It's interesting that this topic comes up this week, as several in our camera club have been discussing this the last coupe of days. The consensus -- for our group -- is clear.
Use a string that is long enough to reach the ground when you hold the camera at eye-level. Use a bolt at the top that can screw into the camera's tripod socket and a washer at the bottom. Get in position, step on the washer on the ground, and pull up to put tension on it. Oh, paint it black! You can make one for no cost, or for 50 cents if you need to buy a couple washers.
A guy who is an engineer recommended this approach. Others like it as well. It's compact. It works with all cameras. It works with people of all heights.
that is well and good in one limited state. dropping a 300/2.8 or above and a D4 on it just doesn't quite fit most of the real need. even with a 70-200/2.8 having solid support under it has its advantages.
also doesn't work all that well on landing gear either
GCasey wrote:
It's interesting that this topic comes up this week, as several in our camera club have been discussing this the last coupe of days. The consensus -- for our group -- is clear.
Use a string that is long enough to reach the ground when you hold the camera at eye-level. Use a bolt at the top that can screw into the camera's tripod socket and a washer at the bottom. Get in position, step on the washer on the ground, and pull up to put tension on it. Oh, paint it black! You can make one for no cost, or for 50 cents if you need to buy a couple washers.
A guy who is an engineer recommended this approach. Others like it as well. It's compact. It works with all cameras. It works with people of all heights.
I have known a lot of engineers and they have some of the dumbest ideas at least in a pulp and paper mill . I bought one of these gizmo's (you can buy them and don't have to mess with making one) and hated it I will take a monopod any day
Gochugogi wrote:
I found it painful on a tripod as well. Really burned my knuckles up after an hour or so.
My little rig in the photo above performed brilliantly over a couple of trips to Asia and Europe. Haven't used it a ton since, but it handled and worked great.
GCasey wrote:
Use a string that is long enough to reach the ground when you hold the camera at eye-level. Use a bolt at the top that can screw into the camera's tripod socket and a washer at the bottom. Get in position, step on the washer on the ground, and pull up to put tension on it. Oh, paint it black! You can make one for no cost, or for 50 cents if you need to buy a couple washers.
YMMV!
While this will probably steady you for taking the shot, it doesn't really help with the tiredness that comes from holding a camera/lens combo for long periods of time. Indeed it probably worsens it.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
The Manfrotto 681 and 681B are very stable. And they cost $ 60-70
Yep, I've got a 681B that doesn't see a whole lot of use but when I want a monopod, it fills the role cheaply and reliably. Because I don't use a monopod a lot, it doesn't make much sense for me to spend $150-200 on a carbon wonderpod... plus the 681B could easily be used to bludgeon someone into unconsciousness in a bad situation
I think ball heads are generally a bad choice for monopods. When you have no fixed platform to shoot from, I don't find the large movement range of a ball head to be useful, and is mostly a hindrance. A tilting head is a muc hbetter solution.
As said above... A piece of string isn't a support platform. If that helps you with your hand-holding technique, that's great, but it doesn't substitute for a platform on which to place your gear.
Just received the Feisol 1471 mono pod, so far I love it. Seems like it'll be hard to beat for that price. Been using my Arca Swiss Z1 ball head, D800 and 300 f/4 with no problems.
I've pretty much ruled out the Manfrotto automatic monopod as there were a few reviews that said it worked fine the first few time, but started failing thereafter.
I'll look at the Manfrotto 679b, 681, and 681b. I'm leaning toward the Sirui P 326 for it's weight and size, but I don't like the locks that have to be turned. I prefer the lever type.
DaveOls wrote:
I've pretty much ruled out the Manfrotto automatic monopod as there were a few reviews that said it worked fine the first few time, but started failing thereafter.
I'll look at the Manfrotto 679b, 681, and 681b. I'm leaning toward the Sirui P 326 for it's weight and size, but I don't like the locks that have to be turned. I prefer the lever type.
The 326 is an awesome pod I loved it but wanted something with more height so I sold it. I use to be a huge fan of the flippers until I tried and used the twisters. I would never want another flipper type. Heard a funny story about a guy at a FB game and he had the flipper to close to the net that goes up for the PA kick and up his gear went.
Sirui is so easy to use the twister loosen them all with a 1/4 turn with one hand. So easy so fast and so simple.
DaveOls wrote:
I've pretty much ruled out the Manfrotto automatic monopod as there were a few reviews that said it worked fine the first few time, but started failing thereafter.
The Manfrotto Neo-tec "automatic" monopod is relatively long when folded. It's also relatively heavy. OTOH, it's my go-to monopod, when I'm not travelling. I've been using mine frequently since 2006. It's my prefered monopod for a 500/4L IS at the track or in the wild. It's my favourite monopod for a 200/1.8L in the theatre. I could go on.
I've occasionally had to tighten some of the screws that hold together the two-sided clam shell grip/handle. Once, I even had to lubricate it.
Of course, I've owned and driven cars, and so I know that fine gears sometimes require maintenance. I'm just sayin'.
After watching this post for a week or so, I decided to go with the Sirui P 324 B monopod for about $ 7 more than the P 326. The bottom leg is 25mm instead of the 16mm of the cheaper monopod. Also it has 4 sections so that it only has 3 locking collars to tighten as opposed to 5 on the other. It's 22 inches long collapsed vs 15 inches. It's only 2/10 of a pound heavier. By buying this I will see what carbon fiber monopods are like. I should get it Friday.
Got my P-424 the other day what a horse love this pod. It's rock solid built very well it's actually more pod than I need but better having to much than not enough.
My Sirui P 324 monopod just arrived an hour ago and I am really impressed. The spike on the bottom is humongous and the threaded bolt is easily flipped by just unscrewing the top plate. I'm glad I got the slightly larger P 324 instead of the P 326 for the $ 7 difference in price at Amazon.
After looking at this closely, I find it hard to believe it was made in China. I guess the Chinese do turn out some quality stuff in some things.
I went with the 326 because it fits in my think tank airport security bag under my 400 2.8 perfectly. When I fly it is mot outside my bag having up, just makes travel much nicer. What build quality too all for a Benny.
. I bought one of these gizmo's (you can buy them and don't have to mess with making one) and hated it I will take a monopod any day
