Monopod, tripod or none

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rick.osgood

Senior Member
Going on a once in a lifetime trip to South America and will be shooting birds, monkeys, etc. and many in low light conditions. I already have a backpack full of stuff and am trying to decide if I "need" a monopod, tripod or should just go handheld. I would appreciate feedback from this experienced group.

Thanks
 

Gruyanidas

Senior Member
Going on a once in a lifetime trip to South America and will be shooting birds, monkeys, etc. and many in low light conditions. I already have a backpack full of stuff and am trying to decide if I "need" a monopod, tripod or should just go handheld. I would appreciate feedback from this experienced group.

Thanks
I'm a beginner but according to read material and so on I wouldn't go on a trip like that without a good decent tripod. ☺

Послато са SM-G903F уз помоћ Тапатока
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Since you have a 70-300mm, I would leave the 55-200 at home to save weight. You won't really miss the 56-69mm range. I would suggest a monopod, which can also serve as a hiking stick and much less to pack than a tripod. Since all of your lenses have VR, you can get by without a tripod (unless you plan on taking ND filters and shooting slow shutter speeds of streams and waterfalls).
 

rick.osgood

Senior Member
Since you have a 70-300mm, I would leave the 55-200 at home to save weight. You won't really miss the 56-69mm range. I would suggest a monopod, which can also serve as a hiking stick and much less to pack than a tripod. Since all of your lenses have VR, you can get by without a tripod (unless you plan on taking ND filters and shooting slow shutter speeds of streams and waterfalls).

I was leaning towards your idea but got twisted up in decisions. Would you recommend a lightweight monopod and head? Budget level would be nice :)

Thanks
 
I have a heavy duty tripod but it was really to heavy to carry on Airplanes and to hike with so I ended up buying 2 very small travel tripods that do a pretty good job.

https://www.amazon.com/Dolica-TX570...id=1472496298&sr=8-10&keywords=travel+tripods

The Dolica TX570B150SL 57-Inch Reversible Traveler Edition tripod is the successor to our popular lightweight tripods. The new Dolica TX570B150SL 57-Inch adds versatility and strength for mirror less and ILC (interchangeable lens) cameras. The TX570 is good for indoor or outdoor photography thanks to its reversible legs, 4 position leg locks, folded length of 12.5-Inch and a max weight of 2.5lbs. The four leg extensions, with extra strength gauged aluminum, have nonslip rubber feet for added stability for those on the go. The upgraded legs have 4 round ribbed leg locks that create tensional rigidity and maximum locking power. The dual center column provide extended height extension making it the perfect tripod for all events, such as sports activities, camping, family gatherings and much more. The TX570B150SL has a max Load of 15 lbs. giving you the flexibility for all types of cameras and camcorders. The upgraded TX570B150SL comes with the upgraded Premium Design Ball Head with rubberized knobs for pan, tilt, and quick release plate lock with safety catch and integrated level. The center column is built with a weight hook, making the TX570B150SL a perfect choice for today’s Prosumer photographer. Carrying case is included.

I have been pretty happy with mine. It folds to 12.5 inches so it can go on the backpack loops and not get in the way.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I loves me a good monopod but, like most every piece of gear in your bag, what's going to matter most is not how good a monopod you have but rather how well you use it; and getting the most out of a monopod demands good technique. Not too mention the last place you want to be learning technique is in the field when what you really should be doing is focusing on getting *The Shot*; not fumbling around trying to figure out which knob you need to turn or button you need to push to get it.
 

cbg

Senior Member
I use a MeFoto Road Tripper when I don't want to travel with the full size tripod. One of the legs and the center column can be removed and used as monopod so I can decide what I need for the day.
 

captain birdseye

Senior Member
Take a look at the Sirui p324 range. I have had mine for about three years and rarely leave the house without it.
It is a sturdy carbon fibre monopod with fold-out feet (larger and more stable than the feet on most of its competitors).
 
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Danno

Senior Member
I have a decent Tripod and a really good monopod. I use the monopod a lot just to help me support the lens and get a little added stability. I just used it with my big lens at my nieces softball game and it was great.

But I think if I were going on a trip like you are planning I would take a tripod. It is a bit more of a hassle to pack, but I would still take it. I would get a decent ball head. I have a Vanguard that was about $200 and it collapses down to about 30" and comes with a case. I love it... but the one Don mentions looks nice for your trip with a 15lbs weight limit.

The thing is... someone has to hold the monopod. There will be that long exposure you want to take and the monopod is not as stable for that.

Good luck.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Personally I'd go with a lightweight tripod. You never know if you'll see some moving water, and a tripod will allow longer exposures than you will get with a monopod. If you'd like the water to appear soft while it's flowing, long exposures will help.
 
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