Tripod or Monopod

[markgray]

Ok, i have a Velbon CX300 Tripod at the moment and i don't always take it with me mainly because of the pain in having to set it up all the time then move on do the same.

So i have been considering getting a monopod, does anyone else have one and what advantages are there to owning one. What types of head are available, i would like one which allows panning and portrait as well as the landscape.

I know they would be easier to pick up and move to another location, but are they stable.

Cheers

Mark

[Bachs]

I would say they aren't as good as their 3 legged friend...you ain't going to get milky waterfall shots with it, but theyr'e great for panning and a doddle to carry round.

I have the cheapest of the cheap Maplins jobbie and it saved my bacon on a nighttime floodlit outdoor event shoot last year.

It's telescopic and I have it hooked to my belt.
Like anything else you'll get what you pay for but even mine is better than nothing at all.

[Glen]

My manfrotto 680db was £33 and I think its very good, as Bachs says we all know its not going to give you tripod results, but its very handy to carry around, I had no problem with it look at my gallery I took the robin shots and the newstead waterfall shots with the monopod.

[markgray]

cheers for the replies guys, i wanted it for taking pictures of the kids football mainly, do you think it would be up for the job or stick with the tripod?

[Steve]

A monopod would be idea for that use :)

[markgray]

cheers Steve, i think a Tripod is a bit much for the kids football and a monopod would be easier to move around the pitch

[Glen]

You can get the best of both worlds, I was going to get the manfrotto with the tripod feet that fold up into the centre shaft. The only reason I didn't was that it was a couple of inches longer than the one I got and the whole idea of me getting one was to chuck in my case when i go on my jollies to Sicily. Only a couple of quid more for the footed version.

[mfwild13]

You can get the best of both worlds, I was going to get the manfrotto with the tripod feet that fold up into the centre shaft. The only reason I didn't was that it was a couple of inches longer than the one I got and the whole idea of me getting one was to chuck in my case when i go on my jollies to Sicily. Only a couple of quid more for the footed version.
I would'nt say that the 682B is anywhere near the best of both worlds but it is occasionally handy to have a bit of stability for the monopod (as long as its a hard flat surface). The tripod feet also adds a fair bit to the overall weight.
BTW you can buy the tripod base as an add-on for the 679, 680 and 681.

[orangepeel]

heh. I sometimes use my tripod as a monopod just by extending one leg. You do look really silly *** :)

[scoff]

cheers for the replies guys, i wanted it for taking pictures of the kids football mainly, do you think it would be up for the job or stick with the tripod?

Check you are allowed to take piccies first??? I was astonished when I went to see my son play football and took my camera to be told I may not be allowed due to child protection rules!!!!

[markgray]

I have that one all sorted now. If you want to take pictures you need permission from both sets of parents. This is part of the FA guidelines for young people in sport.

[ppp]

What a sad world we live in, when you need permission to take some pics, why are there so many sick people out there?

[markgray]

Tell me about it, i had a big bust up with the club my son plays for and this was the compromise we came up with, but at least now i get to take pics of them playing football.

[Ally]

I've got a manfrotto 679 £35 out of jessops hurts when you drop it on your foot and is great when i'm useing it with my 50-500 qould highly recommend it.