ImpMan71
Established
Hi,
I'm going to Paris for a weekend in September & am considering getting a monopod to take with me.
Are they worth having - I've never used one before.
Will I be able to take night shots with it?
I have several tripods, but find they are too heavy & bulky to easily travel around with.
I will be taking my Bessa R2 with me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers,
Colin
I'm going to Paris for a weekend in September & am considering getting a monopod to take with me.
Are they worth having - I've never used one before.
Will I be able to take night shots with it?
I have several tripods, but find they are too heavy & bulky to easily travel around with.
I will be taking my Bessa R2 with me.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers,
Colin
R
Richard Black
Guest
I have one, but, alas, I haven't use it yet. Seems like a good idea but haven't had to need to break it out. With a light camera it should work great.
Keep us posted!
Keep us posted!
fidget
Lemon magnet
I regularly use a monopod, it can eliminate a few axes of movement of the camera (with a rigid monopod, a flexible one is no use) allowing sharper pics than the same slower speeds hand held (by me, anyway), but it's no substitute for a tripod.
K
Kin Lau
Guest
With the Bessa R2, you're better off using a table-top tripod. Use a vertical surface if a horizontal one isn't available.
I have several monopods that I use a lot with long lenses on my SLRs. You can use a mono for long exposures at night if you have a solid object to press it up against, but it's harder to use than a table-top.
I have several monopods that I use a lot with long lenses on my SLRs. You can use a mono for long exposures at night if you have a solid object to press it up against, but it's harder to use than a table-top.
iml
Well-known
I reckon a monocle would be good 
Ian
Ian
smiway
Member
A monpod can be very useful when traveling without a tripod if it is used correctly. The bottom of the monopod should be set further out than the top in a position similar to a tripod leg. You than can use your two legs as the other two legs of a tripod to steady the camera. I've been able to shoot at slower speeds this way and still obtain some well focused pictures.
Leica-Virgin
Retouched for the .......
I used a monopod for a while when carrying a Mamiya C330 and 180mm lens around the the Lake District in England. Found it very useful in taking the weight of the camera when trying to hold the same position for a while. I now use it with the Crown Graphic for the same reason. Holding one of these up for a while puts a strain on my feeble muscles!! Having somethig to rest the camera on is a definite plus. I still use the fastest speed possible though. I am not sure there is much advantage to be gained with a 35mm in all honesty.
Xmas
Veteran
They are useful but they are more difficult to use effectively than a Tripod.
Noel
Noel
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I have often thought about a monopod but never have done anything about it...In other words...I don't have one...
I would like to see more opinions either way...
I sometimes shoot with a TLR but would never have thought of using a monopod with it...
When using a RF one would think you are trying to fade into the background, so a mono or tripod would be like a huge spotlight on you...
I, at times, use a tripod with a TLR and SLR and unless it's a really slow shutter speed or time exposure on a RF I don't use either...
I would like to see more opinions either way...
I sometimes shoot with a TLR but would never have thought of using a monopod with it...
When using a RF one would think you are trying to fade into the background, so a mono or tripod would be like a huge spotlight on you...
I, at times, use a tripod with a TLR and SLR and unless it's a really slow shutter speed or time exposure on a RF I don't use either...
MartinL
MartinL
I'm a hiker and my Gitzo carbon fiber monopod is my hiking pole of choice. Light and sturdy. A good wrist strap/grip and quick to mount a camera. Often useful on a rest break, mono partly extended and me sitting on a rock or log.
Table top tripod would be ideal. Can anybody recommend a good table to take on my hike?
Martin
Table top tripod would be ideal. Can anybody recommend a good table to take on my hike?
Martin
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
MartinL said:Table top tripod would be ideal. Can anybody recommend a good table to take on my hike?
Martin
Martin,
Tri a Folder...Oh God!!...That was funny...
I'm still laughing...
mervynyan
Mervyn Yan
if you are getting a pod, get a real one.
Finder
Veteran
Hardly use mine. I get about 1 to 2 stops slower shutter speeds with it. I have used it to hold the camera in the air and shoot down - you need a long cable release.
I would not take one to Paris.
I would not take one to Paris.
Ducky
Well-known
I have one I used with an SLR but found it awkward. I cant imagine using it on an RF. I also suggest a sturdy table top tripod. I have one with one leg made of a sturdy 90 deg. plastic with a velcro strap attached. I attaches nicely to any small pipe, chair back or similar.
I'd vote no on a mono.
I'd vote no on a mono.
ferider
Veteran
For RF a good table top tripod (the classic way) is more useful, I find.
