Monopods are useful in crowds where a tripod would be a hazard. I use a neck strap when I use a monopod to prevent carelessly letting go of the camera or losing my grip; it feels so much better to have that extra security. For birds in flight I much prefer a tripod with a gimbal or a fluid head. I have an inexpensive Mefoto tripod that has one removable leg, making it possible to switch between a tripod and a monopod.
As I've gotten older, I've inherited a tremor in my hands from my father. A monoped has save a great number of images from my unsteadiness. I have a three legged monopod I use frequently knowing it helps insure a clean image.
Great video David, thank you. As an avid outdoor photographer I'm a bit of an outlier, as I'm a one-handed southpaw. As you can easily imagine tripods and monopods become critical accessories. While I can shoot handheld by use of a camera cage, long sessions can be made easier with a monopod. It takes a bit of practice to use a mono but the benefits are well worth the effort. Your suggestions and info are spot on. Thanks again. Cheers.
I have used a 12 foot painters pole as a monopod. I control my camera through my cellphone and use a wide angle lens. It creates an angle of view from above but also I can reach out over obstructions. You can buy an adapter from the paint pole thread to 1/4" 20 thread. This was created for real estate photographers. It is a fun and creative way to get different compositions.
Hi David, I use a monopod for a couple of shoot that I do. 1 is while shooting barrel racing using my Sigma 50-500 lens. More so, so I don't tire out. Long day in the sun and having that beast just makes it easier. Granted I can still hold it if needed but at 63 age is starting to get to me. 2 is on a cruise ship for shooting all types of sunrise and night lightning strikes on the open ocean. I place it between the guardrail and myself. Mine is a Manfrotto model that came in all types of colors. A MMCOMPACT-WH. The small foot on this unit is great because it can fit in the drain rail of the ship under the handrail / guardrail and placing it at a mounting point to the ship. So between me and the ship I have 4 points of stabilization. This does work I have won awards with my shots from my cruises. So yes monopods can work on a ship but a boat is much smaller and bouncier then a cruise ship
If you feel that you need a monopod, and sometimes they can be useful, then get a tripod that converts into a monopod. Much more versatile than buying either or both.
As a wildlife photographer I use a monopod to drop the camera out of vehicle to the ground for low angle images when on safari in Africa. I operate camera with remote and in this situation usually use a 70-200.
Thanks for all the info as always! One more important point about holding the lens on the monopod or even by the body is the stress on the camera lens mount.
I used a carbon fiber mono with playbill head for a indoor event . A dalko drum group which I took my Canon R5 with Tampon 150 mm to 600 mm lense . One hand use plattball head which give me good flexible stable level to shoot . All use the right tool for right subject . Good coverage on the subject matter David
I had a monopod for years, given as a gift from a brand I never heard of. I recently decided to use it and I love it! I own 2 tripods and the process is slow to set up and tear down vs the mono pod’s more nimble process. My photos came out so much sharper even on the nifty 50 1.8 lens we mostly start with. 🎉
I shoot concerts in theaters on occasion, and there's rarely an opportunity to get right up against the stage to shoot with a 24-70mm without getting in the way of the paying customers. So I'm mostly shooting from the aisles or the sound booth in the back. It's easy enough to move around with a 70-200mm (mine's an f/4, so not huge) to get most of the shots I need handheld. But if I want to get shots of individuals, I have to use the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6. I shot it handheld for one concert and decided never to do that again. I'm now using a monopod, with a Manfrotto 234RC swivel head so I can tilt up and down without tilting the whole monopod. It took some getting used to, but now I wouldn't shoot without it. As soon as I saw "moving boat" at the beginning of the video, I chuckled. Yeah, no. Hand held.
I use a monopod for 60-600mm lens. My monopod also doubles as a walking stick on uneven ground. A third use is as a support, column, for off camera flash support by me or column or boom by an assistant.
Someone told me to take a monopod when i photographed my first HS wrestling match. I laughed. I was just using a 70-200. Two hours later, I understood. That's a long time to hold a lens upright out in front of your body waiting for something to happen. As soon as I switched to mirrorless, I started holding the camera down on the edge of the mat with the pop-out screen tilted up at me a letting the face tracking manage focus. Results in a better angle and less strain on the arms and shoulders.
