Monopods, are they effective?

wibbly

wibbly

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Dave
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I'm wondering just how effective a monopod really is.

I've never used one, and never really considered one before, but I am interested in people's experiences as to whether they are a hit or a miss in terms of using them, possibly for larger zoom lenses or slower speeds.

Are they worth an investment?
 
wibbly said:
I'm wondering just how effective a monopod really is.

I've never used one, and never really considered one before, but I am interested in people's experiences as to whether they are a hit or a miss in terms of using them, possibly for larger zoom lenses or slower speeds.

Are they worth an investment?
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I have one but find it awkward to use (maybe me) and am thinking of buying a tripod.
 
It has a completely different application to a tripod.

A monopod is essential IMO if you are shooting something moving with a long or heavy lens, ie, panning / motorsport with a 400mm lens.

I use one and get far more keepers.

Tripods are more awkward to use in that way and 9/10 you'll miss the shot.

Tripods are great for static subjects or night shooting however.
 
I read something just a couple of days ago that was stating how monopods are great and the main problem is that people don't know how to use them effectively.

It went on to say that you should use it like a tripod, using your feet as the two back legs of the tripod and holding the monopd at roughly 45 degrees to your body for stability.

I have not used a monopod, so can't speak from first hand experience, but hope this can be of some help?
 
Have a look HERE
Explains it very well.
 
Excellent, thanks for the info guys, I may invest in a modest one to see how it works with me :)

7 day shop anyone :D
 
Monopods are brilliant, and often overlooked.

They give any lens instant image stabilisation, but better, and they take the weight of a heavy lens.

Edit: while cheap tripods are often rubbish/useless, even a modest monopod with work well.
 
Just got my first one, a Monfrotto 290 (it was a freebie when I signed up to N Photo Magazine, great for Nikon users i'm afraid..) I am using it a lot, which is a lot more than I use my tripod. I can use slightly slower shutter speeds and it holds my gripped D90 plus biggish lens very firmly. Don't know about the 45 degree thing, haven't tried but just using it as a rest is easy. Also can carry my camera about with it attached which is handy.
 
I use mine for sports, I used to like the freedom without but then found my images were better and sharper once I got more experienced in where to place myself using a monopod.

I have a Manfrotto one free with Digital Camera I think.

Obv the lens collar rotates normally so portrait/landscape is fairly easy.
 
I used one on a recent trip to Antarctica with my 600D and Sigma 150-500. It was invaluable on deck to take some of the weight of the Sigma and to reduce movement from both myself and the ship.

Just take a little time to extend it to the right height for you: it's tempting to extend it a little too far and end up tying yourself up in knots!
 
Wozzaaah said:
Dave, what body/lens combo are you using?
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I use a 40D Canon at present with a modest Tamron 17-50 but looking longingly at a 70-200mm and I know for a fact that with ole Mr Wobbly over here I'm going to need some support.

With my shaky hands, I think a monopod maybe of use even with the Tamron at times! :lol:
 
Pretty much agree with what's been already said.

One additional thing that they come in very handy for is taking shots from "above" ...eg crowds or where there is a fence or similar blocking the view....simply set your camera on self timer or wired remote and lift the camera/monopod up above the "obstruction" ....some interesting shots can be had ...for eg at concerts etc
 
I've had one for a while and struggled with it - getting used to using it is the hardest thing I've found.

Made myself use it at the super bikes last month and got some great shots that I wouldn't have got hand held.

Have a look at some magazines, they sometimes offer one as a subscription gift
 
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