Monopods

[Michael_2010]

What are the pro's and con's of these things? Once you have one do you really put it to good use, or does it end up resting comfortably next to the tripod in the cargo area of the SUV, while you are hiking trails?

When I am roaming around looking for interesting shots, I don't like to carry a lot of gear. In fact, I've quit lugging around my Sigma 150-500mm at all unless I have something very specific planned, which includes my tripod, cable release, etc. I would like to get some more use out of that lens, but I also want to be able to react quickly and I have not yet mastered that technique while it is mounted to a tripod. Would a monopod be the answer? Or, are they more trouble than they're worth?

If you do use one, what do you like? I was reading about the Giottos MM5580 and it sounds interesting. Slightly heavy, but it looks versatile and it can be used as a weapon to beat off all the crazies that come up wanting spare change right when the perfect light has just arrived.

[dlambert]

I went with a TrekPod instead. I don't always bring it on hikes with me, but when I do, it at least serves double duty as a walking stick. I had it with me for ten days in Canada last year, and I was glad to have it along when portaging.

[Michael_2010]

Does it help you with heavy lenses and low light situations? Would you consider it a must have piece of equipment? Or, is it just slightly better than propping your elbow up on a rock, etc.?

[RichardTaylor]

I use a mono pod for most of the photographs I take which are birds and motor sport.
It is not so much for stability as to take the weight of a heavy lens when shooting for hours at a time. That's why a lot of sports shooters use them.

Whenever I have my 100-400 with me I always have my mono pod with me.
On extended shoots (days) I will have a backup in the car.

You may want to read some of the posts in this DPS thread.
Monopod or Tripod?

You may also want to see this thread.
Introduction to Monopods

I have two Manfrotto mono pods and do not use a head..
From personal experience.
(1) make sure it is high enough so you don't get a pain in the neck when looking through the camera viewfinder whilst standing.
(2)Twist locks are useless when your hands are wet or the monopod is wet (you can't get a grip on them. The ones I use have flip locks for the legs.

[Michael_2010]

Thanks for the links! I read them and I'm still thinking this purchase over. If they were a little cheaper, I would just get one and give it a whirl, but alas ain't nuttin' cheap when it comes to photographic equipment. If it is cheap, it is best to run in the other direction.

[dlambert]

Originally Posted by Michael_2010

Does it help you with heavy lenses and low light situations? Would you consider it a must have piece of equipment? Or, is it just slightly better than propping your elbow up on a rock, etc.?

I'd be nervous about a heavy lens. The legs open near the bottom, so it'll never really be a tripod replacement. I prefer to think of it as a monopod with a bonus.

Plus, you can lay it down on the bog in front of you and use it to climb out when you fall in up to your waist, or so I hear.

[sk66]

For fast reaction and larger lenses I use a custom shoulder stock. Bushhawk makes a commercial version...

[Krusty79]

A little more info here: monopod recommendations