Monopod Tripod ?

[RASO]

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I´m looking for a real carry around tripod or monopod, small light but easy to use. Saw a monopod from manfrotto 658b which seems quite nifty.

 

Has anyone any recommendations?

 

Thanks!!

[dugby]

It will be useful if you could decribe which cameras and lenses you wish to use on the pods ?

 

I have 3 tripods and two monopods,and all do get used for different situations;

 

A mini Leica table top for my DL2 and D2 only, useless for D3

B pocket size Hakuba table top tripod for DL2, D2 and D3,for travel

C Large 3 section Gitzo carbon fiber for D2 and D3

D monopods for difficult occasions

 

I find tripods with less sections to be more stable and quicker to set up.

[stevelap]

If small and light is a priority and you don't mind a monopod try the Gitzo GM2561T. At 0.3kg and 36cm long (retracted) it's just about as small and light as they come. Made from carbon fibre, hence the light weight, so it's also strong. Comes with a belt clip on the strap so convenient to use too. There is also a larger version if you need more support capability.

If you're going to use one you also have the size and weight of a separate ball head to consider of course. Mine adds another 0.3kg in weight and 9cm in height. Still light, compact and easy to carry though.

 

I did look at the Manfrotto 658B Neotec monopod, as the quick release design seemed handy, but when I got to handle one it just seemed to be bigger than I'd expected. By way of comparison it comes in at 0.8kg and 75cm long (retracted), it also uses a larger diameter tubing (aluminium).

 

So, it all depends upon how important 'light and compact' is to you. First decision needs to be tripod or monopod of course but virtually any monopod will be lighter and more compact than an equivalent tripod, although that will be of little use if full hands-free tripod support is required:). In that respect there are also monopods on the market that have 'feet', so that they can stand alone if needs be, but I've no idea how well they work.

 

All things considered, if a light, compact travel solution is required (that can still support a full-size dslr + lens) I doubt if you'll find a better solution than the Gitzo at the moment.

[RASO]

Thank you!

I´ll look at the gitzo mono and the tabletop versions.

[Bo_Lorentzen]

RASO... take a look at the Gitzo carbon Mountaineer. light and strong. I have had mine for a few years now and have been unable to destroy it. One of my friends picked up the latest version in the fall and it have a few upgraded features but still the same great tripod.

 

.

[marknorton]

The nice thing about the Manfrotto NeoTec (I think you mean 685b) is that you just pull it out to the length required and it locks, much quicker than multiple sections with their own twist grips. It's not that light however (1.08kg) and is perhaps more substantial than you need for a smaller digital camera. I use it with a Nikon D3 and a medium lens like a 200mm VR.

[ajthornbury]

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Raso, Try using one first. I find that monopods, for me at any rate, are not very stable. Others find them useful but after buying a SLIK, I found that I couldn't hold it steady enough. For difficult situations I find that a piece of string attached to a tripod bush from an old camera case held taught by trapping it with ones foot was much more stable, and of course easier and lighter to carry around. Try both before you buy, I know many other photographers who find this method useful.

Alan J.

[Overgaard]

Raso, Try using one first. I find that monopods, for me at any rate, are not very stable. Others find them useful but after buying a SLIK, I found that I couldn't hold it steady enough. For difficult situations I find that a piece of string attached to a tripod bush from an old camera case held taught by trapping it with ones foot was much more stable, and of course easier and lighter to carry around. Try both before you buy, I know many other photographers who find this method useful.

Alan J.

 

I use to lean towards walls, chairs, tables, etc when using handheld at low speed. And the same technique when using monopod (whenever I can) so as to stabilize the whole setting.

 

I use the Manfroto 334B which is ca. 3 feet long and can be extended with oil pressure (hydraulic). This fits my needs very well. On top of it I have the Leica brass ballhead. It's not small or light, but it works for travel and many adjustments throughout a shooting.

 

I did some portraits yesterday and then had to be in one of them myself why I had another person press the shutter. Unfortunately all those are shaken (at 1/30) which was a surprise for me.

 

I think it's important, in any shooting, at any shutter speed, first to find rest and relax with the camera, then press the shutter, but then to continue to stay at rest. Even the thought of being done in two seconds can cause movements. At least I believe so

[farnz]

Raso,

 

For a full-sized tripod you're unlikely to do much better than the Gitzo GT1550T Traveller tripod, which closed is 14.5 inches (36 cm), weighs 2.2 lbs (1 kg), has a maximum height of 4 ft 10 inches (146 cm), and takes a load of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

 

I've used the 1550 for a while now and I particularly like the leg lock system that's designed to unlock all the sections simultaneously with a quarter turn and re-lock in the same way. It's not as fast as the NeoTec but it's a good advance on wrestling with individual clamps etc.

 

Pete.

[pigorini]

After a very long research in Internet, Roman shops and so on I bought the Gitzo GT1550T, as suggested by FAMZ. This is surely the best possible chance for a really lightweigh tripod, almost a poket one, with a woonderfull rotating on itself head system but with the only limit of a top price (around 600 Euro in Italy, where Gitzo are made now, near Venice). But a Leica could not go with an entry level tripod or monopod. As they say: "More spend, less spend"!

[USA road racer]

Here's another option ...

 

It's not a mono pod you can lean on but it does steady your hand for low light.

 

Take a length of cord. I use a 5' length of 550 parachute cord with a 8"loop tied in one end. Take the other end and wrap it around your trousers belt 2 times & tie off. Place your right thumb thru the looped end and pull the camera to your eye. If you have it adjusted right, you can lock your arms against your body while pulling up on the cord that is providing tension. Locks the camera in nice & tight for a very steady "mount". Cost around $0.25 USD! Small size as well. Roll it up & place in pants pocket. If you made the overall length long enough, you can loop one end around your foot for an even "tighter" mount.

[Arif]

Raso,

 

For a full-sized tripod you're unlikely to do much better than the Gitzo GT1550T Traveller tripod, which closed is 14.5 inches (36 cm), weighs 2.2 lbs (1 kg), has a maximum height of 4 ft 10 inches (146 cm), and takes a load of 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

 

I've used the 1550 for a while now and I particularly like the leg lock system that's designed to unlock all the sections simultaneously with a quarter turn and re-lock in the same way. It's not as fast as the NeoTec but it's a good advance on wrestling with individual clamps etc.

 

Pete.

 

Another good combination is the 1541T and the Markins Q3T ballhead. A very lightweight combination that I have no excuses to leave behind anymore. I can load a D3 with an 80-200 very easily.

[ajthornbury]

Road Racer, your suggestion is similar to mine, except yours also keeps your trousers up.