None - sometimes I put it over my shoulder to carry (and that does get uncomfortable at times) but I might also hold onto the lower part of the lens (by the foot) or the upper part of the monopod (by the plate connected to the lens foot) to carry it. The largest lens I have is the 300 f2.8 vI, so I'll be curious to see what other folks say...
I just eat A LOT, creating a layer of shoulder blubber that, like a whale, keeps me warm while swimming and is also useful as a monopod cushion.
For those not inclined to overeat in the interest of monopod comfort, AquaTech made a monopod wrap specifically for that purpose. They have seemingly phased out their"soft goods", but you can probably locate them on eBay at some point. It's called Aquatech Monopod Wrap.
I had one before I put on my blubber layer .. and while it was nice for walking with a large lens, it made the grip area of the monopod uncomfortably large.
Unless you are shooting with a 500mm or 600mm, or the 400mm f2.8, I don't see any reasons why you would need to use a monopod. Oh, this hasn't been discussed enough but if your "clients" seeing you hustling and "working" on the field, they have more respect for you than you sitting on a stool with a monopod holding a 70-200....
TooManyShots wrote:
Unless you are shooting with a 500mm or 600mm, or the 400mm f2.8, I don't see any reasons why you would need to use a monopod. Oh, this hasn't been discussed enough but if your "clients" seeing you hustling and "working" on the field, they have more respect for you than you sitting on a stool with a monopod holding a 70-200....
Depends what you're doing, but I can tell you from experience that holding up a 70-200 f2.8 for an hour straight to shoot the finish line of a triathlon is needless discomfort. Same goes for shooting large cross country races with a 300 f2.8. The shoulder fatigue gets in the way of shooting good images if you are tasked with hitting the whole race.
On the original question, I've got to admit that having the monopod over my shoulder has never bothered me, but then I also used to squat a lot of weight. The stick I'm using now is a Manfrotto aluminum one that has a bit of padding built into the top of it. Frankly, I'm happier to have that on cold, icy days to keep my hands/gloves away from the metal than as a consideration for shoulder protection. No judgements here... it just goes with what you are used to. What I don't like these days is how the foot on my 600 sticks off the end of the monopod and into my clavicle. I need to modify my carrying technique.
I shoot a 300/2.8 on a monopod and have a pad. I only carry over my shoulder when walking long distance otherwise if moving only <30 yards I will carry with hand on lens foot and the monopod straight up in air (like crteach said). Easy to swing monopod end on ground to quickly compose a shot and I know I hold the lens securely. This is while shooting HS football so monopod is short and I'm kneeling when shooting.
crteach wrote:
None - sometimes I put it over my shoulder to carry (and that does get uncomfortable at times) but I might also hold onto the lower part of the lens (by the foot) or the upper part of the monopod (by the plate connected to the lens foot) to carry it. The largest lens I have is the 300 f2.8 vI, so I'll be curious to see what other folks say...
Thanks @crteach! I'll be using a 1st-gen. 400mm f/2.8L IS (the one that weighs 11.8 lbs), so I'm looking for a shoulder solution
PureMichigan wrote:
I just eat A LOT, creating a layer of shoulder blubber that, like a whale, keeps me warm while swimming and is also useful as a monopod cushion.
For those not inclined to overeat in the interest of monopod comfort, AquaTech made a monopod wrap specifically for that purpose. They have seemingly phased out their"soft goods", but you can probably locate them on eBay at some point. It's called Aquatech Monopod Wrap.
I had one before I put on my blubber layer .. and while it was nice for walking with a large lens, it made the grip area of the monopod uncomfortably large....Show more →
@PureMichigan - haha legit 'shoulder blub' method Just did a search for the AquaTech Monopod Wrap...out of stock everywhere, including eBay. However, I found another solution that I'm looking into. Will post at the end of the thread
TooManyShots wrote:
Unless you are shooting with a 500mm or 600mm, or the 400mm f2.8, I don't see any reasons why you would need to use a monopod. Oh, this hasn't been discussed enough but if your "clients" seeing you hustling and "working" on the field, they have more respect for you than you sitting on a stool with a monopod holding a 70-200....
@TooManyShots - Yep, I'll be using a 1st-gen. 400mm f/2.8L IS (the one that weighs 11.8 lbs). My 2nd body will have the 70-200mm which will be handheld
daronk wrote:
I shoot a 300/2.8 on a monopod and have a pad. I only carry over my shoulder when walking long distance otherwise if moving only <30 yards I will carry with hand on lens foot and the monopod straight up in air (like crteach said). Easy to swing monopod end on ground to quickly compose a shot and I know I hold the lens securely. This is while shooting HS football so monopod is short and I'm kneeling when shooting.
Thanks for the replies above, everyone! I just discovered the 'Lightware Monopod Leg Pad' on Adorama and decided to place an order. Screenshot & link below (Note: B&H also has it, but currently on special order w/ 2-4 weeks wait time).
I shoot a lot of dance competitions etc - My 70-200 + D4S stays permanently on my monopod for these events, as they're 14 hour days for at least 3 days straight.
Don't get me wrong, for a single game or corporate event it'll hang on my BlackRapid strap - but there is always a place for a monopod.
A short section of foam pipe insulation will work well for you. This is commonly available from any home improvement, plumbing supply, or hardware store. It's available in different sizes for different size pipes so you can buy it to fit your monopod. It has a relatively small outside diameter but thick enough wall, and firm enough foam, to make the monopod more comfortable on your shoulder. And, it's usually dark gray/black so will blend right in.
Just did a search for the AquaTech Monopod Wrap...out of stock everywhere, including eBay. However, I found another solution that I'm looking into. Will post at the end of the thread 
