Tripods and Monopods

[handicap18]

I've used a tripod on each of my last 2 trips. For fireworks a monopod wouldn't help. I was using 3-10 second exposures and while a monopod would help with some slow shutter speeds or with a very large lens it wouldn't help with exposures in the seconds.

I used both a full sized tripod and a travel size tripod. The travel size was great to use on top of the trash cans and also worked when full extended (which is about 4' tall).

I would agree that with a group of people using a tripod is very difficult. When I encountered these situations I would just use my 30mm f/1.4 wide open at ISO1600. I got more noise and not quite a sharp images, but I was able to capture what I wanted in just a fraction of a second compared to setting up a tripod and composing then snapping away. A lens with VR or IS would also be helpful in this type of situation. Though I will say that I would have rathered used the tripod at a lower ISO and longer exposure at a smaller aperture.

 

[Scottl]

If you have a ball head that is detachable from your tripod, you can get a Bogen super clamp. You can attach this to just about anything .5 to 2.1 inches think like one of the metal fences that are around. Put your ball head on, attach your camera and then you basically have a tripod without the legs and with the ball head, you can aim in any direction you need to. I think you can also buy them with heads.

I guess another option could be the Gorillapod.

Scott

 

[coreyjune12]

I have found that the size of screw that goes into the camera is a 1/4" Diameter. So you could make tripods like these with a trip to the hardware store.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Quick%2c-cheap%2c-and-easy-tripod/
This one is nice if you have a stroller with a cup holder.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-Tripod/
This one is what I would use for a fence post.

http://www.instructables.com/id/String-Tripod/
This is essentially a monopod but you can mod it to make it a bi- or tripod. It's one of my favorites, it doesn't take long to set up and it isn't as big as a regular stick monopod. The only problem with this one is you can't joust with it.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

That is very Mcgeyverish.
Thanks.

 

[boBQuincy]

I have found that the size of screw that goes into the camera is a 1/4" Diameter. So you could make tripods like these with a trip to the hardware store.

The tripod socket on almost all cameras is indeed 1/4" but be sure to check the thread, there is 1/4-20 (common) and 1/4-28 (much less common). I have sometimes even seen 6mm bolts mixed in with 1/4", it's pretty close but won't work.

Cameras take 1/4-20.

It is also good to use a nut or even a locking nut to prevent the threads from bottoming out in the camera socket, as shown in the last image.

 

[coreyjune12]

The tripod socket on almost all cameras is indeed 1/4" but be sure to check the thread, there is 1/4-20 (common) and 1/4-28 (much less common). I have sometimes even seen 6mm bolts mixed in with 1/4", it's pretty close but won't work.

Cameras take 1/4-20.

It is also good to use a nut or even a locking nut to prevent the threads from bottoming out in the camera socket, as shown in the last image.

Sorry, I forgot to mention that, thanks for the reminder.
I know on my camera I use the 1/4-20.

 

[boBQuincy]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that, thanks for the reminder.
I know on my camera I use the 1/4-20.

What I wrote didn't come out quite right, what I meant to write is that the *bolts* come in different threads so be sure to check the bin at the hardware store.

All cameras are 1/4-20 afaik. Thanks for an interesting idea and photos to go with it, it gives me some ideas...

 

[Groucho]

If you have a ball head that is detachable from your tripod, you can get a Bogen super clamp. You can attach this to just about anything .5 to 2.1 inches think like one of the metal fences that are around. Put your ball head on, attach your camera and then you basically have a tripod without the legs and with the ball head, you can aim in any direction you need to. I think you can also buy them with heads.

A Clamperpod is the same thing and possibly cheaper than the Bogen (which I haven't priced.) I've got the Clamperpod and it's pretty cool, and fairly sturdy. The weak point is definitely the ball head that you put on it. However, I rarely use it (only once or twice at WDW last trip), but it's so small and light (and fairly affordable) that I don't mind.

 

[joellyn23]

I have a D80 and just ordered a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens with teleconverter. I also have a Sigma 170-500mm lens that will need a monopod/tripod.

I mostly take photos at soccer games so I thought a monopod would be a better choice. So far, I've just taking hand held shots using a 70-300mm lens but I walk the sidelines during the game.

I'm 5'4" but my husband is 6'3". I was looking at 2 different monopods...do you have any input on these? Or any other suggestions? I'd like to stay around $50

Bogen Manfrotto 679B

Giotto MM-9170

Thanks once again....I think this may be the last of the new equipment purchases I make for awhile (I hope!)

