Monopod?

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traceyjj

Senior Member
Just wanted to pick everyones brains about monopods.

I am just about to get a full frame camera (I'm hoping the "birthday" brings a D800) Hubby and I do a lot of walking, and I have seen many threads over the internet that mention that the D800 works best with a tripod... I dont really want to carry a heavy tripod on our rambles, so was wondering if a good monopod would suffice... and does anyone have any recommendations/ones to avoid.

Are there any strong ones that I could use as a walking pole?


(sorry if this is a silly question, but all I currently own is a cheap tripod and a gorillapod, which will be donated to my daughter when she has my D5100)
 
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traceyjj

Senior Member
Thanks for your reply.
With what you are saying I may wait until I have got the camera before I decide which monopod to get/if I really need one.

I just didnt want to be disappointed with the new toy because of my inability to hold it steady enough to get the shots :)
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
It's going to be a substantial increase in size and weight from the D5100 you have, but it's not so heavy as to make it unwieldy. The "problem" with the D800 has more to do with pixel size and the effects of diffraction with minor movement and shooting at small apertures. Suffice it to say if I've encountered any lack of sharpness it's been no more noticeable than what I get when I lapse into sloppy technique on my other cameras.
 
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sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
It's going to be a substantial increase in size and weight from the D5100 you have, but it's not so heavy as to make it unwieldy. The "problem" with the D800 has more to do with pixel size and the effects of diffraction with minor movement and shooting at small apertures. Suffice it to say if I've encountered any lack of sharpness it's been no more noticeable than what I get when I lapse into sloppy technique on my other cameras.
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Jake...surprised you don't use the mefoto monopod....must not be as sturdy as the manfrotto?
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Got the Manfrotto first, and yes, it's much sturdier than the MeFOTO (I'm assuming you're talking about the ability to convert the Roadtrip to a monopod). The Manfrotto actually gives me the feeling that were some large animal to charge me in the woods I might just be able to beat it to a bloody pulp and survive. Not sure the MeFOTO would do that, but it sure is convenient to have both in one package.
 
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sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
Got the Manfrotto first, and yes, it's much sturdier than the MeFOTO (I'm assuming you're talking about the ability to convert the Roadtrip to a monopod). The Manfrotto actually gives me the feeling that were some large animal to charge me in the woods I might just be able to beat it to a bloody pulp and survive. Not sure the MeFOTO would do that, but it sure is convenient to have both in one package.
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Better stay out of the woods.....unless you have the Manfrotto....lol
 
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traceyjj

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
It's going to be a substantial increase in size and weight from the D5100 you have, but it's not so heavy as to make it unwieldy. The "problem" with the D800 has more to do with pixel size and the effects of diffraction with minor movement and shooting at small apertures. Suffice it to say if I've encountered any lack of sharpness it's been no more noticeable than what I get when I lapse into sloppy technique on my other cameras.
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Thanks for this. I tried it in the local camera shop with the lens I have for it, and it seemed nicely balanced, but not over heavy (I've been weightlifting in the gym to prepare myself LOL), but I guess that as the day wears on, the camera may seem much heavier than the 5100 with the sigma lens I walk around with now.
 
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weebee

Senior Member
I have the Sirui P-326. It's made from Carbon Fiber. Very strong and light. About a pound without a ball head. I use it all the time and love using it as a walking stick.
 
nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
i have not had a problem with a camera mounted on a monopod. i do wonder what long term effect it will have on the camera when mounted and used as a walking stick. if i am using a long lens 80-400mm i carry the camera and monopod.
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
nikonpup said:
i have not had a problem with a camera mounted on a monopod. i do wonder what long term effect it will have on the camera when mounted and used as a walking stick. if i am using a long lens 80-400mm i carry the camera and monopod.
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Use the quick mount plate and take the camera off when you're walking. Use a wrist strap on the camera, or a regular strap with a quick release. Or just hold it on your shoulder like a rifle, but don't walk with it.
 
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weebee

Senior Member
I agree Ron, I do the same thing. I'll at times keep the camera mounted on the mono-pod and hold it under my arm. But I wouldn't keep my camera on their with any lenses if I'm using it as a walking stick.
 
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