Monopod?

Beth · Jan 23, 2002

Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera using a monopod vs a tripod? --Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

Moon · Jan 23, 2002

I use a monopod. It's not quite as stable as my tripod, but much more than just my hands. It is very quick and versatile. Mine is telescopic and realtively light so it transports very easily. I would reccommend one.

Jason Stoller · Jan 23, 2002

Yes Beth you will, I carried one all over Europe when I was there last March and April and took 539 pictures using it with my E-10 although I did not use the Monopod for every picture. I bought a Bogen light weight aluminum monopod that would get my E-10 to my Eye level and a little higher if needed. When I was not taking pictures I could use it as a walking stick or attach it to my belt or shoulder strap of my photography vest.

I hope this helps,

Jason

--Jason Stoller [email protected] that special moment with a great camera

Beth · Jan 23, 2002

Thanks, Jason and Moon! You are confirming what I thought. I may get rid of one of my tripods in favor of a mono. I have been thinking I could get a better one on eBay used for very little. What do you think? What should I look for? I'm guessing weight would be one thing to pay attention to?

Jason Stoller said:
Yes Beth you will, I carried one all over Europe when I was there
last March and April and took 539 pictures using it with my E-10
although I did not use the Monopod for every picture. I bought a
Bogen light weight aluminum monopod that would get my E-10 to my
Eye level and a little higher if needed. When I was not taking
pictures I could use it as a walking stick or attach it to my belt
or shoulder strap of my photography vest.

I hope this helps,

Jason

--
Jason Stoller [email protected]
Catching that special moment with a great camera

--Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

TrentMcD · Jan 23, 2002

Kind of ironic. I just received my monopod today. An Adorama podmatic monopod that had a recent glowing review in Popular Photography (see http://www.popphoto.com/Film/ArticleDisplay.asp?ArticleID=95 ). What I like about it is that it collapses down to about 12 inches. I also got an SLK ball head with it to make it a more flexible tool.

I've done about a dozen test shots and can get a decent 1/2 second shot but was never able to hold it still for a full second. In other words, although it is better than straight handheld, it will not replace a tripod. Of course, as I said, I've only taken a few shots with it. As I get used to it, I should get more consistent shots.

I plan on taking it with me when I travel and pulling it out for anything that's more than just a snapshot.

Anyway, from this very short experience, I think a monopod is a good idea.

San Joacquin · Jan 23, 2002

Trent,

I, too, read that very glowing review. I am considering buying one. How do you like yours? Any comments to share from the field?
Thanks
S.J.

TrentMcD said:
Kind of ironic. I just received my monopod today. An Adorama
podmatic monopod that had a recent glowing review in Popular
Photography (see
http://www.popphoto.com/Film/ArticleDisplay.asp?ArticleID=95 ).
What I like about it is that it collapses down to about 12 inches.
I also got an SLK ball head with it to make it a more flexible tool.

I've done about a dozen test shots and can get a decent 1/2 second
shot but was never able to hold it still for a full second. In
other words, although it is better than straight handheld, it will
not replace a tripod. Of course, as I said, I've only taken a few
shots with it. As I get used to it, I should get more consistent
shots.

I plan on taking it with me when I travel and pulling it out for
anything that's more than just a snapshot.

Anyway, from this very short experience, I think a monopod is a
good idea.

Andrew64673 · Jan 23, 2002

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

We use a monopod with a manfrotto midi ball head with quick release plate.

It is very quick and convenient, except you cant leave the camera standing on its own of course. It is a nice size mate for the E10.
a.

Dr. Gonzo · Jan 23, 2002

In my experience, the monopod doesn't really provide all that much more outright stability unless you are using accessory lenses or if you find the E itself heavy to carry. don't get me wrong, there is a bit more stability than handheld, but you won't get 1+ sec. exposures out of it as well as a tripod. IMHO the monopod is primarily for a maneuverable support when using heavy lenses.

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

--- Dr. G.E-10 FAQ: http://www.tokenasians.com/articles/e10faq.html

mike lomas · Jan 24, 2002

Hi Beth,

firstly - keep the tripod as you may still need it for still life, copying etc.

secondly - a monopod is better than handheld. most movement when hand holding is up and down and a monopod definately reduces this. If you get one do some comparison shots and you will see an improvement. a monopod is not just for long exposures.

hope this helps

regards

Mike

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

Jason Stoller · Jan 24, 2002

I think I paid $22 for mine New on Ebay. The model number is 3006 Bogen lightweight monopod if you want to look it up on the net. Keep in mind you have to add a head. Mine came with one. I do not know what you call it but what I have is rubber and looks like a spool and has some flex in it so I can move my camera side to side or at different angles when I need it to. So I do not have any levers sticking out and I do not have a quick release on it. Yes weight is very important if you are going to carry it for a long period of time. I think mine is about 1 lb or maybe a little less. Depending on your height its important to get one that will bring your camera eye level when you need it.

Jason

Beth said:
Jason Stoller said:

Yes Beth you will, I carried one all over Europe when I was there
last March and April and took 539 pictures using it with my E-10
although I did not use the Monopod for every picture. I bought a
Bogen light weight aluminum monopod that would get my E-10 to my
Eye level and a little higher if needed. When I was not taking
pictures I could use it as a walking stick or attach it to my belt
or shoulder strap of my photography vest.

I hope this helps,

Jason

--
Jason Stoller [email protected]
Catching that special moment with a great camera

Click to expand...

--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

--Jason Stoller [email protected] that special moment with a great camera

alan scott · Jan 24, 2002

Beth,

keep the tripod - the monopod is great for those shots that fall between 60th and half a second - which I seem to be doing more of since I got an E20 - low ISO etc. The tripod is still needed for longer exposures.

