Has Anybody Tried the TrekPod?

[NikonnooB]

Onesaint: thank you for the detail! getting such a specific answer is definitely going to help in my quest. The idea of the more flexible magnet support with a sweet spot, is very appealing, as I don't have very strong hands, and was concerned about having to fight with a magnet, holding something as delicate as a camera.

Today, I looked at the carbon fiber monopods (I'm thinking I just don't love the idea of a 2 piece Trekpod - seems unwieldy), but I don't think they seemed quite sturdy enough to use as a walking stick.

I decided to start out slowly. I've not been using my existing tripod, mostly because setup is such a pain (especially the addition and removal of the camera). Before springing for a ton of money, I decided to buy just a simple Manfrotto quick-release mount, to try on my existing tripod. If I find myself more inclined to use it with that added convenience, I'll spend more money on a further solution. The Manfrotto tripods I've looked at are significantly lighter than my current tripod, so they're a possibility. I'm a bit afraid I won't do too well with that whole "shoot steady with a monopod" idea. I'm hoping to try to borrow one, to see how I'll do.

All the information is going to be really helpful in my quest for the best, easiest method for a basically lazy person like me. ;D

Thank you!

[onesaint]

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

Onesaint: thank you for the detail! getting such a specific answer is definitely going to help in my quest. The idea of the more flexible magnet support with a sweet spot, is very appealing, as I don't have very strong hands, and was concerned about having to fight with a magnet, holding something as delicate as a camera.

happy to help!

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

Today, I looked at the carbon fiber monopods (I'm thinking I just don't love the idea of a 2 piece Trekpod - seems unwieldy), but I don't think they seemed quite sturdy enough to use as a walking stick.

agreed. im not sure the quick release switch tihngs on the mono would work to support walking either. there are some monopods that have a twist release, that might hold up as a walking stick a bit better. but then you have to keep in mind the learing how to shoot with a steady monopod.

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

I decided to start out slowly. I've not been using my existing tripod, mostly because setup is such a pain (especially the addition and removal of the camera). Before springing for a ton of money, I decided to buy just a simple Manfrotto quick-release mount, to try on my existing tripod. If I find myself more inclined to use it with that added convenience, I'll spend more money on a further solution. The Manfrotto tripods I've looked at are significantly lighter than my current tripod, so they're a possibility. I'm a bit afraid I won't do too well with that whole "shoot steady with a monopod" idea. I'm hoping to try to borrow one, to see how I'll do.

good idea. i have 2 manfrotto ball heads with the quick release plates. they are pretty good. the only issue i have with them is the "safety" latch for locking the plate in place. it pains me that safety thing. i can never tell if its in the right place or if i should push it or if its in place. but youll get a good idea of the ease of use of the quick release plate. once i started using them there was no other option for me.

you might conisder picking up a SLK tripod. they are 20-30 bucks. come with a quick release mount and are really light.

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

All the information is going to be really helpful in my quest for the best, easiest method for a basically lazy person like me. ;D

Thank you!

what a crack up!

[Farkled]

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

Velvet4269 - you said "the other", which other did you end up getting?

Quo Fan mentions the test for weight. So cool to get that input! I understand they have a couple of sizes of that magnetic connector they use, and they've rated it for various weights. My camera and lenses are relatively light, as DSLRs go. But, seeing the practical test got done makes me feel better.

Moi - I've considered the gorillapod. In fact, there was a helpful thread on this on DPS last night, when I posted. Thing is, I'm not sure I want to have to try to find something to mount it on, if I want a shot from any height.

Hpebley3 - do you know what that's called? I'd heard someone makes things like that, and it may be very useful for me (as long as I can find a lighter tripod on which to use it). It doesn't get in the way of the tripod handles?

Farkled - do you find lateral movement to be an issue with your monopod? Which one do you use? I'm concerned the mounting areas on the ones I've seen don't seem very secure...

THANK YOU ALL!

