Monopods

gramps

gramps

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Always thought of monopods as being one up from handheld in the effort to get a good image. However went out for an hour yesterday to give one a try with my 80-400 VR.
Disaster - everything shaky!
Handheld better for me without a doubt - so questions:

  • Is there any point in a monopod?
  • Is it just that there is an art to using a monopod?
  • Am I just being unrealistic to try it with an 80-400?
 
andrewc said:
they require a bit of getting used to...

do you have a tripod ring to mount on the lens or are you mounting on the body.
Click to expand...

I mounted on the lens ring and it seemed quite well balanced.
 
I use one with my Sigma 150-500 and it sure helps as against just handheld, it isn't a tripod but it sure steadies things up, and takes the weight whilst waiting for the shot.
 
I think ideally monopods are better suited to panning hence why you see them at sporting/motor events, I find them a bit cumbersome when out walking about with one but saying that it always makes an improved difference as it takes vertical movement out of the equation.
 
Mine makes a great walking stick, cattle prod, apple knocker-off-tree-er, water depth tester, dog warder-off-er, wet weather sheet propper-upper, gate shutter, Oh and I sometimes put my camera/lens on top!!

Any other uses anyone can think of?
 
I presume the VR is image stab - if so did you switch it off when using the monopod. I know on some IS Canon lenses if you don't switch it off it can give you blurred results
 
andyred said:
I presume the VR is image stab - if so did you switch it off when using the monopod. I know on some IS Canon lenses if you don't switch it off it can give you blurred results
Click to expand...

I think that hits the nail on the head.
I used my 70-300 VR Nikkor on a monopod and got pics that even looked blurry on the LCD.
Switched off VR - sharp pics.
 
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