Any Monopod tips? [Archive] - Talk Photography

PDA

View Full Version : Any Monopod tips?

matty

24-08-2005, 17:21

I bought a monopod today(jessops, £13.....STOP LAUGHING!)

any tips for succesful monopod use?

Steve

24-08-2005, 17:26

Err buy a proper one :p

fingerz

24-08-2005, 17:29

1) Use monopod to poke other photographers out the way.

2) Set up tripod and take the shot that no-one else got.

3) Go home and sell shot for millions of pounds.

GfK

24-08-2005, 17:34

any tips for succesful monopod use?
Yes. Don't let go of it. :woot: :woot:

Steve

24-08-2005, 17:36

You can see where this thread is going :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :naughty:

matty

24-08-2005, 17:44

i was kind of hoping for some slightly more sensible replies, but i can see that im not going to get any!

How can monopods be that different between price groups?? i can see the benifits of expensive tripods, but i cant really see where an expensive monopod has advantages

milou

24-08-2005, 18:32

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/ - quite old but that's due to the paucity of information sourced via Google.

I bought a Giotto monopod:

http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/pp/Camera%20Accessories/Tripods/Giottos%20P-Pod%205570%20Multi%20Monopod.html

Beautifully engineered, strong and contains three graphic arms that attached to either the base or head for alleged additional stability. However, whilst theoretically these arms should ensure additional support, they are rather a pain to set up. As a straightforward base, it's adequate so long as it's not windy or a decent zoom is used.

I used mine recently in Switzerland and it was used more as a walking stick with the camera being supported by alternative means, e.g. fences, walls etc.

Hope it helps.

IanC_UK

24-08-2005, 18:53

The main difference between cheap and expensive mono and tripods is the weight, construction, rigidity etc, i have a really rather cheap tripod, and a really rather expensive one, the expensive one doesnt wobble when its set up, the cheap one does ! the joints etc are so much better on the Gitzo ! I expect that would be the same on a monopod ! Try setting it up at full height with your biggest lens on and see how sturdy it is, if its enough for you then there shouldnt be a problem, only problem may come when you get a heavier lens !

Sorry cant help with the hints etc as i have never used a monopod, in fact have only ever seen one in a shop !

matty

24-08-2005, 19:30

thanks guys

will look at the links later, need to watch a film now....

Marcel

24-08-2005, 19:48

Call me stupid (I know you will), but why hasn't anyone cornered the market for a joint monopod / walking stick?

Marvelously handing things while out on a jolly jaunt with your camera (walking sticks), and it would be doubly handy if they could double up as a monopod.

Obviously I'm talking proper outdoor walking sticks, not one that has been swiped from the local bus stop outside morrisons.

Bachs

24-08-2005, 20:00

I bought a monopod today(jessops, £13.....STOP LAUGHING!)

any tips for succesful monopod use?

Mines much better than yours...I bought one yesterday from Maplins £19.99 :D

Used it for the first time today...very useful and convenient and at first preview the pics look great, bearing in mind how windy it was today and I was on the coast!

Steep

24-08-2005, 20:16

McMav

25-08-2005, 13:04

Yup loads about that are combo walking pole/ monopod.

Leki also springs to mind. Now wishing I had got that one rather then the trekkings ones I got

Liberalis

25-08-2005, 13:46

Use a monopod in landscape mode for sports, then switch to portait mode and knock out 4 other photographers stood next to you ... I did it, such a laugh.

{Evil giggle}

stevegreen

25-08-2005, 13:59

There is a decent article here (http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3) on how best to use one.

ppuga

25-08-2005, 15:51

...i've never used one...

matty

25-08-2005, 17:12

Cheers Steve i will look at that..

milou

28-08-2005, 12:24

There is a decent article here (http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3) on how best to use one.

Good find - cheers

/delays selling impulse purchase

Rich

31-08-2005, 23:00

Yes. Don't let go of it. :woot: :woot:

Haha! I nearly choked when i read that :lol:

Garnock

31-08-2005, 23:18

I bought a manfrotto monopod ( 681B ) and then a monopod head ( 234RC ).........don't know why?
To this day I've never used them.

For sports photographers these things are very useful, for me give me a heavy tripod and a head that could be used as an anchor.

Tips for monopods ? .......sorry mate, I have none.

cameron

Bachs

01-09-2005, 06:11

Don't expect to get good slow exposure shots!

GfK

01-09-2005, 12:02

If you get tired, do not under ANY circumstances use your monopod as a makeshift seat. :shock: :shock: :shock:

Bachs

01-09-2005, 18:54

Fully extended, they make a great prod for disturbing wasp's nests for some great action shots.

GfK

03-09-2005, 00:14

If a situation ever arises where you need to use your monopod as a golf club/cattle prod/baseball bat, its advisable to remove your camera from it first.

This thread's turning into Viz. :D