Tripod, Monopod or both?

I've recently bought a very lightweight travelling tripod and it has a leg that you can remove and turn into a monopod.
For what it cost I must say it's a really impressive tripod, has a fluid filled head too and an angle read out for when you're doing panoramics.
 
sk66 said:
For this kind of stuff my preference would be to handhold. I own numerous tripods and a couple of monopods, but I only use them if I have to or for stationary/studio type work.
Honestly, a 70-200/2.8 is a hefty lens compared to basic kit, but it's not that much weight. It's under 4lbs total, use it frequently and you'll adjust.

You might want to look at your handholding technique... "proper" technique transfers most of the weight to your body/ribs. I frequently handhold a setup that weighs 15+ lbs, not for long periods at a time mind you, but I'll do it all day long. I'm not a big guy by any means, I'm old, and I have nerve/muscle damage in my left arm which is what supports/transfers the weight.
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Thank you for the advice, I will have look at better hand holding techniques and hopefully it will take the pressure off my arms and wrists.
 
Gary Kinghorn said:
I find a monopod to be much more versatile than a tripod. However, you never get a full break when using one as you always have to keep a hold of it. Tripods mean you can let go and have a proper break, but they take a bit more setting up. A monopod is in the position you want it in immediately and can be moved easily. A tripod you need to make sure it is level and true, so moving it is more difficult. If you'll be moving position constantly and working on the go, you need a monopod. If you will be setting up camp for chunks of time and not moving, the tripod could well be the fella for the job. Just my opinion by the way
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Thank you for your advice :) I will buy a monopod and see how I get on with it while out and about.
 
BlackCloud said:
Manfrotto do a monopod that has 3 spindly legs that unscrew out of the bottom to give a little more support. I have it but I don't know the model number! Its OK, not particularly a tripod replacement but gives a little more stability to a monopod. I think monopods are pretty handy, just add that bit of extra support... Downside is not such quick, free movement as hand held. I also use a tripod, rock solid, sharp images, slow and cumbersome. Depends what you are doing. Incidentally Manfrotto sometimes have a clearance sale. 50% off. Maybe not 50% of a dealer price, but some excellent prices saving a good third of typical dealer price.
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Thank you, I will have a look into a Manfrotto monpod before I make purchase
 
Jim_Tod said:
I use both. Monopod for sports (mainly rugby). Tripod for still life and landscapes. I have head for the monopod which is mostly a waste of time as i mainly use it with a long lens with a foot and screwing to foot and turning lens/ camera in collar is better.
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Thank you :)
 
AdamSi said:
This more than some people would spend but it comes up on offer from time to time and the head is designed for monopod use and I was really impressed previously I just screwed the monopod straight in but it's awkward then depending how much you move without the head, it took my 500 f4 VR with ease so it's strong enough for your requirements for sure

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sirui-P-32...&qid=1473277314&sr=1-9&keywords=sirui+monopod
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Thank you for the advice and the link :)
 
realspeed said:
It depends on what and where you are going to use a tripod. For studio work a good solid heavy tripod such as the Manfrotto 055xprob is about as solid a rock tripod you can get. If for travelling about I have been looking at the Manfrotto Befree travel tripod range at around £118.
A couple of things to consider. There is the question of pay load a tripod can take and how steady fully extended. Shutter slap in a flimsy fully extended tripod could produce camera shake to some degree. I have a monopod which does take the camera/lens weight off having to hold them but don't use a head on it although as Robert says it makes it easier to adjust.

Just one other thing weigh your camera and lens ( I use wifes kitchen scales;)) so you know what payload it is and then allow for a heavier lens for future use. Nothing worse than having a tripod with a head that drops down because what is on top is too heavy. That is unless you like photographing the ground
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Thank you so much, It's a good plan to weigh my equipment. I've just a got basic tripod at the moment but I've not used it with my telephoto lens, I don't think it would be strong enough or it wouldn't be worth risking outdoors.
 
AdamSi said:
I took the deal think it was £130 max with head so felt a good price as head on its own was around £100 ? before I had the manfrotto 680b alloy one which was good but this carbon one is lovely (I am a carbon tart that haha)
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haha thank you for your advice :)
 
Chipper said:
I have both a monopod and a tripod. One of my tripods - Brian from 3LT - has a leg which can be transformed into a tripod. I used it with a 5D3 and a 100-400 II when we were in the Rockies.
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Thank you, it sounds like a tripod that can be also used a monopod is a good way to go
 
EddyP82 said:
I've recently bought a very lightweight travelling tripod and it has a leg that you can remove and turn into a monopod.
For what it cost I must say it's a really impressive tripod, has a fluid filled head too and an angle read out for when you're doing panoramics.
Click to expand...

Which tripod did your purchase?
 
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