Anyone using a Monopod?

[RalphLambrecht]

OK, so the S2A that I am using is like a twin barrel shot gun when it goes off. There is plenty of recoil in the mechanism that there has to be a bit of camera shake.

BUT, when going to public events, using a tripod is pretty much out of the question. People get annoyed when you try and set up (& rightly so) and its a PITA to carry around. So, I have been thinking of a nice monopod instead. While its not enough to do long exposures, I figure that it should be enough to deal with camera shake @ 1/60th (or even 1/30th) and over.

Anyone here regularly use a monopod when out and about with their Medium format gear? Do you think it helps? Or do you think that there is not much difference?

Cheers

I use a monopod on a regular basis with my Hasselblads and it's a great help

 

[benjiboy]

I carry one often they are also besides the intended uses a very useful weapon for fighting off would be muggers as I found out a few years ago, but that's another story.

 

[Lee Rust]

A monopod is ideal for crowded concerts and other events where space is tight and you need mobility with your stability. As benjiboy notes, it would also serve as a wicked cudgel to defend yourself from attackers when walking home on darkened streets. Those latches and knobs would make sizable dents in any numbskull.

 

[ColColt]

Periodically I'll use the Manfrotto 6818 that can double as a crutch, walking stick or a long spear. With a Markins ball head mounted it's definitely better that trying to hand hold a Pentax 6x7 at anything under 125th second.

 

[Don Craig]

I use a monopod for shooting and as a walking stick in rough terrain. I cobbed it together out of an orphaned tripod leg and an old pan head. Or, I use my tripod with just one leg extended as a monopod, with the option of three legs when the situation permits.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I have not, but I understand that string monopods can work really well.

 

[NJH]

Perfect for 6x6 SLR with a waist level finder. They weigh hardly anything as well but take all the weight of the camera off your hands when in use. I use mine like a 3rd leg with my Rollei 6008 pushed into my body.

 

[tokam]

I used a monopod years ago with a 35mm SLR and longer lenses for motorsport shots. Helped a lot when panning fast bikes and cars. Not interested in that any more.

May dig it out again as a support when shooting in low light. It's only about 15 inches when folded and doesn't weigh much. Will be easier to use in situations where a tripod could be an obstruction to other people. Many places today ban the use of a tripod. A monopod is easy to extend and lock, take your shot and then fold it all up again.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

OK, so the S2A that I am using is like a twin barrel shot gun when it goes off. There is plenty of recoil in the mechanism that there has to be a bit of camera shake.

BUT, when going to public events, using a tripod is pretty much out of the question. People get annoyed when you try and set up (& rightly so) and its a PITA to carry around. So, I have been thinking of a nice monopod instead. While its not enough to do long exposures, I figure that it should be enough to deal with camera shake @ 1/60th (or even 1/30th) and over.

Anyone here regularly use a monopod when out and about with their Medium format gear? Do you think it helps? Or do you think that there is not much difference?

Cheers

Are cent stroke left me one-handed.the monopod is my solution for all formats but4x5.

 

[hdeyong]

I like a monopod. Worth at least one or two stops, and a good tool to convince a mean dog to look elsewhere.

 

[tokam]

I like a monopod. Worth at least one or two stops, and a good tool to convince a mean dog to look elsewhere.

Ha ha. That reminds me that I once had to fend off a couple of dive-bombing magpies years ago with my monopod as I walked past their nesting site. Held my T90 with FD 85-300 in my hand with monopod waving in the air.

 

[Harry Stevens]

I was looking at a monopod last night and it doubles as a walking stick which would be great because I too am also bothered by dogs and their stupid owners and as for magpies there are two nesting locally that frequent my backyard and it is the local cats that get their attention.

 

[Dennis S]

I used a Manfrotto with the 488RC4 head for all my cameras. Anytime a camera goes out of the home the monopod it is attached to it. Great for my 645 Super and various 35mms especially good with zoom lenses. I also have a no name ball head I use when I am hiking (slow walk) so I do not worry about damaging the head.

 

[BAC1967]

I have a nice Bogen monopod that I use ocasionally when I go hiking. It does help with slower shutter speeds in dark wooded areas. I sometimes wedge it against a log or rock to help steady it.

 

[c41]

It sounds like a good look with a TLR. I only have access to Microsoft Paint, but I think this gives an idea of the picture forming in my head.

Joking aside, I can see the attraction for ramblers and/or if you're carrying a walking stick in any case, might as well.
I'm more of a bag person myself, I like to keep it safe keep it secret (wrong movie)

 

[MattKing]

Believe it or not, an RB67 works quite well with a monopod.

 

[NJH]

Been really happy with the Manfrotto 323 quick release head and its 200PL plate on top of my low end Velbon monopod. To take the weight of the camera and hold it steady enough to get an extra stop or two it seems more than good enough. When not on the monopod the camera is back in my rucksack saving my hands and wrists, and keeping them free when walking about.