Love my 3 Legged Thing monopod! Yes it's 3 Legged Thing because they make stunning tripods, but they also have a range of monopods, heads, plates, L-brackets etc (and even the tripod legs are removable for use as a monpod!)
I only use mine to manage the weight/balance of a 400 f/2.8. For anything else, I feel it just restricts movement too much. OK, I did use it once on smaller lenses while nursing a shoulder injury and could hardly lift anything without pain. P.s. I use a Wimberley monogimbal on mine. It cost more than the monopod itself, but it’s awesome!
I have a monopod with a ball head but very seldom use it. When I'm shooting with a tripod I have found that I can fold the legs in and use the tripod as a monopod. I gotten used to that and it works quite well.
A bit off topic as Martin asked about still images, but when shooting video, I find a monopod essential as I'm not as steady as I used to be. The monopod allows me to "handhold" my camera without tiring, and allows me to achieve the look of handheld video without excessive camera shake. I not long ago treated myself to the iFootage Cobra 3, one of those all-too-rare pieces of gear that are a pure joy to use.
I often use a Manfrotto monopod, but to make using it more enjoyable for me, I bought a Manfrotto quick release head so I can quickly and easily mount or dismount the camera depending on the situation and lighting conditions. This set up allows me to brace my self and the camera for some extra stability even in long exposures, results are fantastic.
I use monopod with mono-gimbal for wildlife photography. Helps me easily get, and hold the composition I want, without muscle fatigue. It makes photography with a big lens more rewarding for me.
I use a monopod with a 400 f2.8 lens for sports photography, saves my back and neck from aches. I also use a ball head rated for the weight at times, even though I shoot from a seated position. Having the mono foot angled out a little from vertical adds a bit of stability I feel.
I own and use several makes of monopods with long focal length lenses. My main recommendation? Buy a really Right stuff monopod head. Expensive, but well worth the price for a well designed, well engineered product. [ I have no affiliation with RRS ]
I used a monopod with wider lenses when shooting a series of interiors in locations that didn’t allow tripods. With vibration reduction on, I was able to shoot at slower shutter speeds than I could handle held.
David Good answers I use a monopod with my 150 -450 lens when I am moving around I found using a tilt head on the monopod easier than moving and tilting the monopod back and forward to photograph birds in flight you can still rotate the monopod hand held and the tilt head is easier to control on the monopod than a ball head . I have also used a gimble head on the monopod but found the tilt head easier to use than the gimble head. I perfer the gimble head on a tripod with my 150- 450 lens
Ah! depends on the boat and the condition of the sea and whether you are moving - all things to consider, I use a 5D MKIII with a 100-400 F4.5 L on a 32ft sailing boat and find the monopod gets in the way for birds in flight, dolphins... and always use it hand held for these as the speed has to be 1500+ to capture most birds. If the bird is wading at dusk then I would still normally use hand held and only get the monopod out if at anchor in calm mirror like water but only if absolutely necessary as even in those conditions I find you have to use high speed to capture birds in flight or even waders. On a cruise ship capturing the northern lights the monopod was ideal because of pleanty of space and the boat rocks a lot less.
Because of Essential Tremors a monopod is one of the ways I obtain sharp images. I use a Manfrotto with a video head combined with an L-bracket that makes switching from portrait to landscape super easy.
David, I have, and use, a monopod for support and aerial subjects which are predictable and flying relatively level. For birds, Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, I built a gunstock wtih a pistol grip and the ability to put a bipod on the front as well. This was fine in the days of mechanical shutter releases. Haven't re-engineered for modern releases. This is one area "improvements" are NOT. A gunstock on a boat is better, as it allows strong three-point stabilization with body damping of vibration sources. I have used a monopod on a boat, but the skipper was kind enough to cut the engine. It was a catamaran on quiet water, and made a very stable platform.
I should add that when I was working the floor of the state Legislature they didn't allow any supports. Presumably because they thought you could use it in a fight. So we had to hand-hold 300mm lenses in low light as slow as 1/30 second. Them were the days before image stabilization, too. But for a big, heavy 300 and up, it sure makes a difference.
