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Author Topic: Monopod suggestions?  (Read 633 times)

Offline dougdirt

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Monopod suggestions?
« on: April 26, 2012, 04:05:14 PM »
I am in the market for a monopod. I am not looking for anything too fancy. Not worried about weight.

I have honestly thought about just buying one at WalMart, but thought I would just ask around if anyone had any suggestions before I spent some money.
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Offline Doodle

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #1 on: April 26, 2012, 04:22:42 PM »
I'm going to follow this thread with interest.  I have an El Cheapo and I actually like it. But...I hope someone who has a "high-end" model speaks up to tell us the pros and cons of paying more for one.

I just like how I can quickly attach/ detach the thing and then stuff it in my back pocket while walking around.
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Offline NightowlDVP

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2012, 01:56:05 AM »
if u already have a fluid head, then an el cheapo should be fine.

in my very limited experience,
its the head, not the pole, that is important.
(wow, innuendo much? lol)
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Offline Doodle

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2012, 05:25:44 AM »
Quote from: NightowlDVP on April 27, 2012, 01:56:05 AM
if u already have a fluid head, then an el cheapo should be fine.

in my very limited experience,
its the head, not the pole, that is important.
(wow, innuendo much? lol)

LMFAO...I can't believe you went there!  :o
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Take your camera with you dammit. You can't take your next "best photo" if your camera is sitting at home in the bag, now can you?

Offline Wintergon

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2012, 06:10:58 AM »
<Begin derailed comments now>  :P
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Offline Adondo

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2012, 02:44:02 PM »
What kind of photography are you needing a monopod for?

You might consider an Airlite chestpod. http://www.airlitechestpod.com/

Here's one of me using my Sigma 80-400 EX OS APO. (I'm a 6' 6" and 350 lb. enrolled Cherokee.  :) )


I can say it works real good, all the extreme nerdiness notwithstanding.  ;)

When I need the 'pod, it's only about 5 seconds to unhook the folded leg, and set a "peg" in the len mount onto the socket.

Here's a couple shots of fast flying Prairie Hawks I got using the Airlite and 4 lb. Sigma. The Airlite leaves me a free hand for manual focusing. (Forget about AF with fast birds as targets)


« Last Edit: April 27, 2012, 02:45:52 PM by Adondo »
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Offline Doodle

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2012, 03:05:05 PM »
I might be the only one with these reservations about that chest pod but:
It seems like it is only as stable (still) as your body is. Breathing, swaying, etc could still affect the photo. There seems to be no true anchor point (IMHO). At least with a monopod you have the ground/floor/etc as at least one stabling factor.
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Take your camera with you dammit. You can't take your next "best photo" if your camera is sitting at home in the bag, now can you?

Offline dougdirt

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2012, 03:13:31 PM »
I would be using it for sports, mostly just to keep the video from shaking much. I don't need to do much panning or anything, I am generally perched in a spot with a specific angle that I need to stay focues on.
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Offline LeadinghamPhoto

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2012, 11:16:26 PM »
Quote from: Doodle on April 27, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
I might be the only one with these reservations about that chest pod but:
It seems like it is only as stable (still) as your body is. Breathing, swaying, etc could still affect the photo. There seems to be no true anchor point (IMHO). At least with a monopod you have the ground/floor/etc as at least one stabling factor.
I'd think any awaying is still going to affect a monopod.
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Offline Doodle

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2012, 07:44:04 AM »
Quote from: pineconetreehouse on April 27, 2012, 11:16:26 PM
Quote from: Doodle on April 27, 2012, 03:05:05 PM
I might be the only one with these reservations about that chest pod but:
It seems like it is only as stable (still) as your body is. Breathing, swaying, etc could still affect the photo. There seems to be no true anchor point (IMHO). At least with a monopod you have the ground/floor/etc as at least one stabling factor.
I'd think any awaying is still going to affect a monopod.
Very true.
When I use my monopod, if at ALL possible, I will try to find something to anchor against though to reduce swaying. I have been known to brace up against boxes stacked only 2 feet tall but it helps potential swaying.
Also...and this is kind of feeble but it helps...2 legs and a monopod is slightly more stable than only 2 legs (imho).
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Take your camera with you dammit. You can't take your next "best photo" if your camera is sitting at home in the bag, now can you?

Offline SkierBoy

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #10 on: April 28, 2012, 08:18:28 AM »
I got this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-GTMML-3270B-Section-Monopod/dp/B0019K1XYC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1335622501&sr=8-10

They do 4 versions 160cm to a 190cm. This one being the 170cm defined so by the 70 at the end of the number sequence.
I then just added this head to it for a really nice monopod combo.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-496RC2-Ball-Friction-Control/dp/B002N5NRSC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335622614&sr=1-3

Its a great head that you can always use and swap out with a tripod.

Or if you want to keep it cheap you could just go with this head

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-234-Monopod-Tilt-Head/dp/B000KHZ8AA/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1335622690&sr=1-10
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Offline friedom

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2012, 08:51:26 AM »
I started with a budget $20 monopod. Disappointment for me.  I do a lot of video and the best gear I ever purchased was the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1.  Well worth every penny.
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Offline NightowlDVP

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #12 on: May 02, 2012, 01:43:48 AM »
Quote from: friedom on April 30, 2012, 08:51:26 AM
I started with a budget $20 monopod. Disappointment for me.  I do a lot of video and the best gear I ever purchased was the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1.  Well worth every penny.


what about it specifically was disappointing?

i was thinking about getting a cheapie myself.

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Offline dougdirt

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #13 on: May 05, 2012, 08:23:23 AM »
Quote from: NightowlDVP on May 02, 2012, 01:43:48 AM
Quote from: friedom on April 30, 2012, 08:51:26 AM
I started with a budget $20 monopod. Disappointment for me.  I do a lot of video and the best gear I ever purchased was the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1.  Well worth every penny.


what about it specifically was disappointing?

i was thinking about getting a cheapie myself.

Agreed with this question. I am going to be grabbing one this week from somewhere, so this answer could come in handy.
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Offline Doodle

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Re: Monopod suggestions?
« Reply #14 on: May 05, 2012, 08:27:24 AM »
Quote from: dougdirt on May 05, 2012, 08:23:23 AM
Quote from: NightowlDVP on May 02, 2012, 01:43:48 AM
Quote from: friedom on April 30, 2012, 08:51:26 AM
I started with a budget $20 monopod. Disappointment for me.  I do a lot of video and the best gear I ever purchased was the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1.  Well worth every penny.


what about it specifically was disappointing?

i was thinking about getting a cheapie myself.

Agreed with this question. I am going to be grabbing one this week from somewhere, so this answer could come in handy.
I agree with you agreeing. (is that even possible?)
I have an El Cheapo monopod and haven't had a lick of trouble with it. I'm at a loss as to where the disappointment is so his answer may be enlightening.
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Take your camera with you dammit. You can't take your next "best photo" if your camera is sitting at home in the bag, now can you?
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