monopods

[White_van_Man]

Im thinking of getting a monopod, i was playing with one this weekend at silverstone and it was very useful. I do have a tripod but its not that great. Should i buy a monopod of upgrade the tripod. if i get the monopod what type head should i get on it, a ball socket or tripod style mount?

[rex]

I'm thinking of a monopod also. I have a manfrotto tripod which is fantastic but for motorsport is useless. Looking around Brands this weekend most seemed to have a tripod style mount. Most of the pros had prime 300-600mm lenses so I will try my zooms (arriving in 2 weeks :thumbup) before I decide on a monopod.

[poah]

I've got a cheapo velbon VP4000 (£20) and a manfrotto 234RC Monopod QR Tilt Top head (£25)

[simpo two]

Idea - tie your tripod's legs together with string - voila, monopod for free (plus converts to handy tripod at the tug of a knot).

[White_van_Man]

simpo two said:

Idea - tie your tripod's legs together with string - voila, monopod for free (plus converts to handy tripod at the tug of a knot).

i was thinking the same!!!

[406]

White_van_Man said:

simpo two said: Idea - tie your tripod's legs together with string - voila, monopod for free (plus converts to handy tripod at the tug of a knot). i was thinking the same!!!

Or just extend 1 leg

[HankScorpio]

Manfrotto 682B
I don't have a special head, just use the lens collar.
Has a tripod base stored in the foot as well.

[rex]

Have you felt the weight of a manfrotto tripod

[simpo two]

HankScorpio said:

Has a tripod base stored in the foot as well.

You sure you're not holding it upside down?

[GetCarter]

You could of course just stand on one leg.

I'll get me coat.

[White_van_Man]

HankScorpio said:

Manfrotto 682B I don't have a special head, just use the lens collar. Has a tripod base stored in the foot as well.

www.jessops.com/search/viewproduct.cfm?Product=MAN682B&CFID=7022006&CFTOKEN=36dab4a-96106457-3b2d-4d8c-9285-bf92e4921052

how stable is it when its on the feet?

[HankScorpio]

-ish

ok with kit, wibbly with large 70-200.
Not really stable as such but will stand up and only requires support to hold steady rather than holding it (if that makes sense).
Handy in that you don't have to lay your gear on the deck or prop against a wall when not actively shooting.