I just bought a small Manfrotto plate for the 'pod. I generally run around with my 40D & Battery Grip + 70 - 300 w/ hood. My 'pod is probably too light for the rig but it doesn't matter. It's not holding the camera as would a tripod - I'm holding the camera. The 'pod diminishes but does not eliminate a lot of movement. Best results are in the vibration and up & down categories. Lateral control is improved somewhat. Better results (in all planes) when sitting than standing. I would guess, for me, the improvement is about 2 - 3 stops in most cases.

[hpebley3]

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

Hpebley3 - do you know what that's called? I'd heard someone makes things like that, and it may be very useful for me (as long as I can find a lighter tripod on which to use it). It doesn't get in the way of the tripod handles?

I assume you mean the plate? It's not a 3rd party accessory; it's part of the head that came with the tripod.

[Sime]

Not tried it, but, my manfrotto mono has the same little thing almost... three little baby legs that screw out and hold it up if you want to steady it... not bad, only used it a couple of times...

[Sime]

Interesting looking device upon further inspection, I'm trying to get hold of one for my up and coming trek... could need one with my aching legs!... **watch this space**

[onesaint]

has anyone had any experience with hiking with a manfrotto or other brand, but simular? im curious about how they hold up as walking sticks. i usually just carry mine collapsed.

[NikonnooB]

WOW, Sime - I JUST saw the Manfrotto with the screw in baby legs (the screw in area is really gooey, btw), and it looked like a really viable alternative to the Trekpod. The thing I kind of liked was that it's all one unit - but the goo was really icky!

I believe the plate I got is the same one Farkled is mentioning above. Just the plate and the attachment.

I can see your point, onesaint, about that latch thingy. There's really no indication as to whether the thing is locked in place or not. The only way to know is to test the lever, which can be a problem if the thing isn't actually latched!

I was considering a ball-head, too - but again, just want to find out if I'm gonna use the thing. I had no idea an inexpensive (very) SLK tripod was going to be light. That may be worth the extra expense.

I don't NEED a walking stick (I already actually have a good one, but can't carry it along with the camera), but the idea is still kind of interesting. And, THANK YOU for listing that "how to shoot with a monopod" link. I'd seen it before, but lost it - now it's bookmarked. I can see that the technique's far more rigorous than I anticipated.

BTW, I'm also in the LA area... where did you see the SLK's?

[onesaint]

Originally Posted by NikonnooB

I can see your point, onesaint, about that latch thingy. There's really no indication as to whether the thing is locked in place or not. The only way to know is to test the lever, which can be a problem if the thing isn't actually latched!

I was considering a ball-head, too - but again, just want to find out if I'm gonna use the thing. I had no idea an inexpensive (very) SLK tripod was going to be light. That may be worth the extra expense.

I don't NEED a walking stick (I already actually have a good one, but can't carry it along with the camera), but the idea is still kind of interesting. And, THANK YOU for listing that "how to shoot with a monopod" link. I'd seen it before, but lost it - now it's bookmarked. I can see that the technique's far more rigorous than I anticipated.

BTW, I'm also in the LA area... where did you see the SLK's?

happy to help! i actually got one a number of years ago at samys camera. like i said i think it was only 20-30 dollars. wait a sec... here ya go, in fact there is two one that has a neck that rises and one that doesn't. both 20 dollars.

they should have them both at the samys on fairfax (los angeles, near beverly) and the one on sepulveda (culver city, near culer). careful who you talk to there, though. they can be the most rude sales staff.

i used to take this backpacking, as it is so light i could clip it on and not notice it. the only issue is the head. the way it locks never quite makes it totally flat. so you have to adjust the head in conjunctio n with the tripod to make it perfectly flat. but i would reccomend having a look at it to see what i mean.

[Sime]

***THIS NEWS JUST IN****

I had an email back from Jeremy at the UK distributor www.sonic-uk.com today that started like this...

"I love your approach and providing you don’t get blown away by a Peruvian Drug Baron, then the publicity would be great!!!"

So, I'm happy to say that i'll be taking one with me to Peru, i'll test it right out - and, with any luck, my Canon 30D won't topple off into a ravine!!.. So, it's not going to be for a few weeks, but, I will post my findings here for y'all...Hope that helps!

Sime