Should I Invest in a Tripod/Monopod???

tshaddick

I am looking for some opinions on whether I should invest in a tripod or monopod or both, and what the benefits would be.

I shoot mainly pictures of motorcycle racing. So I need to move around a lot and the ground is not always steady. I am shooting with the canon T1i and using a canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6mm IS USM lens. I was under the impression when I bought the lens that since it is image stabilized that it would minimize my needs for a tripod.

I am just looking for feedback before I go and spend the money.

Thanks!

Wil Davis

For a tripod to be really effective it has to be solid and heavy.

Solid and heavy tripods tend to be cumbersome.

Monopods are lighter and thus more portable.

I have both, but tend to use the monopod if I need to move around quickly.

There are some tricks to make using a monopod more effective (e.g. long strap, bracing the monopod against you legs); (search DG or use google)

Image stabilization can be very effective although I think most manufacturers advise not to use it if you're using a tripod or monopod.

For the use you describe, I would get a monopod with a ball head (and quick-release)

HTH -
- Wil

tshaddick

Wil Davis wrote:

For a tripod to be really effective it has to be solid and heavy.

Solid and heavy tripods tend to be cumbersome.

Monopods are lighter and thus more portable.

I have both, but tend to use the monopod if I need to move around quickly.

There are some tricks to make using a monopod more effective (e.g. long strap, bracing the monopod against you legs); (search DG or use google)

Image stabilization can be very effective although I think most manufacturers advise not to use it if you're using a tripod or monopod.

For the use you describe, I would get a monopod with a ball head (and quick-release)

HTH -
- Wil

Thanks for the advice. I was leaning toward a monopod, but didn't have anything to support my reasoning. But I agree I think with a monopod might be more suited towards my needs than a tripod.

How much difference will I see in my images using a monopod vs. just holding the camera and using the image stabilizer?

Wil Davis

tshaddick wrote:

snip…
How much difference will I see in my images using a monopod vs. just holding the camera and using the image stabilizer?

It depends…

…do some comparison tests; check out both; this way you'll get used to the monopod, and then when you do it for real, you'll be more confident of getting the results you want.

Even basic things like gently squeezing the shutter release instead of jabbing at it can make one hell of a difference when using a telephoto…

Good Luck!
- Wil

Awais Yaqub

What ever tripod you get. Get a good one and Sturdy. I really miss a good tripod. I usually end up shooting at high ISO rather using my clumsy tripod.

tshaddick

Can anyone recommend a monopod with a ball head and quick release? I searched online but the local camera stores don't have much info on their monopods.

KED

tshaddick wrote:

Thanks for the advice. I was leaning toward a monopod, but didn't have anything to support my reasoning. But I agree I think with a monopod might be more suited towards my needs than a tripod.

How much difference will I see in my images using a monopod vs. just holding the camera and using the image stabilizer?

Don't bother with a tripod for sports shooting. If you can handhold your gear throughout an event without fatigue, don't even bother with a monopod, but since you need to move around, forget about a tripod.

Wil Davis

tshaddick wrote:

Can anyone recommend a monopod with a ball head and quick release? I searched online but the local camera stores don't have much info on their monopods.

I have a Bogen 3218 monopod. It's actually made by Manfrotto, and I don't even know if it's still in their catalog, but I'm sure there are replacements or newer versions.

The ball head I have is a Manfrotto 484RC2; I also have a Manfrotto 234RC head, but that is restricted to only one axis of movement; I've found from experience that the ball is far more useful.

Most of my tripod/stand gear is made by Manfrotto; I've bought their stuff over the past 25 years, and it's built to last forever. I'm sure there's other stuff out there, but I'm just sharing my experience.

It's a bit on the expensive side, but "you gets what you pays for!"

HTH -
- Wil

gryphonslair99

With the gear you listed I would look at the Manfrotto 681. Supports plenty of weight, is taller than the 680 and 679. I wouldn't suggest a ball head on a monopod. They are pretty much usless. I would instead suggest that you invest in a good Arca-swiss QR clamp ad an L plate for your body. If you flop a camera on a ballhead over on its side you defeat the stability of the monopod since the weight is now hanging on the side of the monopod instead of over it. With the L plate you can quickly go from landscape to portrait mode and keep the body centered over the monopod.

I shoot the 400 f2.8 at 11lbs on a monopod for sports and with it properly centered over the monopod it is absolutely no problem to handle.

Art Scott

take a look at the GIOTTOS P-POD.....it comes with a 2 way head / w quick release already mounted.....really like mine.