I use a monopod at every banquet and wedding event. I use the modopod for a rig I set up that has the 70 to 200 and an off-camera flash to the side. And then I use a strap to carry a 24 to 70 body on my hip
I have a carbon fibre tripod which I bought at a great price on a Boxing Day sale. Never used it , was a tripod, but it has one leg that detaches & is used as a mono pod , which I have used.
Yep, I'm an 'occasional' monopod user. I use a ball head on mine though, otherwise, I tend to have to 'tip' the monopod over to get a shot of a bird higher up but closer to me.
Even facing down on lenses to prevent dust collecting instead pointed upward. I means over the shoulder with monopods. That might be small chances if dust storm or blowing sands get into front lenses. Very annoying. Either have a lens caps attached as you go. 📷
I use a monopod when I have to quickly switch back and forth from photos to video. After taking photos, I quickly extend the monopod, giving me additional stability with the video. I do this at the Las Vegas Convention Center where it’s very crowded, I have to move quickly from booth to booth, and using a gimbal is not practical.
Fantastic video. I wear a colored tee shirt to accent the shirt on top of it. Imagine yourself with an undershirt which matched the logo on your shirt.
I inherited a nice carbon-fiber monopod, but haven't used it. When space is limited, I collapse the legs of my tripod and use it like a monopod. I have successfully used a thin cheaper aluminum monopod on the beach to support the camera for some selfies (just inserted the foot as deep as possible into the sand).
I have a lightweight K&f Concept SA255C1 Tripod. One of the legs of this tripod can be detached to form a monopod complete with the threaded stud on top. It's pretty neat. Now, **with my version** the monopod extends to only 50 inches. This is really too short for standard monopod operation. Other models of this tripod come with a detachable leg monopod that extends to about 70 inches. I chose this model because of the tripod's compact size when collapsed and its light weight -- both important for my motorcycle travel. The tripod itself has a center shaft that extends close to two feet, so the height doesn't impact the the tripod and it is so light if I need a monopod I just use the tripod as a whole but don't splay the legs. Also the height of the monopod is not too much of an issue for me since, as Mr. Bergman pointed out, one can use the monopod to lift the camera up above a fence or some other obstacle. or simply for another perspective such as shooting with the camera in the branches of a tree.
I've been a motorsport photographer for almost 20 years. I have tried using a monopod but I just don't like the way it restricts my movement - so I never use it, not even with my longest telephoto lenses. It's just a personal preference.
Excellent overview! I wish you would have addressed monopod heads, not just ball heads. Would you use a monopod head? If so, under what circumstances would you use one? Thanks.
Honestly, I've never used any heads on a monopod. Guess I'm old school that way. I just feel like it adds too many adjustments. Easier and faster for me to just tilt the monopod.
From reading most the of the comments so far, I think I'm the odd man out. I have next to no use for a monopod - don't like them. There is one in the car at all times stuffed between the passenger seat and the center console but that is where it has stayed since last year. About all I kind of find of utility is to bear the weight of the camera when it's not in use and I'm standing still. I found combining it with a ball head more often than not just creates a bobble head; nothing is constrained to a fixed axis and as I swing the camera to catch anything the monopod is in the way, hitting rising ground, stairs, etc. For move and shoot, move and shoot it was just getting in the way and one more thing to distract my concentration. For stills I mostly shoot through the viewfinder, not the back screen. I tuck my arms and elbows in tight and push the aftermarket larger eyecup firmly against my face. Left hand cups the lens at the mount. (a7III in a cage, 28-70 and 70-300 lenses). For shooting street scenes or especially buildings when I intend to take my time, I have had some use by jamming the monopod staff against a pole, a parking lot bollard or a corner of a wall with body, frequently my thigh. With that I have some bearing that is fixed to being plumb as long as I've also locked the head at a right angle. Then I can still twist the monopod to compose left and right.
I've been in the press pit of fashion shows for a few years and a debate between a monopod and a tripod has been a long one raging for me. Even when shooting in the street I've always thought of the advantages of a monopod, but then it's limitations and stationary nature kind of conflict with how I shoot. But I still want one but it's not on the list but I still want one. I don't shoot shows anymore so I don't need it for that but I know they are useful.
