I'm planning to visit my sister this June and go through Jasper and Banff national parks. I'm going to rent this lens but don't really have a good tripod. I just have a cheap freebie I got when I bought my 6D. I've never been much of a tripod person so I figured I'd go with a sturdy monopod. Any good recommendations? Also, any advice for shooting with it? Previous longest lens was a 70-200 2.8 and 4. The only other concern I have is maybe renting a 7D2(or 80D), but I'm thinking I'll just stick with my 6D. I should be fine for larger wildlife I think.
I use a Manfrotto 679B Three Section Monopod ($55) to carry my Nikon 300mm f/2.8 (5 lbs.) which is about the weight of the 100-400. Works great. Might consider a monopod head.
UPDATE: i actually have the 681B 3-section aluminum. 59.88 at B&H. Love it.
There are so many out there. I have two of each (tri's and monos) for local and travel. For tri's a heavy duty aluminum Slick Pro Pod 600 for local and a carbon Gitzo GM2540 for travel. Are you using a ball head or something similar as well. All that stiff comes with weight ratings when your combine the cam and lens. I'd go higher than the weight of the gear. Sometimes a trip to local camera store just to get the feel of them is helpful.
I did this with a RRS quick release adapter years ago and it works quite well. I put an Arca Swiss compatible plate on every camera and long lens I own.
One tip from RRS: put some "blue" (semi-permanent) Lock-tite on the threads of the clamp when you put it on the monopod head. Nothing is worse than twisting clamps/ plates.
I just bought 4 Wimberley plates. If your rental doesn't come with a plate, you can buy one on Amazon for $10 to $20 (the Wimberley are about $55 I think?)
I just picked up a Benro C49F from Amazon for $86. I'm impressed with how sturdy it is. I put a Vanguard SBH-100 on it and I couldn't be happier after my 1st few outings.
I like my feisol monopod, but the 100-400mm is lightweight that I'd probably not ever use it with this lens unless I was studying an animal waiting for the right pose.
In Banff and jasper I see the 100-400mm as a great lens on your lap when driving, looking for roadside wildlife. No need for a monopod. For a larger lens it would be quite useful.
I think I'm just going to get a Manfrotto 681B and an Oben tilt head. I don't THINK I'll need a monopod but not having shot that focal length, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for the replies.
If you will be renting the 100-400II add the 1.4 III extender. You will be glad to have the Xtra reach using it with your FF 6D.. You will not suffer any IQ loss, that combination will give you great images. Even if you rent a crop camera, I still would recommend getting the extender to go along with the 100-400II you'll get great images.
As for a mono pod, don't know your physical capabilities, but for moving wild life your better off hand holding for more flexibility. A good shoulder strap and let camera and lens hang on your side, and you wont know its there.
This is not a super Tele, the average man can do well hand holding Camera & 100-400II, but as said earlier, don't know your physical capabilities..
To each their own, but I hand hold a 300 2.8 vI (non IS) with either a 5DmkII, 1DmkIIn or 7DmkII (all w/grips). Granted, at the beginning of the season I feel it the first week, after that, it's no big deal. (That's shooting 6-10 games a week).
LensAuthority.com has some low cost monopods for sale. I think in the $25 range.
I suggest using a tripod for landscapes and handheld for wildlife. If you do need a monopod for wildlife, then get a monopod head such as the Kirk or RRS.
It sounds like then, I'm over doing it. I'm in good shape but was worried about shutter shake that far out. I'll just use that money towards a better tripod instead or maybe rent a 7D2 as well. Thanks again.
M. Best wrote:
It sounds like then, I'm over doing it. I'm in good shape but was worried about shutter shake that far out. I'll just use that money towards a better tripod instead or maybe rent a 7D2 as well. Thanks again.
Don't worry about camera shake, keep your SS at least @ 1/1600, and your golden
The 100-400ii is very easily handheld but using a monopod for things like baseball/softball, etc for me, means the camera is up and on target when action starts.
EB-1 wrote:
I suggest using a tripod for landscapes and handheld for wildlife. If you do need a monopod for wildlife, then get a monopod head such as the Kirk or RRS.
EBH
I went out with a group once and many had tripods. When they needed a monopod they retracted 2 legs
A monopod is an excellent addition. I put an off brand SS spike on mine and use it for hiking. I find it's very useful for close ups and shooting animals at a distance. The support will give you a chance to adjust composition and shoot in lower light. Use a QR clamp for quick on and off. Also second the 1,4 TC.
I did this with a RRS quick release adapter years ago and it works quite well. I put an Arca Swiss compatible plate on every camera and long lens I own.
One tip from RRS: put some "blue" (semi-permanent) Lock-tite on the threads of the clamp when you put it on the monopod head. Nothing is worse than twisting clamps/ plates.
I just bought 4 Wimberley plates. If your rental doesn't come with a plate, you can buy one on Amazon for $10 to $20 (the Wimberley are about $55 I think?)...Show more →
I've had a #3232 on my monopod for a long time and it takes way more than its "5 lb" rating. Here's a picture following the WImberley discussion on a Manfrotto CF 'pod. I've also used it with no effort with a 300 2.8. With the 500 4 is was a little more careful but the benefits were still great. For low down macros and high up birds, the SIdekick is a dream compared to just a swivel head (the #3232 is locked in the 90° postion). I carry it slung over my shoulder... However, each to their own needs, tastes and capabiliites
While an "equivalent" structure Tripod will typically cost, & weigh about 3 times that of a monopod; there are other things to consider:
For it's purpose od steadiness, a Tripod excels.
You can stop, & set a Tripod down on it's legs; & with a Lever type "Quick Release" either shoot from the Tripod, or with the flip of a lever, have the Cam/Lens off for hand-holding; and back locked-down onto the tripod in a split second.
The only time I use a Monopod is in "close quarter" situations where a Tripod would be awkward to move about with.
While an "equivalent" structure Tripod will typically cost, & weigh about 3 times that of a monopod; there are other things to consider:
For it's purpose od steadiness, a Tripod excels.
You can stop, & set a Tripod down on it's legs; & with a Lever type "Quick Release" either shoot from the Tripod, or with the flip of a lever, have the Cam/Lens off for hand-holding; and back locked-down onto the tripod in a split second.
The only time I use a Monopod is in "close quarter" situations where a Tripod would be awkward to move about with.
Leigh http://www.leighwax.com...Show more →
Yup - I only use a monopod when I need to Many birding situations are not very tripod friendly and even if they are, it takes time to set the tripod down, release the ballhead, adjust the camera to eye level, find the bird and shoot and ..... often the bird is long gone. Shooting from a blind or fixed postion with a tele, then tripod is the way to go. Walking around shooting handheld works too and I see the monopod as an aid to that, partly stability (my two legs plus one) and partly loadbearing (more necessary as age advances). To each their own
