Hand Held or Monopod - whats your preference?

Well would you believe it that today was the first time I have really attempted to use a monopod and I did not like it one bit, probably because I am not used to trying to pan with it.

Anyhow, I would like to know everyones personal opinions about using a monopod and even a technique they use to hold it/pan with it. I found my hands wanting to go too many places and couldnt get comfortable.

I put this in motorsport because I know alot of motorsports have to use one.

Thanks in advance for replies!

Andrew.

which of your lenses were you using?

I use my monopod with the 120-300 most of the time because it's quite heavy. sometimes I go hand held with it though.

for shorter lenses I don't bother, EG the 70-200 as I am usually get close enough to pan hand held with that, plus it's much lighter and shorter -physically that is

the 120-300 + 1.4x TC definitely gets the pod screwed in, great for head on and or 3/4 shots

i definitly use my monopod a lot for shooting sports with my 70-200 and 400 5.6. Keeps things steady, the horizon strait, and makes it easier to track people ( i think). also obviously it adds to the stability of the lens. i generally just set it up so its at a comfortable eye level, then put one hand of the lens for movement and the other on the shutter release, just like normal shooting, just with the monopod attached.

I use my monopod, primarily when I use the Bigma in dynamic environments, where light is not an issue but I don't feel like lugging that thing on my arm all the time. And I just got the Sigma 70-200 2.8, which is also not the lightest piece of equipment. I have also monopoded that, and it's worked ok for me.

I would have to say, that if handheld provides (and I am just establishing a relationship, not study numbers) about 50% of Stability, and the Tripod somewhere between 90-100%, I have found the monopod to be around 60-70% stable. Personally it keeps me level, but the movement -though reduced- simple varies from side to side, which does not matter in panning situations.

If you do not need to be moving (say you set up at the outside of Monza turn 3), then a tripod would probably be best. I defined the need for a monopod once I started tripping with my Tripod, as it was a hassle to fold and unfold every five mins, and it was no fun moving it around either, specially in crowded spaces.

But by no means is the monopod -IMO- the magic staff of stability.

My Thoughts.

i cant get used to mine and it ends up staying attached to the bag, maybe i need to buy a proper head for it to pan/tilt it with ease.

350Dave
You used the 100-300mm f4 handheld?
I only just got mine a couple of days and it weights a bloody ton. lol

My monopod weighs 300g and just takes the weight off my arms.
I didn't like it at all but now I've got a lens with a tripod collar...

I'll use it tomorrow at a 6hr enduro MX and will see how it goes.

Bigma, no way i'm goin to use it without monopod even with Canon 70-200 2.8 all it need it 10 min, then i will look for my monopod.

I prefer to shoot handheld for everything, frrom 15mm up to my 400 2.8. It just makes composition easier for me. The only exception is surf photography when I'm shooting the 400 all day non stop. For motorsports handheld is the only way to go for me.

If your going to pan and get it right, don't use a monopod. You simply can't pan as smoothly as you can handheld. I only use mine for head on shots, or cars going away shots, all panning is done handheld.

Next time you go to a race look close. 99% of the pros panning will not be using them, at least that is the case of the ALMS race, and drag races I go to. They only use them for the head on, and going away shots.

Thanks for the replies!

Yeah well I was shooting with a Canon 200mm F/2.8L with a 1.4x TC attached. I find that handheld when panning is so much easier because you can move with so much more ease and alot smoother!

I agree with what you have said adamsti, thanks for your input. I should really save up and get my next telephoto lens! I think I might start with a 300mm f/4 IS then add the 1.4x when i need the distance!

For motorsports... head-on shots with the 500mm f/4 I'll use the monopod (as you don't need to move the camera much), but for most panning (and all shooting with the 70-200) I will handhold. For cars and 3/4 shots you can get away with using a monopod, but for side shots (especially with bikes) there is no substitute for hand holding (including the 500mm f/4).

Lenses may be heavy, but the results are worth it!

-Todd...

And just to prove it...

1DMK2 and 300f2.8Lis hand hold all the time.Never tried it on a mono.

yes recently for three whole (12hr) days too, needless to say the swelling has only just gone down lol.