I have seen many people buying monopod without a good head and from my usage experience using monopod without a good head is just as bad as hand-holding big tele lenses. I remember attending a talk here locally given by photographer who used to do aerial photography us helicopters and they used to use a tripod which had shock isolation/absorption in them not sure if anyone still makes those anymore which can be useful for shooting through boat.
I use my tripod as a monopod by extending only one leg. It gives me several benefits of both worlds, because it doubles as a tripod. I think my tripod has a removable monopod leg, but that is too much time and trouble.
Hey Dave......They came out with a special battery for the EOS r5 Mark ii. Does this battery work with the EOS R5C and does it open up the higher functions of the camera when in battery mode only, for use?
Not sure if the new battery works with any older models, but I would doubt that it would open up any new functionality. That would have to come in firmware.
Thank you, I bought a RRS monopod a long time ago and haven't used it, now I will PLUS I didn't know that you could screw the leg right into the Canon foot, super great tips. TY @lidans66
Monopods are useful in crowds where a tripod would be a hazard. I use a neck strap when I use a monopod to prevent carelessly letting go of the camera or losing my grip; it feels so much better to have that extra security. For birds in flight I much prefer a tripod with a gimbal or a fluid head. I have an inexpensive Mefoto tripod that has one removable leg, making it possible to switch between a tripod and a monopod.
As I've gotten older, I've inherited a tremor in my hands from my father. A monoped has save a great number of images from my unsteadiness. I have a three legged monopod I use frequently knowing it helps insure a clean image.
Great video David, thank you. As an avid outdoor photographer I'm a bit of an outlier, as I'm a one-handed southpaw. As you can easily imagine tripods and monopods become critical accessories. While I can shoot handheld by use of a camera cage, long sessions can be made easier with a monopod. It takes a bit of practice to use a mono but the benefits are well worth the effort. Your suggestions and info are spot on. Thanks again. Cheers.
I have used a 12 foot painters pole as a monopod. I control my camera through my cellphone and use a wide angle lens. It creates an angle of view from above but also I can reach out over obstructions. You can buy an adapter from the paint pole thread to 1/4" 20 thread. This was created for real estate photographers. It is a fun and creative way to get different compositions.
Hi David, I use a monopod for a couple of shoot that I do. 1 is while shooting barrel racing using my Sigma 50-500 lens. More so, so I don't tire out. Long day in the sun and having that beast just makes it easier. Granted I can still hold it if needed but at 63 age is starting to get to me. 2 is on a cruise ship for shooting all types of sunrise and night lightning strikes on the open ocean. I place it between the guardrail and myself. Mine is a Manfrotto model that came in all types of colors. A MMCOMPACT-WH. The small foot on this unit is great because it can fit in the drain rail of the ship under the handrail / guardrail and placing it at a mounting point to the ship. So between me and the ship I have 4 points of stabilization. This does work I have won awards with my shots from my cruises. So yes monopods can work on a ship but a boat is much smaller and bouncier then a cruise ship
Excellent for wildlife photography. Great maneuverability, and yes, depending on the weight of the lens, fantastic for reducing muscle fatigue.
I use a monopod for photographing surfers. I have considered getting a Wimberley gimbal for my tripod but so far the monopod has worked well.
If you feel that you need a monopod, and sometimes they can be useful, then get a tripod that converts into a monopod. Much more versatile than buying either or both.
This is why more heads are better than one.
I do this all the time by only extending one leg of my tripod. Brilliant, but it is a heavy "monopod" though... 🙂
As a wildlife photographer I use a monopod to drop the camera out of vehicle to the ground for low angle images when on safari in Africa. I operate camera with remote and in this situation usually use a 70-200.
Thanks for all the info as always! One more important point about holding the lens on the monopod or even by the body is the stress on the camera lens mount.
I used a carbon fiber mono with playbill head for a indoor event . A dalko drum group which I took my Canon R5 with Tampon 150 mm to 600 mm lense . One hand use plattball head which give me good flexible stable level to shoot . All use the right tool for right subject . Good coverage on the subject matter David
I had a monopod for years, given as a gift from a brand I never heard of. I recently decided to use it and I love it!
I own 2 tripods and the process is slow to set up and tear down vs the mono pod’s more nimble process.
