Monopod

[alistair1234]

Can anyone recommend me a decent monopod?

Current kit is 70D + 50-500mm sigma.

I don't know if I have to buy a specific one to be lens mounted or not?

[S47]

Siggy 50-500 is quite small & light IMO if you need a monopod any make/model will do. no need to spend a lot of £'s on it, unles you plan to buy something heavier in the future

[jurbie]

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/three-section-monopod

This is what I use with the same body and lens combo as yourself. I can't fault it any way.

[nellyleelephant]

Ever go near Herts? I have a Manfrotto 681B that you'd be welcome to have (need to get rid before wife sees new Gitzo!)

[mikef]

I use one a Gitzo 5561T carbon jobbie on a Canon 70-200 lens. Really lightweight so if there isn't time to rotate the lens clamp you can just pick the whole rig up and rotate it 90 degrees for a shot. Providing you don't take someon's eye out

http://www.gitzo.co.uk/series-5-6x-traveler-6-sect...

[nellyleelephant]

I've got the 4 section version, very lightweight for it's strength.

[Simpo Two]

mikef said:

I use one a Gitzo 5561T carbon jobbie on a Canon 70-200 lens. Really lightweight so if there isn't time to rotate the lens clamp you can just pick the whole rig up and rotate it 90 degrees for a shot. Providing you don't take someon's eye out

Wouldn't that defeat the object of using a monopod?

[alistair1234]

nellyleelephant said:

Ever go near Herts? I have a Manfrotto 681B that you'd be welcome to have (need to get rid before wife sees new Gitzo!)

Nowhere near unfortunately!

[alistair1234]

I suppose my next question should then be about which head to go with it.

Do I need a particular type that allows me to pan or tilt?

[nellyleelephant]

alistair1234 said:

Nowhere near unfortunately!

Sent you a PM!

[nellyleelephant]

alistair1234 said:

I suppose my next question should then be about which head to go with it.

Do I need a particular type that allows me to pan or tilt?

I use a Kirk monopod head on mine, it all depends what you're doing with it. I'd steer clear of ballheads as humans only have two hands.

[mikef]

Simpo Two said:

mikef said:

I use one a Gitzo 5561T carbon jobbie on a Canon 70-200 lens. Really lightweight so if there isn't time to rotate the lens clamp you can just pick the whole rig up and rotate it 90 degrees for a shot. Providing you don't take someon's eye out

Wouldn't that defeat the object of using a monopod?

What I do is equine photography; almost all with the 70-200 2.8L, which is a heavy beast to hold for an entire competition, and I need to move about the arena so a tripod is out, plus it scares the horses. Most shots are fine in landscape, but a few shots benefit from portrait or odd angles (have to make a quick call on that). Pro equine photographers take the mick out of monopods because they (usually) only produce one orientation for an entire competition - the Gitzo carbon is light enough to ring a few changes.

[nellyleelephant]

mikef said:

What I do is equine photography; almost all with the 70-200 2.8l, which is a heavy beast to hold for an entire competition, and I need to move about the arena so a tripod is out, plus it scares the horses. Most shots are fine in landscape, but a few shots benefit from portrait or odd angles (have to made a quick call on that). Pro equine photographers take the mick out of monopods because they (usually) only produce one orientation for an entire competition - the Gitzo carbon is light enough to ring a few changes.

Can't you just rotate the collar? That's what I do with my 500.

[mikef]

In the time between two showjumping fences? Not really

[nellyleelephant]

mikef said:

In the time between two showjumping fences? Not really

You're moving the camera the same amount but without the added mass. I'd have thought it would be quicker.

[mikef]

On the Canon lens that involves loosening the retaining screw. rotating the lens (there isn't a fixed detent so needs a visual check of angle) and retightening...

[nellyleelephant]

Ah, fair enough. My canon 500 has detents so you know if you're level or not.

[Simpo Two]

mikef said:

What I do is equine photography; almost all with the 70-200 2.8L, which is a heavy beast to hold for an entire competition, and I need to move about the arena so a tripod is out, plus it scares the horses. Most shots are fine in landscape, but a few shots benefit from portrait or odd angles (have to make a quick call on that). Pro equine photographers take the mick out of monopods because they (usually) only produce one orientation for an entire competition - the Gitzo carbon is light enough to ring a few changes.

I don't know what conditions you're working in but wouldn't a steady hand and good high-ISO performance be an alternative to a monopod? I hate carrying stuff about!

[mikef]

That's what I did for years - it must be old age kicking in. A competition day can last from 9 to 5 which is a long time to hold a 5D and lens. So a really lightweight carbon monopod is a useful addition, at least for me.

I've noticed that a lot of photographers really don't like monopods...

[rich83]

What are your plans with the mono pod? Ive never got on with them personally (especially in motorsport)