Monopod?

reynazackphotography

Hello,

If I wanted to buy an inexpensive monopod (for taking night time photos), to use with a with a canon rebel xsi or Canon 40D, which brand?
Does it need any accessories?

Thanks!

ziggy53

Are you talking about time exposures? Monopods are not that useful for time exposures, IMO.
It would be helpful to know more about your application and needs.

Icebear

Unsolicited advice. Do not waste your money by concentrating your search on any form of "inexpensive" camera support. You WILL eventually replace the "inexpensive" system you bought, and it will languish in your closet, a total waste of $$$. Most of us have "been there - done that."

Here's what is probably the most popular monopod in use today. I highly recommend it. While you do not absolutely have to have a head for a monopod, most people do use something like this. It just makes things a bit easier.

For a bit more $$ I'd recommend an arca-swiss compatible head. In the long run, you'll be glad you did.

zoomer

Try to borrow one before you spend money on a monopod.
I bought one a couple years ago, used it once and now it sits in the corner of the garage.
A good tripod is money much better spent....as mentioned....if you go cheap you will spend the money again later on a good one....of course just my opinion.

DeVerm

Be warned if you are 70" tall or more. The recommendations for monopods and tripods are not for you in that case.

I am 77" tall and the Manfrotto 680B and even with that RC2 head is still 5-6" too short, making it unusable for me. The ones that do fit me are at least 3 times the price of course...

Same for tripods, I have the Manfrotto 190Pro that everybody is buying... but it even looks funny next to me, I need that 055 big one.

I found it very hard to find what I need because there are no shops where I live. It cost me money and time and lots of effort to find what I need; there is virtually no usable information available on-line. I recommend to go to a good shop and try them out there. I would not go as far as borrow or rent for trying out because if it's the right height, it works.

The remarks about not using a monopod anymore are because people bought the wrong one or tried to use it for the wrong reason. If you get the right one and use it for the right reasons, it's lovely. I agree with others here that night photography normally requires tripods... a monopod would be "trying it for the wrong reason" that I talked about above.

Art Scott

I agree with Ziggy here..for night shooting Mono pods are not gpoing to cut it...but if you are dead set on a monopod...then look to the Giottos P-POD...it has a set of 3 screw in legs to help stabilize when using it as a mic stand...flash stand or (and this really should not be done) as a replacement for a tripod....my P-Pod had held my cam with a 70-210(f2.8) on it even at night in what seemed a still Ks. night...but the images were not tack sharp.... It is an extremely handy and great mono pod but IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A TRIPOD IN ANYWAY....I did say I used it ONCE as a tripod replacement and that was simply because I did not have my tri with me....I know really do carry both 99.9% of the time...the mono also makes a really good hiking stick ... ... ..

Good Luck

DonRicklin

I agree with Art and Ziggy that a Monopod is not substitute for a Tripod. However I have a Induro version of the Manfrotto 561BHDV-1 Monopod that has a splayed three foot base that stores in the bottom of the monopod and works well with a cordless remote.

I don't see this version of the Induro on their site anymore, but some may still be available somewhere. I use a small Manfrotto ballhead on it. and works works fine for those situations where traveling or location don't allow for use of a tripod.

Good lock with your hunt and shooting.

Don

cmason

With all due respect, I found the Induro with the mini-tripod feet to be shakier than Grandpa on roller blades, and a poor substitute for a tripod for long exposure photos. Nice for holding your camera while you dig thru your camera bag however.

Icebear

cmason wrote: »

With all due respect, I found the Induro with the mini-tripod feet to be shakier than Grandpa on roller blades, and a poor substitute for a tripod for long exposure photos. Nice for holding your camera while you dig thru your camera bag however.

Yeah, I rather just lay the thing down. Scary to me.

DonRicklin

cmason wrote: »

With all due respect, I found the Induro with the mini-tripod feet to be shakier than Grandpa on roller blades, and a poor substitute for a tripod for long exposure photos. Nice for holding your camera while you dig thru your camera bag however.

YOu let is settle without touching it and use a cordless remote. I had no trouble with for longish low light without flash in a graduation hall.

I'll get to try it further this spring when I'm in AZ and NM sightseeing! Not going to fly with a tripod.

If you can manage a tripod for all situations, please do!