My photos came out so much sharper even on the nifty 50 1.8 lens we mostly start with. 🎉
I shoot concerts in theaters on occasion, and there's rarely an opportunity to get right up against the stage to shoot with a 24-70mm without getting in the way of the paying customers. So I'm mostly shooting from the aisles or the sound booth in the back. It's easy enough to move around with a 70-200mm (mine's an f/4, so not huge) to get most of the shots I need handheld. But if I want to get shots of individuals, I have to use the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6. I shot it handheld for one concert and decided never to do that again. I'm now using a monopod, with a Manfrotto 234RC swivel head so I can tilt up and down without tilting the whole monopod. It took some getting used to, but now I wouldn't shoot without it.
As soon as I saw "moving boat" at the beginning of the video, I chuckled. Yeah, no. Hand held.
I use a monopod for 60-600mm lens. My monopod also doubles as a walking stick on uneven ground. A third use is as a support, column, for off camera flash support by me or column or boom by an assistant.
Someone told me to take a monopod when i photographed my first HS wrestling match. I laughed. I was just using a 70-200. Two hours later, I understood. That's a long time to hold a lens upright out in front of your body waiting for something to happen.
As soon as I switched to mirrorless, I started holding the camera down on the edge of the mat with the pop-out screen tilted up at me a letting the face tracking manage focus. Results in a better angle and less strain on the arms and shoulders.
Love my 3 Legged Thing monopod! Yes it's 3 Legged Thing because they make stunning tripods, but they also have a range of monopods, heads, plates, L-brackets etc (and even the tripod legs are removable for use as a monpod!)
I only use mine to manage the weight/balance of a 400 f/2.8. For anything else, I feel it just restricts movement too much. OK, I did use it once on smaller lenses while nursing a shoulder injury and could hardly lift anything without pain. P.s. I use a Wimberley monogimbal on mine. It cost more than the monopod itself, but it’s awesome!
I have a monopod with a ball head but very seldom use it. When I'm shooting with a tripod I have found that I can fold the legs in and use the tripod as a monopod. I gotten used to that and it works quite well.
Very helpful advice. Timely as I'm heading to Svalbard on a small ship next August & was wondering about needing a monopod for a 600 f/4.
A bit off topic as Martin asked about still images, but when shooting video, I find a monopod essential as I'm not as steady as I used to be. The monopod allows me to "handhold" my camera without tiring, and allows me to achieve the look of handheld video without excessive camera shake. I not long ago treated myself to the iFootage Cobra 3, one of those all-too-rare pieces of gear that are a pure joy to use.
I often use a Manfrotto monopod, but to make using it more enjoyable for me, I bought a Manfrotto quick release head so I can quickly and easily mount or dismount the camera depending on the situation and lighting conditions. This set up allows me to brace my self and the camera for some extra stability even in long exposures, results are fantastic.
I use monopod with mono-gimbal for wildlife photography. Helps me easily get, and hold the composition I want, without muscle fatigue. It makes photography with a big lens more rewarding for me.
I use a monopod with a 400 f2.8 lens for sports photography, saves my back and neck from aches. I also use a ball head rated for the weight at times, even though I shoot from a seated position. Having the mono foot angled out a little from vertical adds a bit of stability I feel.
I own and use several makes of monopods with long focal length lenses. My main recommendation? Buy a really Right stuff monopod head. Expensive, but well worth the price for a well designed, well engineered product. [ I have no affiliation with RRS ]
I used a monopod with wider lenses when shooting a series of interiors in locations that didn’t allow tripods. With vibration reduction on, I was able to shoot at slower shutter speeds than I could handle held.
Makes sense.
I use a monopod quite often even on smaller lens as I find it hard to avoid camera shake. Easy to carry around and to double up as walking stick.
