Monopod or not for Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary

[Jones_282]

Hello!

I have a Nikon D7200 and most of my photography is based around wildlife photography and quite often birds. I usually enjoy to walk/roam around an area with my camera and snapping what I can see rather than sitting in wait with a tripod. I am upgrading my gear and purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens so I can try to get some closer to the subjects in my photos and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

 

[David5833]

...I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

With my D7200 and Nikon 200-500 lens, I either use a tripod or hand-hold, depending on what I am shooting. For example, if I'm shooting hummingbirds from 10 feet away, I typically hand-hold. OTOH, if I'm shooting nesting hawks in tall trees, I usually use a tripod with gimbal. When carrying for hand-holding I use a cross-body strap attached to the lens foot, reasonably comfortable.

I have three monopods (one that I purchased, one that was free as part of a deal on a lens, and one that is a leg of a tripod that unscrews, which I have never done). I've tried one numerous times but never have been happy with it, just too unstable, so they are mostly unused. One would probably be great for holding the weight of a big lens if I was sitting on the sideline of a football game for a few hours, but I don't do that.

However, I'm sure if you ask enough people you will find that some love them and some don't, so you should definitely try one to see if it works for you.

--
https://www.flickr.com/gp/143821723@N06/sRBm53

 

[JP Scherrer]

When expecting a long waiting for an image, I like to use a monopod with a simple gimbal on it ! Allows to shoot at low shuter-speed as 1:30 (with VR) with a 600mm. lens, while keeping a good FOV and low ISO ! ...or even at high shutter-speed, but with smal apertures and very low ISO !

--
My photos galleries
My 360x180 Spherical panoramas

 

[BBbuilder467]

Hello!

I have a Nikon D7200 and most of my photography is based around wildlife photography and quite often birds. I usually enjoy to walk/roam around an area with my camera and snapping what I can see rather than sitting in wait with a tripod. I am upgrading my gear and purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens so I can try to get some closer to the subjects in my photos and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

I've used a monopod with a tilt-head for so long that it seems normal to do everything using it.

It could work well to your advantage for wildlife to help support and balance the lens with a lens collar. It can be a lot like a gimbal in that sense. It's good for panning.

What it doesn't do particularly well is BIFs if the birds are changing position vertically and you don't get the monopod at exactly the right height. It's good for targeting still subjects at a distance, but you can't arch your back and neck to follow subjects moving vertically if the gear isn't somewhat above normal eye-level.

If you do use one for wildlife or with long heavy lenses, err on the side of taller and heavier. You can get very abusive when you take advantage of it. You'll probably put some of your body weight on it, and you can lose a few inches height in the soft soil and natural debris.

I'd like to use a tripod, but I'll admit there is no way I'm going to carry it several miles day after day. I don't stay in one location. I'm constantly on the move. More hiking for "targets of opportunity". I don't really devote my hiking to any specific subject matter.

 

[Schrodingers_cat]

I have two. I typically use them when I'm getting into areas with borderline shutter speed and a tripod is not an option, or where I would be holding the camera up to my eye for long periods of time.

Should you fit either of those situations I suspect it might be something you would like.

I would suggest that in either situation you consider fitting some sort of ball head or gimbal for best results.

 

[RobinHsherwood]

Hello!

I have a Nikon D7200 and most of my photography is based around wildlife photography and quite often birds. I usually enjoy to walk/roam around an area with my camera and snapping what I can see rather than sitting in wait with a tripod. I am upgrading my gear and purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens so I can try to get some closer to the subjects in my photos and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

I have two monopods. Depending on use, I use either one with a tilt head or a gimbal.




Andoer VH-10 Tilt head



[ATTACH alt="PromediaGear "Tomahawk" Gimbal head"]2032526[/ATTACH]
PromediaGear "Tomahawk" Gimbal head

Both can either be screwed on directly as shown, or if only one 'pod is available, it could be fitted with an A/S clamp and the heads exchanged.

--
Robin H

 

[griddi]

I have two mono-pods, one which a tilted head, mostly I am using the mono- pod for stationery objects only , I found for shootings images in a zoo for example, a mono-pod is more of a hindrance than help .......

Griddi......

 

[Osvaldo Cristo]

Hello!

