monopod?

[VTphotog]

I prefer using a hiking staff with a 1/4-20 stud in the top of the handle. That way, it is useful even when it isn't being used as a pod.

brian

[imut]

I prefer using a hiking staff with a 1/4-20 stud in the top of the handle. That way, it is useful even when it isn't being used as a pod.

There are monopods which can be used a self-defence item like a hard stick or police stick. they are collapsible and they opened automatically with one button push.

[JustinThyme]

Originally Posted by imut

There are monopods which can be used a self-defence item like a hard stick or police stick. they are collapsible and they opened automatically with one button push.

Thats what 4 cell maglites are for!

[imut]

wouldn't it be heavy with 4 cell? Also you can'T use it in photography. We are looking something also usefull for photography.

[waoldrifleman]

I have a Manfroto 680B, it is not a pocket item, but it is strong and was not terribly expensive ($80). I can use it as a walking stick as well so the size is not an issue for me. Steven

[kibaris]

Has anybody ever used the VELBON ULTRASTICK L50 monopod? I am thinking of buying it, as an 'always carry around help', when the need arises... since Gitzo looks excellent but rather expensive for me ...a.

[frank-in-toronto]

I have a nice monopod (it's always in the car and I can't remember the make right now) that I've used once in a while. But just a week or so ago I did a series of test shots and I found that I swayed MORE when I used the monopod. For me, the better option was to open the aperture and get a faster shutter speed. Of course, the best would be sufficient shutter speed on a stable platform. Just saying that a monopod is not the instant cure-all to shaky that a tripod is. Some practice and experimentation is required.

[Ordo]

Originally Posted by frank-in-toronto

I have a nice monopod (it's always in the car and I can't remember the make right now) that I've used once in a while. But just a week or so ago I did a series of test shots and I found that I swayed MORE when I used the monopod. For me, the better option was to open the aperture and get a faster shutter speed. Of course, the best would be sufficient shutter speed on a stable platform. Just saying that a monopod is not the instant cure-all to shaky that a tripod is. Some practice and experimentation is required.

Truth. Check here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrees_of_freedom_(mechanics)

The monopod restricts just 1 of the 3 translation degrees of freedom (there're also 3 rotation degrees of freedom). So, as you camera is usually at 1.60-1.80 meters from the earth, it's possible that you sway a lot and you get almost nothing in terms of stabilizing.

The best way to use a monopod is to rest it to something, a tree, a pole, something fixed. Even yourself if you have nothing to help around. That way you restrict much more degrees of freedom and the monopod becomes really useful.

[TCav]

Camera shake is almost always vertical, and a monopod definately helps with that. Pitching and rolling is caused by the same mechanism that causes camera shake, but it's much slower.

[John.Pattullo]

yeah monopods definately work its pretty easy to keep camera and even a big lens pretty stable when your not having to actually support its weight - you can use a very light touch so when a tripod is to clumby to carry around a monopod is a great choice for getting steady images