David
Good answers I use a monopod with my 150 -450 lens when I am moving around I found using a tilt head on the monopod easier than moving and tilting the monopod back and forward to photograph birds in flight you can still rotate the monopod hand held and the tilt head is easier to control on the monopod than a ball head . I have also used a gimble head on the monopod but found the tilt head easier to use than the gimble head. I perfer the gimble head on a tripod with my 150- 450 lens
Great for newbies to understand the usefulness of a monopod
Ah! depends on the boat and the condition of the sea and whether you are moving - all things to consider, I use a 5D MKIII with a 100-400 F4.5 L on a 32ft sailing boat and find the monopod gets in the way for birds in flight, dolphins... and always use it hand held for these as the speed has to be 1500+ to capture most birds. If the bird is wading at dusk then I would still normally use hand held and only get the monopod out if at anchor in calm mirror like water but only if absolutely necessary as even in those conditions I find you have to use high speed to capture birds in flight or even waders.
On a cruise ship capturing the northern lights the monopod was ideal because of pleanty of space and the boat rocks a lot less.
Because of Essential Tremors a monopod is one of the ways I obtain sharp images. I use a Manfrotto with a video head combined with an L-bracket that makes switching from portrait to landscape super easy.
Great Video! I’ve also used a monopod to assist with simple panoramas, it works great as a pivot point.
Another reason to mount the monopod on the tripod collar is to avoid putting excess strain on the bayonet mount for the lens.
Thanks for sharing.
David, I have, and use, a monopod for support and aerial subjects which are predictable and flying relatively level. For birds, Blue Angels and Thunderbirds, I built a gunstock wtih a pistol grip and the ability to put a bipod on the front as well. This was fine in the days of mechanical shutter releases. Haven't re-engineered for modern releases. This is one area "improvements" are NOT. A gunstock on a boat is better, as it allows strong three-point stabilization with body damping of vibration sources. I have used a monopod on a boat, but the skipper was kind enough to cut the engine. It was a catamaran on quiet water, and made a very stable platform.
I should add that when I was working the floor of the state Legislature they didn't allow any supports. Presumably because they thought you could use it in a fight. So we had to hand-hold 300mm lenses in low light as slow as 1/30 second. Them were the days before image stabilization, too. But for a big, heavy 300 and up, it sure makes a difference.
They are also useful for holding up monolights if you are fortunate enough to have an assistant and are on a busy sidewalk.
I use a monopod at every banquet and wedding event. I use the modopod for a rig I set up that has the 70 to 200 and an off-camera flash to the side. And then I use a strap to carry a 24 to 70 body on my hip
I'd get one with a retractable metal spike foot. Rubber foot is too slippery for outdoors both as camera support and hiking.
I have a carbon fibre tripod which I bought at a great price on a Boxing Day sale. Never used it , was a tripod, but it has one leg that detaches & is used as a mono pod , which I have used.
I use one for Long Track racing, as well as other motor sports, I always have a head on mine that lets me tilt up and down, though
Yep, I'm an 'occasional' monopod user. I use a ball head on mine though, otherwise, I tend to have to 'tip' the monopod over to get a shot of a bird higher up but closer to me.
Even facing down on lenses to prevent dust collecting instead pointed upward. I means over the shoulder with monopods. That might be small chances if dust storm or blowing sands get into front lenses. Very annoying. Either have a lens caps attached as you go. 📷
Thank you for the video
I use a monopod when I have to quickly switch back and forth from photos to video. After taking photos, I quickly extend the monopod, giving me additional stability with the video. I do this at the Las Vegas Convention Center where it’s very crowded, I have to move quickly from booth to booth, and using a gimbal is not practical.
Smart!
@@DavidBergmanPhoto Thanks!
Fantastic video.
I wear a colored tee shirt to accent the shirt on top of it. Imagine yourself with an undershirt which matched the logo on your shirt.
I inherited a nice carbon-fiber monopod, but haven't used it. When space is limited, I collapse the legs of my tripod and use it like a monopod. I have successfully used a thin cheaper aluminum monopod on the beach to support the camera for some selfies (just inserted the foot as deep as possible into the sand).
I have a lightweight K&f Concept SA255C1 Tripod. One of the legs of this tripod can be detached to form a monopod complete with the threaded stud on top. It's pretty neat. Now, **with my version** the monopod extends to only 50 inches. This is really too short for standard monopod operation. Other models of this tripod come with a detachable leg monopod that extends to about 70 inches. I chose this model because of the tripod's compact size when collapsed and its light weight -- both important for my motorcycle travel. The tripod itself has a center shaft that extends close to two feet, so the height doesn't impact the the tripod and it is so light if I need a monopod I just use the tripod as a whole but don't splay the legs. Also the height of the monopod is not too much of an issue for me since, as Mr. Bergman pointed out, one can use the monopod to lift the camera up above a fence or some other obstacle. or simply for another perspective such as shooting with the camera in the branches of a tree.
