OT Using a Monopod

Former user wrote on 9/6/2012, 3:21 PM

Okay, my new HD camera is great, but it is really light, as you all know they are now. When possible I use a tripod, but a lot of the stuff I do (not commercial stuff) is run and gun. For the most part the stabilizer in the camera makes me look steadier than I am, but I have thought of using a Monopod. Has anyone used one with the lighter HD camers and is it useful, or do you just end up swaying sideways rather than bouncing up and down?

Thanks for your opinions.
Dave T2

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DavidPJ wrote on 9/7/2012, 4:28 PM

I really like my Manfrotto 676B monopod. I use it all the time for my daughter's school events. Easy to carry, unobtrusive, and I get steady shot.

Laurence wrote on 9/7/2012, 6:06 PM

>Laurence is your go-to guy on monopods.

I used to think I had a clue, but I'm not so sure anymore. I have one of those Manfrotto monopods with the tilt fluid head on the top and the pan fluid head on the bottom. Those two joints are quite smooth but there is also a ball joint that has no fluid suspension and seems to find a way to stutter and jerk no matter how much you try to avoid any movement that might use it. If that joint was either fluid as well or could be locked down, it would be very useful, but as it is, I am kind of scared to use it on anything important.

I find the best use for a monopod to be in holding it still for static shots where you don't want to take the time to use a tripod.

One exception is that a GoPro at the end of a monopod can be really great for capturing skateboard or bike park footage. You can kind of follow the kid on the jumps and the ultra-wide lens is very forgiving if you are just kind of winging it and stay pretty close.

biggles wrote on 9/7/2012, 8:38 PM

Hi DaveT2

I think you call a 'bum bag' a 'fanny pack
~Wayne

Former user wrote on 9/7/2012, 8:44 PM

Sorry, eyes didn't focus right "bum" not "burn".

Cool, thanks.

Dave T2

Former user wrote on 9/7/2012, 9:00 PM

Thanks again for everyone's responses. I think for now I will buy a cheap one, see if it seems like it will work for me and then decide if I should buy a better one, like a Manfrotto later on.

Great ideas and insight.

Dave T2

Geoff_Wood wrote on 9/7/2012, 11:05 PM

In which case the 'fanny' being the International English connotation of the word, not the US English version - not 'behind' but 'befront' ;-) But men can use it like this too.

geoff

Arthur.S wrote on 9/8/2012, 10:51 AM

I have never used a monopod but I was watching this video the other day and was intrigued by the Manfrotto monopod at 02:05. It has 3 feet at the bottom that pop out.

That's the 561B Manfrotto I was referring to in my first post. I've used it to shoot a whole wedding ceremony before now when 'shoved into a corner' by the Vicar. You can get some lovely smooth pans with it. Wouldn't zoom and pan with it though. ;-)

monoparadox wrote on 10/26/2012, 11:08 AM

Now on sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830992237&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102612&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102612-_-EMC-102612-Index-_-CameraTripods-_-30992237-L026B

Not the fanciest but great value for the money.

Former user wrote on 10/26/2012, 12:43 PM

Monoparadox,

Thanks

Dave T2

dlion wrote on 10/26/2012, 2:29 PM

yes, the newegg one is awesome at ~ $10. i use it all the time.