Monopod vs Tripod

[sfeyenoord1]

Goodday all
Been wondering about thisone for some time.
Wich is the best, a monopod or a tripod in the field?
Conclusion i could find till now is that a monopod is easier to take with you, but that you can do allot more with a tripod.
What do you think it's the best to take with you in the field, for low-light conditions, would you bring a mono- or a tripod? And why?

Greetings, Stefan

[Polecat]

Tripod is a neccessity for nightshots only if you ask me, but besides that, the monopod rulez!!
Light to carry and gets you 2 stops extra! Never leave home without it!!

[FISHER01]

Tripod is a neccessity for nightshots only if you ask me, but besides that, the monopod rulez!!
Light to carry and gets you 2 stops extra! Never leave home without it!!

and for base visits in the hangars its very handy

[Iwan Bogels]

Wich is the best, a monopod or a tripod in the field?

Hi Stefan,

There's a purpose for both of them. I use both, and I'll decide what to bring (or leave home) before each individual trip....

I know, this doesn't help much, but still....

Cheers,
Iwan

[Redskin301]

I choose the middle, i have a lightweight tripod which can be used as a monopod if needed

[boele]

If you use the monopod, do you have to disable the Image Stabilizer?

Thanks,

René

[SquAdmin]

If you use the monopod, do you have to disable the Image Stabilizer?

Hmm, good one. I suppose it depends on the type of IS you're using. Some work two directional (up/down), some fourways (up/down, left/right). With a monopod I guess only up/down shaking is neutralized, right?

On the other hand, would it hurt to have IS always switched on...?

[Herbertvh]

On the other hand, would it hurt to have IS always switched on...?

Yes, it does! For example, the booklet that comes with the Canon 100-400 states clearly that you shouldn't use IS if the lens is used on a tripod. The IS system will give bad results if set on, expecting shake when there really isn't any shake . . .

[Key]

I'll decide what to bring (or leave home) before each individual trip....

Same here, though I must say that after using my new gear (carbon tripod plus ballhead with quick release clamps) for five days the monopod will tend to be forgotton... Even tried panning on a plane in short traffic circuit ending at finals nearly over my head, and to my surprise I found that easier than with the monopod.
The difference: with the monopod you gain stablility, but you still have to balance it. When panning, the ballhead is the pivot with a tripod, whereas you have to lean and turn around the foot of the monopod in such a case.
The tripod allows for steady shots, even after taking a sprint. You have to have light weight and quick setup for that though, which means pumping in cash. I found it worth the investment.

As for VR/IS: Nikon advises VR off on tripods, on on monopods. This matches my own experience with stability. I tend to reserve the use of VR for when I need it anyhow, and usually have it off while panning (because it interferes with repositioning the subject in the viewfinder). Recently, I even ruined a few shots where I accidentily left it on while panning at high shutter speeds: parts of some images were blurred, and I can only relate that to the VR. It must have interpreted the dynamics of the subject as vibration, and tried to correct for that.

Erik

[Iwan Bogels]

Here is what I use:

Tripod with joysyick ballhead

Manfrotto 055 PRO B
Manfrotto 222


Monopod with single axis ballhead

Manfrotto 434B
Manfrotto 234RC


When using my monopod, I place its foot exactly between my feet. When I turn to follow an aircraft the camera will stay horizontal because it's located below your torso rotation point. The single axis head will allow me to point the lens up en down without disturbing the natural horizon. So my monopod itself is never in a 100% vertical position, but always leaning forward a bit.

Hope this helps some people.

Cheers,
Iwan

[Key]

Hope this helps some people.

Definitely. Sounds like very good technique, thanks.

Erik

[Spooky]

Hi Erik,

As for VR/IS: Nikon advises VR off on tripods, on on monopods. This matches my own experience with stability. I tend to reserve the use of VR for when I need it anyhow, and usually have it off while panning (because it interferes with repositioning the subject in the viewfinder). Recently, I even ruined a few shots where I accidentily left it on while panning at high shutter speeds: parts of some images were blurred, and I can only relate that to the VR. It must have interpreted the dynamics of the subject as vibration, and tried to correct for that.

Does the VR system of Nikon only have one mode? Canon has two modes. The first is to neutralize movement in all directions, while mode 2 is able to track the requested motion and does not correct that but only the not wanted shake.

Just curious and not wanting to start a C vs. N war

Anno

[Key]

Hi Anno,

Two modes, similar to Canon: Normal and Active. Active is the one for use when shooting from an unstable platform, like a moving car or boat (or airplane ). Normal should be useable for panning, but I don't like it. My greatest 'need' for VR is when shooting static objects anyhow, so it works fine for me if used as described - and it's a real advantage then.


Erik

[sfeyenoord1]

Thanks all, very nice discusion with some nice tricks for stability!