I've been a motorsport photographer for almost 20 years. I have tried using a monopod but I just don't like the way it restricts my movement - so I never use it, not even with my longest telephoto lenses. It's just a personal preference.
Excellent overview! I wish you would have addressed monopod heads, not just ball heads. Would you use a monopod head? If so, under what circumstances would you use one? Thanks.
Honestly, I've never used any heads on a monopod. Guess I'm old school that way. I just feel like it adds too many adjustments. Easier and faster for me to just tilt the monopod.
From reading most the of the comments so far, I think I'm the odd man out. I have next to no use for a monopod - don't like them. There is one in the car at all times stuffed between the passenger seat and the center console but that is where it has stayed since last year. About all I kind of find of utility is to bear the weight of the camera when it's not in use and I'm standing still. I found combining it with a ball head more often than not just creates a bobble head; nothing is constrained to a fixed axis and as I swing the camera to catch anything the monopod is in the way, hitting rising ground, stairs, etc. For move and shoot, move and shoot it was just getting in the way and one more thing to distract my concentration. For stills I mostly shoot through the viewfinder, not the back screen. I tuck my arms and elbows in tight and push the aftermarket larger eyecup firmly against my face. Left hand cups the lens at the mount. (a7III in a cage, 28-70 and 70-300 lenses).
For shooting street scenes or especially buildings when I intend to take my time, I have had some use by jamming the monopod staff against a pole, a parking lot bollard or a corner of a wall with body, frequently my thigh. With that I have some bearing that is fixed to being plumb as long as I've also locked the head at a right angle. Then I can still twist the monopod to compose left and right.
I've been in the press pit of fashion shows for a few years and a debate between a monopod and a tripod has been a long one raging for me. Even when shooting in the street I've always thought of the advantages of a monopod, but then it's limitations and stationary nature kind of conflict with how I shoot. But I still want one but it's not on the list but I still want one. I don't shoot shows anymore so I don't need it for that but I know they are useful.
I would imagine you take up less space in a crowded press pit using a monopod.
I have seen many people buying monopod without a good head and from my usage experience using monopod without a good head is just as bad as hand-holding big tele lenses. I remember attending a talk here locally given by photographer who used to do aerial photography us helicopters and they used to use a tripod which had shock isolation/absorption in them not sure if anyone still makes those anymore which can be useful for shooting through boat.
Ah yes, the engine vibration. Big problem when I shoot video on boats. Another nice video Mr Bergman. How's the new R5 II?
Loving it so far. Surprising how good the eye control AF is.
@@DavidBergmanPhoto awesome hope to have mine next week. Gary
I use an 11 foot boom for a monopod.
GOOD ADVICE BUT I THINK A Tilt Head IS BESTT ON A MONO POD
You absolutely want to bring a monopod with a good grip and metallic rings on the other end when you go alone in a Filipino Forest.
Monopod lacks free motion for sports. For a boat, the flexibility of the monopod would line up with the image stabilization
Absolute necessity for sports using a long lens…..
I currently have issues with my left hand. And shoulder . What do you suggest.
I use my tripod as a monopod by extending only one leg. It gives me several benefits of both worlds, because it doubles as a tripod. I think my tripod has a removable monopod leg, but that is too much time and trouble.
Tri Means 3
Mono Means 1
and Rail Means Rail
If you know, you know!
Hey Dave......They came out with a special battery for the EOS r5 Mark ii. Does this battery work with the EOS R5C and does it open up the higher functions of the camera when in battery mode only, for use?
Not sure if the new battery works with any older models, but I would doubt that it would open up any new functionality. That would have to come in firmware.
If "mono" means one, why does it take 2 to get it? :)
:)
Oh only 500 for that carbon monopod......
Thank you, I bought a RRS monopod a long time ago and haven't used it, now I will PLUS I didn't know that you could screw the leg right into the Canon foot, super great tips. TY @lidans66