Stability - Monopod vs. Tripod

[h.r.ford]

OK I've moved up in the world and I use manual now most of the time. It also means I am finding lighting conditions trickier and I often want a longer shutterspeed than I can get hand held.

• Monopod or tripod? I don't tend to shoot things that sit/stand still but is a monopod enough stability?
• Can somone explain head and stuff? I've been looking at the compact Monfroto (sp?) monopod but I want a head that tilts and Jessops seems to tell me nothing.

Any help on at least what I should look for in either a mono or tri would be great. Thanks!
Renee

 

[moomike]

Hi Renee,
I can't really comment on the stability issues as I don't yet own a monopod but if you take a look at this post that I started a while ago, it gives a lot of good advice on which monopods & heads to go for should you decide to buy one.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=10250
Cheers & good luck choosing,
Mike.

 

[h.r.ford]

Thanks I did look around before I asked but I couldn't find anything like it. I will read the post now!

 

[rpstewart]

If you need stability for a long exposure shot then a tripod is the only way to go, a monopod really just provides a means of supporting the weight of a hefty lens/body combo.

Heads seem to be down to personal preference and what you shoot, I find my Manfrotto grip ball head better than the pan/tilt heads I've used in the past but it's a bit tricky to get the head in exactly the right place - it droops ever so slightly as the grip tightens on the ball.

 

[WetSparks]

Yes, a monopod is great for adding that little bit of extra stability when using a long lens, especially for panning type shots. However if your looking for longer exposure times then a tripod is the only way to go. Also remember that you will benefit from a remote release for the camera in these situations.

 

[h.r.ford]

I think what I am realizing is that I need both... When I use the long lens the camera is just to heavy for me to keep steady and I need a monopod. But for those artsy shots I need a tripod. There goes the bank account!

 

[busterboy]

I have a Manfrotto 684B monopod here Renee you can try with pleasure, If you like it you know where you stand regarding monopod or tripod.

Come round and pick it up, I am in tonight or any night this week..



God I am kind..