What makes a good monopod?

Two totaly different things though. A monopod supports a big lens or a camera where absolute stability isnt a key factor. Its more of a weight bearer. With techique you can make a monopod pretty steady, but a tripod is degined to keep a camera completly still without techique.

Just buy a good tripod is the answer. Try doing a 30 sec exposure with a monopod..
 
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i have a tripod but im thinking of the days when i cant lug a tripod around

recently i went out with my tripod and after 2 minutes i took it back to the car as its too big bulky and a pain to set up .. the monopod would of been easier for me
 
yeah im looking for on the move also ...

just the tripods a pain in the arse but im thinking for what its worth .. the monopod wont steady me any more than handheld so it should be tripod or no pod ..
 
I think you will do a bit better on a monopod than handheld - I guess each will have its own technique.

Keep in mind that at shorter focal lengths and IS might make a monopod redundant anyway.
 
monopod does makes a difference over handheld in certain circumstances. I use a mono when I'm shooting rowing as I'm panning quick (boat speed is about 15-18kph) and sometimes I'm shooting on a long lens on murky days. Less of an issue now I have a D300 as I can whack the iso up to get the shutter speed down whilst keeping the same IQ. Will be the same for your 7D.

Monopods make good walking sticks too :)
 
If your finding the tripod too cumbersome, take a look at the gorrilapods, or possibly an ultra compact tripod?
 
Check what 7dayshop has to offer, I think I saw some tripods with a built in monopod the other day.

I have a Jessops tripod and a 7dayshop monopod. Only use my monopod if I'm shooting rugby or cricket and using my 170-500mm lens as that gets frickin' heavy :lol:
 
Until recently I'd never really felt the need for a monopod. Even with a 300 f2.8 I was quite happy shooting handheld. What changed my mind was when I started shooting video. If I possibly can I'll use a tripod, but sometimes I just can't be bothered lugging one around and the monopod can come in handy then.

When I decided to look for one there were two important criteria - it had to be lightweight (less than 500g) and tall (over 150cm). I finally went for the Gitzo GM2541 and I'm very, very happy with it.
 
I currently have a cheapo tripod from eBay but my next tripod I'm hoping will have a detachable leg for a monopod.
 
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