5) but I don't remember if that lens is heavy or not. Should I get a monopod or not really needed? I want to pan freely so monopod might be an issue?

Heya,

Given the choice of a monopod or no monopod, for an all day event, I'd take a monopod. You put a ballhead on there, or a panning head, and you're set. Fatigued arms at the end of the day are not going to be much use for panning after all.

Ideally, a tripod with a gimbal or panning ballhead would be even better, with super smooth movement.

The 70-200 F4L is a light weight lens. But holding even 3 total pounds out with your arms all day is fatiguing and if you want steady panning shots with slow shutter, you want every bit of help you can get to keep it steady and smooth. Having a support system does that.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #18345474
Heya,

Fatigued arms at the end of the day are not going to be much use for panning after all.

Exactly! How are you supposed to hold your beer at the end of the day?!

I would say with that combination of equipment you do not need a monopod. For me, the smallest lens that I use a monopod for is a 300/2.8. Even a 70-200/2.8 does not need a monopod.

Thanks all fro feedback.