Monopod opinions please

On a scale of 0-10, compared to a good tripod, how effective is a
monopod in reducing shake in low light conditions?

IOW to what degree is the single direction of reduced motion it
provides reflected in the sharpness of the print?

Maybe someone has a few hints on how to maximize its effect.

I am considering a monopole since they can also be used as a walking
stick when going overland.

Thanks for any advice.

David

If I was hiking I would get one of the Black Diamond or Leki poles that have
the camera attachment. I would still get a small lightweight tripod, at
least a mini Manfrotto/Bogan. I prefer the locking system on the Black
Diamond poles, they are a more positive lock than the Leki's.

"David Masters" wrote in message
...
On a scale of 0-10, compared to a good tripod, how effective is a
monopod in reducing shake in low light conditions?

IOW to what degree is the single direction of reduced motion it
provides reflected in the sharpness of the print?

Maybe someone has a few hints on how to maximize its effect.

I am considering a monopole since they can also be used as a walking
stick when going overland.

Thanks for any advice.

David

David Masters wrote:
: On a scale of 0-10, compared to a good tripod, how effective is a
: monopod in reducing shake in low light conditions?

: IOW to what degree is the single direction of reduced motion it
: provides reflected in the sharpness of the print?

: Maybe someone has a few hints on how to maximize its effect.

: I am considering a monopole since they can also be used as a walking
: stick when going overland.

: Thanks for any advice.

Monopods are midway between hand held and tripod. It helps reduce hand
shake that would be a problem with hand held, and helps support the camera
when you are using a front heavy lens (like when you are trying to get
"close to that grizzly bear" without getting close). But if you are
expecting low light or long shutter speeds (or extremly long lens shots)
it can help but really isn't as good as a tripod. So depending on what you
are expecting to use it for, a mono is a good median between hand and tri.

One good idea since you plan on using the monopod as a walking stick, to
reduce problems associated with the weight of the camera always being
present on the stick, you may want to look for one with a quick release
(QR) or get a screw on QR base to install on the camera and stick. I
actually got two add-on QR bases that I installed on my monopod and my
tripod so I can switch from hand to mono to tri without having to change
the plate on the bottom of my camera. Not all QR bases fit eachother
(infact few are cross manufacturer compatable) so having the same make
and model on everything simplifies support swap.

I have a sling for my tripod and made a belt loop for my monopod so when I
am carrying both, from a distance it kinda looks like I have a rifle on my
back and a sword on my belt.

Randy

==========
Randy Berbaum
Champaign, IL

On Sat, 2 Sep 2006, Randy Berbaum wrote:

I have a sling for my tripod and made a belt loop for my monopod so when I
am carrying both, from a distance it kinda looks like I have a rifle on my
back and a sword on my belt.

Can you post a link to a picture of the belt loop you made?

Don www.donwiss.com/pictures/ (e-mail link at page bottoms).

The Manfrotto monopod comes with a loop already attached.

--
Joan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joan-in-manly

"Don Wiss" wrote in message
...
: On Sat, 2 Sep 2006, Randy Berbaum
wrote:
:
: I have a sling for my tripod and made a belt loop for my monopod so
when I
: am carrying both, from a distance it kinda looks like I have a
rifle on my
: back and a sword on my belt.
:
: Can you post a link to a picture of the belt loop you made?
:
: Don www.donwiss.com/pictures/ (e-mail link at page bottoms).

Don Wiss wrote:
: On Sat, 2 Sep 2006, Randy Berbaum wrote:

: I have a sling for my tripod and made a belt loop for my monopod so
: when I am carrying both, from a distance it kinda looks like I have a
: rifle on my back and a sword on my belt.

: Can you post a link to a picture of the belt loop you made?

I just took a leather belt loop with a snap clip for keys and attached a
2" metal ring that I got at Home Depot. I just chose a loop that the leg
(and extension toggles on the side of the leg) would easily slip
through, but small enough that the head wouldn't. To hang my monopod from
my belt I just slip the leg through the metal ring. Quick, easy and
cheap. I think I spent no more than about $5 on the whole thing.

Randy

==========
Randy Berbaum
Champaign, IL

David Masters wrote:
On a scale of 0-10, compared to a good tripod, how effective is a
monopod in reducing shake in low light conditions?

IOW to what degree is the single direction of reduced motion it
provides reflected in the sharpness of the print?

Maybe someone has a few hints on how to maximize its effect.

I am considering a monopole since they can also be used as a walking
stick when going overland.

Thanks for any advice.

David

I have recently acquired the Giotto professioal 4 section carbon monopod
with the multi-purpose foot and the Manfrotto 234RC Monopod QR Tilt Top
head - to go with the Canon 350d. I am very pleased with it - it
suffices for close ups using the Sigma 70-300 and extension tubes, and
for telephoto shots. The quick release is very important for me.

Gordon