You can brace yourself against columns inside churches, etc.
I have a monopod but use it for SLR and long tele mostly.
Roland.
You can brace yourself against columns inside churches, etc.
I have a monopod but use it for SLR and long tele mostly.
Roland.
akitadog
Established
Tripod / monopod
Tripod / monopod
Hi there,
I have used both monopod and small tripods and prefer small tripods.
I wrote a small article on tripods and will insert it here. Hope it helps.
Regards
HHK
Tripod Tales
A story about 3 tripods.
If you like to travel but still want to have 3 legged support there are a number of options that I use depending on what camera equipment I am bringing and what my overall requirements are.
If you want to travel ultra light, are carrying a small camera, or want light tabletop or wall support, then this is my favorite ultra light combination. I use a Manfrotto 3007 table top tripod and Manfrotto 428 Micro ball head. This is not the only combination, but at $48.00 US it is good price/performance. I have used this combination with a Rollei 35 and Leica M6. The tripod with head easily fits into a pocket on a Domke F803 camera satchel or other small camera bag. Otherwise it will also fit into a side pocket on your Jeans.
Mamfrotto 3007 With Ball Head
Maximum Height: 4.0 Inches
Folded Length: 7.0 Inches
If you want more versatility, and more height, there are a number of options that I really like as well. I use a Gitzo G0011 series Table Top tripod with a Giotto MH1004 Ball Head, and a quick release plate. Currently, you can get the Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Table Top tripod online for around $157.00. I use the older version of this tripod that I bought on e-bay for $80.00 brand new. The only difference is in the center column. If you have more money to spend, and want more height for the same weight you can use the new G0057 Carbon Fiber Table Top tripod from Gitzo. It extends much taller, 28” with center column and 21 “ without center column extended, but weighs less than the aluminum version, and is almost as small folded. However it is almost double the cost at $312.00. I like this tripod for a number of reasons, but primarily because at 30” with a ball head, and with the tripod on a table, it is almost at eye level. This can be very handy while traveling.
Gitzo G0011 Aluminum Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 18.75 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 10.5 “
Folded Length: 8.5”
Weight: 0.90 lbs
Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 18.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 11.0 “
Folded Length: 9.8”
Weight: 0.90 lbs.
Gitzo G0057 Carbon Fiber Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 28.3.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 21.5 “
Folded Length: 10.6”
Weight: 0.80 lbs.
If you use wide-angle lenses a lot, you will need a full height or taller tripod. The reason for this is simply really. With a wide-angle lens, you will want to keep your camera level to avoid converging vertical lines. So, unless you want to have a lot of low foreground in your image, you will need a full height or taller tripod. How tall depend on your height and also on the look you are trying to achieve.
Which tripod you bring when travelling all depends on you needs, and how willing you are to carry extra weight. Better to compromise than to not have a tripod. I like to do night shots and landscapes while traveling and Image quality is important, but in my case, because I am not able to carry a lot of weight, I take the Gitzo G0011 tripod and Giotto MH1004 Ball Head. This is as always a compromise, but with a Kirk quick release it is used with everything from a Rollei 35 to my Mamiya 6 with a 150mm lens. It is stable, convenient, and I put one of the tripod legs through my belt loop for easy carrying. If I had more money I would prefer the Gitzo G0057 for the extra height that it provides.
Well, that about says it all.
HHK
“C” December 5, 2005
Tripod / monopod
Hi there,
I have used both monopod and small tripods and prefer small tripods.
I wrote a small article on tripods and will insert it here. Hope it helps.
Regards
HHK
Tripod Tales
A story about 3 tripods.
If you like to travel but still want to have 3 legged support there are a number of options that I use depending on what camera equipment I am bringing and what my overall requirements are.
If you want to travel ultra light, are carrying a small camera, or want light tabletop or wall support, then this is my favorite ultra light combination. I use a Manfrotto 3007 table top tripod and Manfrotto 428 Micro ball head. This is not the only combination, but at $48.00 US it is good price/performance. I have used this combination with a Rollei 35 and Leica M6. The tripod with head easily fits into a pocket on a Domke F803 camera satchel or other small camera bag. Otherwise it will also fit into a side pocket on your Jeans.