YMMV

Don

Icebear

DonRicklin wrote: »

YOu let is settle without touching it and use a cordless remote. I had no trouble with for longish low light without flash in a graduation hall.

I'll get to try it further this spring when I'm in AZ and NM sightseeing! Not going to fly with a tripod.

If you can manage a tripod for all situations, please do!



YMMV

Don

I like a mono w/gimball head for sports but for anything else, if I need support, I want a tripod. My Gitzo carbon legs with Acratech head weigh less than my Manftotto mono w/the 234RC head. I'd rather travel with the tripod and get better images.

DonRicklin

Icebear wrote: »

I like a mono w/gimball head for sports but for anything else, if I need support, I want a tripod. My Gitzo carbon legs with Acratech head weigh less than my Manftotto mono w/the 234RC head. I'd rather travel with the tripod and get better images.

So maybe it comes down to the money one is willing to spend, as well. especially if one is an avid amateur, not a pro, and on a budget.

Don

Icebear

DonRicklin wrote: »

So maybe it comes down to the money one is willing to spend, as well. especially if one is an avid amateur, not a pro, and on a budget.

Don

Sure. There's some truth to that, but tripods really are an area where many, many of us end up having wasted good money by not buying rock solid support from the get-go in order to try to save money. And the OP has a Pro site on SmugMug, so appears to have aspirations to be taken seriously as a photographer. In my (maybe not so) humble opinion, proper camera support will give you more improvement in your image quality (for the money) than any other factor. A good tripod should come before any monopod. Heck, you can just use a long stick and grab it with your left hand as you hold the camera. Who needs a monopod anyway? You should see the work Brian Vetinari does with that setup over in Holy Macro. Talk about cheap support.

Moving Pictures

I firmly disagree with some of the advice given here. I have had three monopods. Monopod #2 I purchased for $20, beat the crap out of for nigh-on eight years, and gave to a rookie last month, because its rubber foot had fallen off (and been replaced with tape.) I replaced it with (gasp, shock, horror) a perfectly functional $15 gizmo acquired from (more gasp, bigger shock) WalMart. The one I purchased from Wal-Mart is about as robust as the one it replaced, in build. The one it replaced, in build, was bulletproof. Now, where the heck did Monopod #1 go, you ask? Purchased used for $15 at a used photography store. I lost it in a move, which is why I bought monopod #2. I gave it to somebody, too, since I had two of 'em when I found the hiding culprit.

Not a one of those gizmos has let me down, ever. And they've been the staple accessory for my 70-200 for nigh on 15 years.

In short, just because someone suggests you buy a ritzo-pricey snob-pod 3000 - don't mean you have to. I consider monopods to be the most affordable image-stabilizing unit there is. $20 IS, if you will.

davev

Moving Pictures wrote: »

I firmly disagree with some of the advice given here. I have had three monopods. Monopod #2 I purchased for $20, beat the crap out of for nigh-on eight years, and gave to a rookie last month, because its rubber foot had fallen off (and been replaced with tape.) I replaced it with (gasp, shock, horror) a perfectly functional $15 gizmo acquired from (more gasp, bigger shock) WalMart. The one I purchased from Wal-Mart is about as robust as the one it replaced, in build. The one it replaced, in build, was bulletproof. Now, where the heck did Monopod #1 go, you ask? Purchased used for $15 at a used photography store. I lost it in a move, which is why I bought monopod #2. I gave it to somebody, too, since I had two of 'em when I found the hiding culprit.

Not a one of those gizmos has let me down, ever. And they've been the staple accessory for my 70-200 for nigh on 15 years.

In short, just because someone suggests you buy a ritzo-pricey snob-pod 3000 - don't mean you have to. I consider monopods to be the most affordable image-stabilizing unit there is. $20 IS, if you will.

I agree.
The one thing that I would add, as DeVerm said, make sure it's tall enough for you.
The odds are that you will own this for years.

I just bought one that can carry 33 pounds, with the camera or lens mounted on it stands about 6 foot 8.
This works very well if the ground in front of you is lower than the ground you're standing on. ( think stairs )
A plus for me is that its so well built, I can use it as a walking stick.

