Monopod pouch

Joe T

Joe T

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Hi all

I have just received a Manfrotto Monopod Pouch. I intend to use this for panning work with the Sigma 120-300 2.8. I got the idea from an article in Practical Photography magazine on Graeme Brown, a top bike shooter who uses one.

I had hoped it would have arrived before Christmas so I could have used it on Boxing Day at Mallory Park, but als it only arrived today.

Anyway my question is, has anyone ever used one of these devices? Any tips/advice on using it?

TIA. :)
 
I've tried panning with a monopod Joe but TBH I found it too restrictive. It might be alright for circuit racing where every vehicle follws the same line through a corner and where the corner is flat but it can be a real hinderance when they take different lines and the corners are on slopes like they are in autocross which take place ina farmers feild. You should be alright with it though at circuits just don't try it at the mountain.;)
 
Kev, I wasnt asking about panning with a monopod in general (which I think is what you are referring to??). I pan with a monopod all the time, but I was just wondering if anyone had done so using a pouch.

For those not aware, a monopod pouch (also referred to as a billet, similar to what flag bearers wear) is a pouch that goes on your belt. The monopod is then only extended as far as the pouch. The monopod then rests in the puch rather than on the gorund. I am imagining that it will be easier to pan given that the lens and monopod can turn with you, rather than have the end of the monopod on the ground. Does that make any sense?
 
You'll have to be carefull to pan with your legs , if you just twist your body then the monopod will move in a tight arc. You could end up with a lot of shots with the front of the car blurred/drooping
 
mrgubby said:
You'll have to be carefull to pan with your legs , if you just twist your body then the monopod will move in a tight arc. You could end up with a lot of shots with the front of the car blurred/drooping
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Thats quite possible!

I'm not sure when I'm going to get a chance to try this out - the season doesnt really kick off till March/April time. We shall see.


photostar_1 - I use a Giottos P-Pod. It has a built in head. The head allows flexibility in one axis only, which is good enough for me.
 
Joe T said:
Thats quite possible!

I'm not sure when I'm going to get a chance to try htis out - the season doesnt really kick off till March/April time. We shall see.
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Hide in a bus stop & practice with cars :)
 
Sorry Joe my mistake. Never seen one of the monopod pouches or even heard of them before.
 
I've never used one Joe, but I'd imagine it would relieve a lot of the strain of using a heavy lens for extended periods, so definitely worth a go IMO.
 
Ive just had a quick go with it at home (so no 'proper' panning), and it seems to work pretty well. It certainly helps to get a smooth pan.

The pouch mounts on my belt, but I cant have it central as I would then have the entire weight of the lens (2.7kg) resting on the family jewels! Having it offset to one side isnt bad though.

Im looking forward to trying it out when the season starts later in the year.

£15 well spent hopefully. :)
 
The only observation I can make, as I certainly haven't tried one, is that it may not provide the same stability as a monopod standing on terra firma ... but I'm sure you will have taken that into account Joe ... ;)


PS - the lenses are indeed quite something ... :D ... sorry I was just somewhat distracted last night ... :shrug:




:p

 
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