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

--Alan Scott

Moon · Jan 24, 2002

Since I use mine quite a bit, I decided to spend a little more on a sturdy one. I bought a Manfrotto with a metal detachable head and a metal, locking quick release plate. The head does provide mobility. It is also locking, like a tripod. The unit is telescopic (from ~~16" to to 7') I think I paid about $90.00 for the whole kit.~~

Beth said:
Jason Stoller said:

Yes Beth you will, I carried one all over Europe when I was there
last March and April and took 539 pictures using it with my E-10
although I did not use the Monopod for every picture. I bought a
Bogen light weight aluminum monopod that would get my E-10 to my
Eye level and a little higher if needed. When I was not taking
pictures I could use it as a walking stick or attach it to my belt
or shoulder strap of my photography vest.

I hope this helps,

Jason

--
Jason Stoller [email protected]
Catching that special moment with a great camera

Click to expand...

--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

Davidk · Jan 24, 2002

Thanks for all the comments. I've been thinking a monopod would solve my E-10/plus lenses/Zoo problem. Having a six year old means a lot of trips to the zoo. Carrying my E-10 attached to a monopod would let me setup fast, shoot, and catch up with the boy.

Davidk

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

JJNNBB · Jan 24, 2002

I've not used a monopod but have long wondered whether three guylines and pegs might help to stabilise one, for the longer exposure, on suitable ground? Or just tie the lines to something handy? Or whatever?

John Bunney

Jim Johnson · Jan 24, 2002

When I first got my Mono I did not realize that sometimes I would want to focus on something close that was real low or real high. Flower closeups often cause this delima. Just can't do it without a head that allows for vertical up and down movement of the camera. The ball heads are nice but I prefer stability left to right thus making adjustments in the camera position much faster. The Bogen quick disconnect I use on both tripod and monopod make alternating a snap. Can't tremember the model but it is the small one with the rectangular shoe.

davidk said:
Davidk

Beth said:

Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

Click to expand...

David (r00t) · Jan 24, 2002

Try looking at this one. Obviously, it works well for a 707, but I am not sure for an E10 unless someone here has tried one.

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=1955303

Beth said:
Beth wrote:

I own a tripod, but almost never use it because it isn't easy to
carry around. I was wondering if a monopod mightn't be the
solution. Will I get a fairly good result stabilizing the camera
using a monopod vs a tripod?
--
Olympus E-10 (Still tilting at windmills...foolish me!)
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/galleries/cokids

--David http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292111925 'If you ain't g0t r00t, you ain't g0t nuthin'

TrentMcD · Jan 24, 2002

I really haven't had it long enough to play with it a lot. So far, however, I do like it. It is very light and collapses down pretty small, not small enough to fit in my camera bag (unless it sticks out) but small enough to easily carry by hand or stick in a book bag/backpack.

When I first open it, it seems a little too flexible, but when I'm actually taking a picture, I don't notice.

After a little more shooting with it I'll have a stronger opinion.

San Joacquin said:
TrentMcD said:

Kind of ironic. I just received my monopod today. An Adorama
podmatic monopod that had a recent glowing review in Popular
Photography (see
http://www.popphoto.com/Film/ArticleDisplay.asp?ArticleID=95 ).
What I like about it is that it collapses down to about 12 inches.
I also got an SLK ball head with it to make it a more flexible tool.

I've done about a dozen test shots and can get a decent 1/2 second
shot but was never able to hold it still for a full second. In
other words, although it is better than straight handheld, it will
not replace a tripod. Of course, as I said, I've only taken a few
shots with it. As I get used to it, I should get more consistent
shots.

I plan on taking it with me when I travel and pulling it out for
anything that's more than just a snapshot.

Anyway, from this very short experience, I think a monopod is a
good idea.

Click to expand...

DF · Jan 24, 2002

Hi David,

Thanks for posting that link. I had looked at that "footed" monopod on the Manfrotto site before and wondered how sturdy it is. The pictures in the link really help get a sense of how it works. Still don't know if it'd be sturdy enough for the E-10 + Lipo, etc.

Thanks again,

David

alan scott · Jan 25, 2002

John,

never tried that - give it a go and see what happens. I sometimes carry a great gadget I've had a few years which is a g clamp with a couple of screw in legs that turn it into a table top tripod. You can clamp the camera to a post or something or stand the 'tripod' on a rock. I've not tried it with the E20 though only OM cameras which are a good deal smaller - it might overbalance with the E20. Sounds like I need to give it a try.

JJNNBB said:
I've not used a monopod but have long wondered whether three
guylines and pegs might help to stabilise one, for the longer
exposure, on suitable ground? Or just tie the lines to something
handy? Or whatever?

John Bunney

--Alan Scott

Don Daugherty · Jan 25, 2002

I just bought a Quantaray monopod yesterday for $39.99. It's very sturdy and came with a quick-release head. This one does not fold down very compact. Still about 2 feet when completely collapsed. I played with some of the more compact models and they just didn't feel very durable or sturdy. So far, I love it. My wife was not convinced that she would use one, but after using it for 10 minutes, she was really into it. At this point, I am thinking it will be indispensable. I will know more after I get out and shoot for an extended period though. My initial tests show steady, clear shots down to 1/3, impossible for me to get anywhere near that by hand. I think maybe it's value to you would be proportionate to the steadiness of your hand. Hehe... Personally, anything below 1/50 is a gamble for me. Well, maybe 40. But, 1/2 or 1/3 would be out of the question.

Just my two cents.

Monopod?

Beth

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