just realized how crappy my tripod is

[cmhollis]

Koden,

I went with the 3021 pro legs and 488RC ballhead. Not the lightest thing to pack around, but it is solid as a rock. Don't forget the QR adapter to go with the head also.

Mike

 

[gpodio]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6818672#post6818672 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by koden
Hi Giancarlo,
thanks for the advice! Monopods are definately cool. They aren't as sturdy, though I guess that's not a problem for outdoor shots with a macro lens, or any lens for that matter. Would it be smarter to have a lightweight, easy to use tripod, or a monopod? I guess it depends on what I want to shoot.

I saw some tripods, like the promaster ones, that actually has it's center column turn into a monopod.

Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into these accessories.

Yeah my tripod also supposedly turns into a monopod... one that is too short to shoot with and too long to bring anywhere A fancy broom stick at most...

At least for me, the monopod makes a huge difference between handheld and monopod, while the difference between monopod and tripod shots is not as evident unless dealing with longer exposures.

The biggest plus is simple, you will likely bring a monopo to many more places than you would carry a tripod. I can think of various situations where a monopod became useful besides the normal shots one can imagine, such as shooting over a crowd's head by holding up the monopod as an extension of my arm and using a cable release to shoot.... Even just hanging down from the camera not touching the floor acts as a balllast weight just like some video camera's use, it allows me to walk and hold the camera a lot steadier than without it.... also came in handy as a deterrant once

Even around the house, shooting kids and pets which don't like to sit still in front of a tripod, the monopod allows you to chase after them while still providing better than handheld support.

I use a Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod with a Manfrotto 3232 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head. I think I paid around $50 for both from B&H.

Hope that helps

 

[Kinetic]

I think I'll be purchasing the tripod and monopod from B&H. The monopod setup is the one giancarlo recommended. It uses a swivel head. Should I use a swivel or a ball? Could I use the ball from the tripod?

Bogen / Manfrotto 724B Digi Tripod with Ballhead & Case - Supports 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...689&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Bogen / Manfrotto 3216 3 Section Monopod (Black) with 3232 Swivel Tilt Head - Supports 5.50 lb (2.49 kg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...520&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

 

[louist]

To be honest, I really dislike that ballhead, it's too small.

 

[Kinetic]

how about the compact one? It's only $10 and same weight. or which head would you recommend?

 

[gpodio]

I have not tried that ball head but based purely on the rated weight it can support it does seem kind of small, specially if you will be playing with any macro or zoom shots. I would try to get something over 10-12lb at least...

My tripod/head rating is 26lb/17lb and I still bring out the +50lb beasts on rare occasions... (not for fishtank shots though)

As for the monopod, I like using the single axis swivel head as it allows me to easily keep the camera level. With a monopod a ball head is perhaps overkill but some people like ballheads others prefer pan and tilt heads... I'm more of a pan and tilt person and the only ballheads I will use are the ones that have independent panning so one can pan horizontally wihtout changing the angle of the camera.

Overall I doubt this setup would dissapoint you, it is more portable than a heavier tripod...

Hope that helps

 

[Kinetic]

Thanks for the tips!

I also heard that the monopod doesn't need a head, meaning the thread will attach right to your camera? Is that true? I'd still get a head, especially one with the quick release.

I'm going to checkout some local camera shops this weekend for a tripod, and if the prices aren't good etc. I'll get my stuff from B&H.

I'll post again first about what my purchases will be, and then I'll give a review for others who are interested =)

thanks again!

 

[gpodio]

Sure the monopod will screw right up to the camera, but you can imagine with a stiff monopod hanging vertically down from the camera, it is easy to swivel left and right the entire rig but to point up or down feels more like a dance move with the monopod than a comfortable tilt action. In order to keep the monopod pointing vertically down when shooting high or low the tilt head really does help. But it's cheap on it's own so you can buy it at a later time or perhaps use the smaller ballhead that comes with the tripod you are looking at...

I do the same, go to local store, play with the equipment and then buy it where it's most convenient...