July 4th celebration. Tripod, Monopod, or both?

[faeriegodess612]

I'm wondering. On Monday there will be a July 4th celebration on base. The base will temporarily allow people that would normally not be allowed on base to attend. Everywhere else around has canceled shows due to the drought conditions, so I expect this shin dig to be PACKED! There are three bands playing before the fireworks. One I've never heard of called Ordain. The other two are Anchored ( famous for their song "Dirty in Texas" ) and The Cherry Poppin Daddies. I want to get good concert shots if possible, as well as some firework shots, but I'm concerned about lugging around a tripod with that many people bustling about.

So, my question is which would you take, a tripod or a monopod, or both?

Or, just use keep the tripod closed for the concert's then open the legs up when the fireworks start?

[kcoppock]

Definitely a tripod if you're going to shoot the fireworks too. It's definitely a pain in the ass to lug it around, but I'd kick myself if I left it at home. Just keep it in a bag, retracted, until you need it. I've never used a monopod, so I can't speak to that, but I wouldn't think it'd keep it near stable enough for multiple second exposures on the fireworks.

[scootermcq]

We had our fireworks yesterday. Can't do these with a monopod. They were around 10 second exposures... I quite often use a tripod like a monopod like you suggested, so I would go with that idea.

[kcoppock]

Scott, those are outstanding! Very nice... :O

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by kcoppock

Scott, those are outstanding! Very nice... :O

Thanks kcoppock

[faeriegodess612]

Yeah, thats what I was thinking. That a mono wouldnt be stable enough. Oh, and the lugging part was about taking both. But I didnt clarify that, so, the confusion is just.

[Jim Bryant]

Tripod. You use the mono pod to beat people that shake your tripod.

[JFeinbergPhotography]

Love those shots! I'm using a tripod, but when in crowds, I simply fold 2 legs and keep one down to use as a monopod. The monopod would work for the parade, but at night I will need my tripod. Try my simple idea with the tripod. Also, get a lightweight one. Mine is aluminum and picked it up for about $50 when it is $120. Ball head, works great! The grip is a little annoying, I don't like the pistol grip.

[mad editor]

I like Jim's answer.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by JFeinbergPhotography

Love those shots! I'm using a tripod, but when in crowds, I simply fold 2 legs and keep one down to use as a monopod. The monopod would work for the parade, but at night I will need my tripod. Try my simple idea with the tripod. Also, get a lightweight one. Mine is aluminum and picked it up for about $50 when it is $120. Ball head, works great! The grip is a little annoying, I don't like the pistol grip.

I didn't think about extending just one leg. Thanks! And um,...I have a tripod. Mines aluminum too. It was better than the $20 one I started with, that did just fine for my P&S, but wasnt sturdy enough for my Nikon. I use the old one for clamp lights or whatever I need it for.

I want a good sturdy tripod, but I can't afford one right now. Even $100 is a bit much. We could probably spare it,..but since I'm not working right now, I don't want to have to even touch the savings. I've limited myself to anything less than $50. No new gear for me until I find another job.


I like Jim's answer too,..lol.