Mamfrotto 3007 With Ball Head
Maximum Height: 4.0 Inches
Folded Length: 7.0 Inches
If you want more versatility, and more height, there are a number of options that I really like as well. I use a Gitzo G0011 series Table Top tripod with a Giotto MH1004 Ball Head, and a quick release plate. Currently, you can get the Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Table Top tripod online for around $157.00. I use the older version of this tripod that I bought on e-bay for $80.00 brand new. The only difference is in the center column. If you have more money to spend, and want more height for the same weight you can use the new G0057 Carbon Fiber Table Top tripod from Gitzo. It extends much taller, 28” with center column and 21 “ without center column extended, but weighs less than the aluminum version, and is almost as small folded. However it is almost double the cost at $312.00. I like this tripod for a number of reasons, but primarily because at 30” with a ball head, and with the tripod on a table, it is almost at eye level. This can be very handy while traveling.
Gitzo G0011 Aluminum Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 18.75 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 10.5 “
Folded Length: 8.5”
Weight: 0.90 lbs
Gitzo G0012 Aluminum Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 18.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 11.0 “
Folded Length: 9.8”
Weight: 0.90 lbs.
Gitzo G0057 Carbon Fiber Without ball Head
Maximum Height: 28.3.1 “
Maximum Height w/o extension: 21.5 “
Folded Length: 10.6”
Weight: 0.80 lbs.
If you use wide-angle lenses a lot, you will need a full height or taller tripod. The reason for this is simply really. With a wide-angle lens, you will want to keep your camera level to avoid converging vertical lines. So, unless you want to have a lot of low foreground in your image, you will need a full height or taller tripod. How tall depend on your height and also on the look you are trying to achieve.
Which tripod you bring when travelling all depends on you needs, and how willing you are to carry extra weight. Better to compromise than to not have a tripod. I like to do night shots and landscapes while traveling and Image quality is important, but in my case, because I am not able to carry a lot of weight, I take the Gitzo G0011 tripod and Giotto MH1004 Ball Head. This is as always a compromise, but with a Kirk quick release it is used with everything from a Rollei 35 to my Mamiya 6 with a 150mm lens. It is stable, convenient, and I put one of the tripod legs through my belt loop for easy carrying. If I had more money I would prefer the Gitzo G0057 for the extra height that it provides.
Well, that about says it all.
HHK
“C” December 5, 2005
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
Not worth the hassel. Take faster film and/or fibre tripod if you must.
Last edited:
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
My friend Bob who lurks here (Hi, Hickster!) always uses a "stick" with his Rolleiflex.
He claims he can handhold very slow speeds, when necessary bracing against a doorway, etc.
I believe him. His photos are always super sharp...
Chris
He claims he can handhold very slow speeds, when necessary bracing against a doorway, etc.
I believe him. His photos are always super sharp...
Chris
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
I've been to Paris several times since 1973, last time a couple years ago. I might take one for night shots. During the day its just too encumbering. Ditto that with London, where you want to enter/exit quikly. When you really think about it its more for extreme low light cond. Remember that you can't set one up in alot of places.
Also, you might be setting yourself up for trouble given the tightened security over photography in Paris. And if you're American, then you'll really tick them off.
Do like HCB, carry your cam by your side and quikly up to your eye for the shot.
Also, you might be setting yourself up for trouble given the tightened security over photography in Paris. And if you're American, then you'll really tick them off.
Do like HCB, carry your cam by your side and quikly up to your eye for the shot.
Tuolumne
Veteran
If you want a nice table tripod try the Gorillapod with ball head from Joby. You can see it here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476533-REG/Joby__Gorillapod_SLR_Zoom_Mini_Tripod_with.html
A monopod is Ok, but as has been pointed out, you still have to brace yourself pretty well to use it effectively. You might prefer a small, lightweight tripod. Gitzo makes small ones that weigh just 1.5 pounds. Of course, you'll still need an Acra-type ball head ( I use the ball heads and L-mounts from Really Right Stuff), so the expense starts to get considerable. Also very effective is a bean bag you can rest on almost any surface that will provide a cushioned and very stable platform for your camera at slow speeds. I would stay away from a monopod and even a tripod unless you have some very specific picture requirements, e.g. night time shots at very slow speeds, that absolutely require it. Keep it simple and don't clutter yourself with too much gear.
/T
A monopod is Ok, but as has been pointed out, you still have to brace yourself pretty well to use it effectively. You might prefer a small, lightweight tripod. Gitzo makes small ones that weigh just 1.5 pounds. Of course, you'll still need an Acra-type ball head ( I use the ball heads and L-mounts from Really Right Stuff), so the expense starts to get considerable. Also very effective is a bean bag you can rest on almost any surface that will provide a cushioned and very stable platform for your camera at slow speeds. I would stay away from a monopod and even a tripod unless you have some very specific picture requirements, e.g. night time shots at very slow speeds, that absolutely require it. Keep it simple and don't clutter yourself with too much gear.
/T