Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - Tri-pod, Mono-pod, free handed (supported)

sk8ter20art · Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 377

I have a tri-pod for my camera, still working on my free-handed shots. I was at the store the other day and was looking at a mono-pod.

My question is, Are mono-pods worth the $30 bucks.

I see them as bieng easier to travel with, but what are the other advantages/dis-advatages to using one.

varius · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:08 am

I have never seen a monopod for $30 that was worth the money. They are usually not stable/long/versatile/sturdy enough. Mine cost about $100 and I don't regret spending that money. It is strong enough at full length to carry me (and I'm a heavy person).

Advantages:
- Weight
- Works great as walking stick
- Works great in moving crowds
- Works nicely on highly uneven ground
- Can be used as quarterstaff in unsecure areas. ;-)
- You buy a real good one and it will last you for decades.

Disadvantages:
- Missing two legs. ;-)
- Completely different shooting technique (learning curve!)
- Doesn't work for long exposure (but much better than hand held)
- Can't be used with cable release/mirror lock (well it can, but it doesn't have the advantages that would have on a tripod)

Bmaintz · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:56 am

varius · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:26 am

I have a Manfrotto 680B - there are better monopods out there, but that was the best I could afford and I'm happy with it.

Bmaintz · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:43 am

Thanks, will look into one...

sk8ter20art · Joined: 06 Jun 2005 Posts: 377

ive seen one in a magazine that is three in one monopod/walking stick/and also has 3 small tripod legs(12inchs long). I thought it was a gimmick because it was about $150.

The only thing i could think of is that the monopod helps keep your camera at a steady height, because it still can lean and turn if your not steady. I have tried using my tripod as a mono-pod because i did not have enough space to set it up, and it was still hard to keep steady(but easier that freehand).

dananoah · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 42

The only Monopod I can recommend and currently use is the Sunpak Versipod 2.

Basicly its a walking stick, Monopod and tripod. At the bottom of the monopod are 3 legs that transforms it into a tripod.

It comes with a Magnet Ballhead, but I found it was not sturdy enough for a DSLR so I bought a Manfrotto ballhead to replace the one that comes with it.

There are other Monopds that have tripod legs, but the Sunpak was cheaper.