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Post by Sylvia Ramos on Jul 11, 2009 15:57:59 GMT
Hi, is anyone using a monopod for bird photography? I really like the idea of using support when taking pictures.. BUT, sometimes a tripod is just too cumbersome to carry and set up. So, I want to try using a monopod. Does anyone have tips on how to use one?
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Post by ppaaoolloo on Jul 11, 2009 16:11:32 GMT
Hi Syl you could either mount a lens/mounting plate and attach it to your monopod head or directly screw your monopod to your mounting point of your camera. either way is good. the first being convenient when unmounting the camera from the monopod and the other being more secure (less chances of fowl up).
Monopods were designed to support weight than provide stabilization. Most sport shooters I see use them for panning laterally and horizontally.
In my case with my hand i would either support from the bottom or put my hand on top of the lens hood to keep stable.
If you can get a carbonfiber one so it won't weigh much. It makes a world of difference considering the heavy nature of general birding gear.
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Post by Sylvia Ramos on Jul 12, 2009 3:34:24 GMT
Thanks Paolo! I already have a carbon fiber monopod which I bought a while back for my p&s panasonic. I also have monopod head. I came across several tips on the internet on the proper stance and how to best hold the monopod. I've been trying some of them out. Some look really silly though.  |
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Post by Romy Ocon on Jul 12, 2009 3:48:15 GMT
Ding is the master of monopods here..... he regularly shoots a 400 5.6L + 1.4x TC at speeds as slow as 1/50 sec.  I never learned to use a monopod well myself, so I just use mine as a weight supporter for times when a tripod is not possible to use. |
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Post by Ding Carpio on Jul 12, 2009 4:10:57 GMT
Ding is the master of monopods here..... he regularly shoots a 400 5.6L + 1.4x TC at speeds as slow as 1/50 sec. Thanks, master. One of the few times you exaggerate.  Yes, I've been using the monopod for some time. Nothing beats a tripod for stability though and, I found that in low-light, a tripod with a remote trigger is a great combination. But, getting back to the monopod, good you have a monopod head, Sylvia. Mine is the one that tilts up and down. It's pretty much useless to get a swiveling monopod head IMHO as the monopod can be rotated on the horizontal axis easily on its foot. On the monopod foot, I was "lucky" to have lost my monopod's rubber flat foot so that, when getting a replacement, I learned there's a spiked foot replacement. Great for shooting birds as one is usually on soft earth. On technique, never really studied mine but I was able to get some slow shutter shots as Romy mentioned. Probably luck. But, if skill/technique is a factor, Here's what I do: When I see a bird, I snap the monopod into a height I feel is best; as low as possible. I then jam down the spike foot onto some earth, then hold the camera as one would without any support and forget the monopod's there. I guess I learned that technique because I need both hands to control the camera when shooting on manual focus: Right hand for the shutter and dials, left hand for focusing. When you hold a camera like this, you then force your body into a tight elbows-in position, hence, more rigid/stable. A monopod's great for mobility. But, I find, extremely hard to get feather detail as you don't get solid stability of a tripod. But, on bright scenes and BIFs, it's my favorite support. |
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Jul 12, 2009 4:15:43 GMT
I tried putting the 600 on a monopod and walked around with it. I just mounted the lens directly to the monopod head. With this it's easy to shoot horizontally or downwards, panning is also a breeze, but I find it difficult when I have to shoot more than 30 deg above the horizontal and ended up carrying the whole rig. This is where I wished I had a ball head installed. ;D
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Post by Martin Alvendia on Jul 12, 2009 7:25:24 GMT
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Post by Edu Lorenzo Jr on Jul 12, 2009 13:09:03 GMT
wow.. I never thought using a monopod would be this complicated. I never have really learned any real 'technique" in using a monopod before martin's link but I guess I should post something not posted yet. I also use the monopod to test the ground where I will step on to see if it is solid enough to carry my weight like a probe/mine detector. it also works well to beat the bushes aside and make enough ruckus to scare snakes away  |
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Post by Ivan Sarenas on Jul 12, 2009 14:48:48 GMT
Another thing I saw on TV during a sports coverage was a gimbal head on a monopod. It may add weight but I think it will be worth that price for a faster reaction time.
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Post by Sylvia Ramos on Jul 13, 2009 3:07:28 GMT
Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas. Very nice to hear from the Monopod Master! Thanks for sharing your technique Ding! |
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Post by Ronnie Dominguez on Jul 14, 2009 13:20:48 GMT
just for addition: long time ago there were suggestions to attach (screw or rubber wrap) an L-type hinge or L- shape metal sheet at the foot of monopods where one can step on for added stability. (some time ago I was even considering using a cotton cord (yes a piece of cotton rope) as a tripod as there is a way to use that but that system will make me look more silly and really a weirdo. ) |
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