I have a Nikon D7200 and most of my photography is based around wildlife photography and quite often birds. I usually enjoy to walk/roam around an area with my camera and snapping what I can see rather than sitting in wait with a tripod. I am upgrading my gear and purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens so I can try to get some closer to the subjects in my photos and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

I have used Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6 mounted on both D300S as well D810 for wildlife always only handheld even for a full day at the field. I think they have similar weight as your setup.

I think the use of monopod is very personal with people loving it as well hating it... I am at the last group as it presents me a nuisance and limits my movements making me lose photo opportunities.

For Sports I think monopods can be an interesting accessory but not for wildlife in the field... at last for my own style and abilities.

All the best.

 

[DanBichener]

I have that camera/lens combo an shoot wildlife handheld, I’ve never felt the need for a monopod personally.

A good strap might be useful though as I have mine around my neck when I’m not shooting and it becomes annoying and uncomfortable after a while

 

[Cavig1]

If you are hiking and shooting for hours, you may not want to lug around the camera and lens while attached to a monopod. On the other hand, I've got a buddy who does this (with a heavier 500mm lens) and it works great for him. He also gets really nice results.

Personally, I like the flexibility of being able to shoot at a seconds notice and in any direction. I also like not dragging around a monopod. This works best for me, and most likely will keep me from buying one of those 7 pound 500mm lens.

I may be losing shots due to no monopod or tripod? But I'm pleased as punch with what I get handheld. So why rock the boat?

I use this to carry my rig and I can carry and hold it for quite awhile (i'm 68 years old too)..

Good luck and good shooting

Cavig

 

[David5833]

If you are hiking and shooting for hours, you may not want to lug around the camera and lens while attached to a monopod. On the other hand, I've got a buddy who does this (with a heavier 500mm lens) and it works great for him. He also gets really nice results.

Personally, I like the flexibility of being able to shoot at a seconds notice and in any direction. I also like not dragging around a monopod. This works best for me, and most likely will keep me from buying one of those 7 pound 500mm lens.

I may be losing shots due to no monopod or tripod? But I'm pleased as punch with what I get handheld. So why rock the boat?

I use this to carry my rig and I can carry and hold it for quite awhile (i'm 68 years old too)..

Good luck and good shooting

Cavig

 

[JimH123]

Hello!

I have a Nikon D7200 and most of my photography is based around wildlife photography and quite often birds. I usually enjoy to walk/roam around an area with my camera and snapping what I can see rather than sitting in wait with a tripod. I am upgrading my gear and purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens so I can try to get some closer to the subjects in my photos and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice on if a monopod is required or I would be better off without one?

I normally spend 2-4 hours out at a time, hiking around and taking photos, so I am aware with the new lens I will probably need some kind of support to take some of the weight, but wanted some advice on the best method to suit my shooting style. Would I be better off with a monopod, a small tripod, just some better straps or nothing at all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

The trick with tripods to find ways to firmly anchor the monopod so it doesn't move. I use a panhead on them and am only concerned with up/down movement. If I can find something to sit on, I use my feet to anchor the bottom of the monopod. And my face, while looking though the EVF on the other end. Never do I simply stand with the camera on the monopod and try to hold it still.

 

[Ron Poelman]

The trick with tripods to find ways to firmly anchor the monopod so it doesn't move. I use a panhead on them and am only concerned with up/down movement. If I can find something to sit on, I use my feet to anchor the bottom of the monopod. And my face, while looking though the EVF on the other end. Never do I simply stand with the camera on the monopod and try to hold it still.

I often push mine out forwards so it leans back at me at 30 deg or so,
head tension set enough to prevent floppage,
but still able to override/rotate, if required.

--
Ron.
Volunteer, what could possibly go wrong ?

 

[DMKAlex]

I have the HSM version.

It is a very good, sharp and intelligent lens. I love it. The only issue is the weight.

Unless you have the arm like Arnold Schwartzneiga when he was 30, you're not able to walk around with this lens for hour, never mind hours.

Not only I need a monopod, I need a video head instead of a ball head so I can mount it sturdy (otherwise the weight would undo the regular 1/4" mount). That's why I treat it as a specialty lens that I only take it out for special occasion. And I walk around with the Nikon 80-400 G version.

But if you want to chase the action, or follow the bif, monopod is restricting your freedom of aim because it won't let you aim down. When you aim up, you need to also lift the monopod/head with the lens.