 

[woj68]

I take a lot of pics of my son's football and baseball games. I was looking for a good, sturdy tripod to hold my Canon 30D, bat grip, & 70-200 2.8 (with t/c) and it had to be tall (I'm 6'2").

I went with the Bogen-Manfrotto 681B and I couldn't be happier with it.

Good choice.

 

[BorisMD]

I am at work right now, and don't remember which model I have, but it is the Manfrotto with 3 locks (so, 4 sections, I guess). It works very well.

I use it while sitting in the stands at my kid's performances, and telescope it down enough so that I get good stability shooting the choir or theater performances, and it fits right in front of me, ie, no interference with others in the stands.

I also use it while standing for indoor and outdoor sports shots. Very useful piece of equipment. But remember, it's not as stable as a tri...

Regards,

Boris

 

[joellyn23]

Thanks (both of you) for your replies. I had the Manfrotto 681B on my short list as well.

Do you attach via a tripod collar on the lens (70-200) or do you attach directly to the camera? I'm wondering if I should pick up an extra quick release plate -- one can be "permantly" attached to my 170-500mm lens and the other to the 70-200mm lens.

Boris, I'm used to walking & shooting which is why I'm starting with a tripod. Hopefully that will give me a little more stability without too much hassle. I may be back asking for tripod recommondations!!

Thanks again....I'm thinking it's going to be the Manfrotto....just have to decide between the 3 or 4 section.

 

[woj68]

Thanks (both of you) for your replies. I had the Manfrotto 681B on my short list as well.

Do you attach via a tripod collar on the lens (70-200) or do you attach directly to the camera? I'm wondering if I should pick up an extra quick release plate -- one can be "permantly" attached to my 170-500mm lens and the other to the 70-200mm lens.

Boris, I'm used to walking & shooting which is why I'm starting with a tripod. Hopefully that will give me a little more stability without too much hassle. I may be back asking for tripod recommondations!!

Thanks again....I'm thinking it's going to be the Manfrotto....just have to decide between the 3 or 4 section.

The quick release plate would actually attach under the collar of the lens and not the camera. I've haven't found the need to invest in a quick release plate probably because I only use the 70-200 mounted on my pod and don't need to change between lenses..

If I were to add another big boy to the collection, like say the 300 2.8, then I'd reconsider.

 

[jann1033]

i have the bogen ultralight, from amazon around $30 and it's great, very sturdy. i'm 5' 7 and it is plenty tall enough for me. depending on what i'm going sometimes i use my ball head on it but usually not since you can move the monopod unlike a tripod. it screws on in a second so imo if you are just using the normal attachment, rather than a head, not sure why you want a release
http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-4-Secti...4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1201560590&sr=8-4

 

[AndrewWG]

I have the Manfrotto 680 monopod and have never used it so I can't tell you how good it really is. Seems incredibly sturdy and is high enough for me to look right into the camera (I'm 5'10"). I think it will work great this summer at baseball games. I bought it after the season last year, that's why I haven't used it yet.

 

[mhutchinson]

I went with the Bogen-Manfrotto 681B and I couldn't be happier with it.

Good choice.

I have this same model with the 3229 swivel tilt head and am 6' and it has worked out well for myself also

Michael

 

[joellyn23]

So I was planning on buying the Manfrotto 681B, but I ended up ordering the Manfrotto 3425 Automatic. I figured we'd both be using it at games (switching between quarters/halves), so it would be nice to have an easier way to adjust height since we're almost a foot apart.

I figure I can't go wrong with a Manfrotto!!

Thanks again

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

larger tripod? all I currently have are a table top and a heavy duty video camera tripod.

 

[mabas9395]

I have both and don't really consider them that interchangeable (all though I suppose you could).

In my opinion, just because you have one, doesn't mean you don't need the other.

But on the other hand, just because you have one, doesn't mean you DO need the other either.

What situations are you thinking you would need a monopod for?

 

[EchoThree76]

Deffanatly worth taking the mono pod. Much smaller and eaiser to carry around then a tripod. Makes it easy to record short things like fireworks, parades and shows. Its also less cumbersome for people around you. imagine people walking around you. The chance of someone accidently kicking the tripod and ruining your shot is much greater with a tripod then with a mono pod.