Art Scott

Moving Pictures wrote: »

I firmly disagree with some of the advice given here. I have had three monopods. Monopod #2 I purchased for $20, beat the crap out of for nigh-on eight years, and gave to a rookie last month, because its rubber foot had fallen off (and been replaced with tape.) I replaced it with (gasp, shock, horror) a perfectly functional $15 gizmo acquired from (more gasp, bigger shock) WalMart. The one I purchased from Wal-Mart is about as robust as the one it replaced, in build. The one it replaced, in build, was bulletproof. Now, where the heck did Monopod #1 go, you ask? Purchased used for $15 at a used photography store. I lost it in a move, which is why I bought monopod #2. I gave it to somebody, too, since I had two of 'em when I found the hiding culprit.

Not a one of those gizmos has let me down, ever. And they've been the staple accessory for my 70-200 for nigh on 15 years.

In short, just because someone suggests you buy a ritzo-pricey snob-pod 3000 - don't mean you have to. I consider monopods to be the most affordable image-stabilizing unit there is. $20 IS, if you will.

A friend of mine, who is an extremely new noob, bought a $29.00 Walmart Special Monpod and the 1st thing she said was it feels like the locks are gonna snap right off when I close it....I do not go the ritzy higend stuff...but she is really scared to attach her little KM 7D to it and she had no prob with myu P-POD but was not wanting to spend the money for one like it....but then I also have used my Giottos P-Pod to weild off an A$$ Hole trying to pull my camera off my shoulder...idiot did not see it was not on a neck strap but was attached to a harness system...but a quick thump on his head and the P-pod is still in great shape...not dents or bends.....

reynazackphotography

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I should have mentioned that it is not for pro photography. I would be taking it on a trip to France and would want nothing too bulky.
As far as expense, again, it is not for pro photography, but for pleasure. I am on a tight budget because...ahem...I'm going to France!

I am also only 5' 3", so I imagine I wouldn't have the height issues.
Does that help clarify?

DonRicklin

reynazackphotography wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I should have mentioned that it is not for pro photography. I would be taking it on a trip to France and would want nothing too bulky.
As far as expense, again, it is not for pro photography, but for pleasure. I am on a tight budget because...ahem...I'm going to France!

I am also only 5' 3", so I imagine I wouldn't have the height issues.
Does that help clarify?

Then maybe go for a second hand Induro and Manfreto head by checking eBay or KOH.

Don

cmason

reynazackphotography wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the advice.
I should have mentioned that it is not for pro photography. I would be taking it on a trip to France and would want nothing too bulky.
As far as expense, again, it is not for pro photography, but for pleasure. I am on a tight budget because...ahem...I'm going to France!

I am also only 5' 3", so I imagine I wouldn't have the height issues.
Does that help clarify?

The Manfotto mentioned earlier is perfect. its only $70, built like a tank, and relatively lightweight. It will last a lifetime and can be used as a weapon too. I am 5' 6" and its fine for me. Add the monopod tilt head if you want to allow both portrait and landscape shots from the monopod, plus it makes it easier to take the camera on and off. This is not necessary, but you are going to want it.

So, $100 for a monopod system that will last you forever. Go for it.

DonRicklin

Actually the one I use is still available. Induro ($55 at amazon) with a Manfrotto 494RC2 ($60 at B&H) which is a good size for a monopod.

And yes it makes a great walking stick, too.

Don

ThatCanonGuy

My Velbon from almost 4 years ago is still going strong. Haven't used it in a while, but every time I need to, it does the job. $20.

Badrad

Here's my 2€ ... Traveler or pro, same result -- stability AND reach. Yes, don't forget a monopod can get over the crowd for a time delay shot or for video coverage. Even into water with a GoPro Hero camera. My other consideration is weight/size ... It matters in the field. I have two Manfrottos, one large with mini-legs and is more substantial. The compact one travels easier strapped to a bag, or in a suitcase. NOTE: I'm taking that one with 7D to shoot a trade show for video news interviews and stills this week. Run 'n gun HDSLR stuff. Put a K-tek Sport cage on it with video light, mic, and monitor. When handheld gets tiring I throw it all on the monopod with a quick release. Helps my wrist arthritis. Setup time 5 seconds -- shoot it, keep moving. Long exposures and night, bring a tripod ... Smaller & lighter carbon fiber for mobile treks on a backpack.