Tripods and Monopods

[wkrider]

Good tips from all..am checking now.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I don't know wich to get. How practical is a tripod at Disney????? I could see using a monopod for helping to stabilize the camera and camcorder, while taping fireworks and parades. Is it a little more practical, or am I missing the point? Educate me on what to get, because I lose too many photos to blurryness disease.

 

[DVC Jen]

I took my tripod to disney - but only used it for fireworks. I was not about to carry it around with me all the time.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I took my tripod to disney - but only used it for fireworks. I was not about to carry it around with me all the time.

There are a surprising number of other uses for a tripod at WDW.

• You can set one up to hold a spot along the parade route.
• You can use them to poke people in line that aren't keeping up.
• If you get an ECV and get bored with running over walkers, you can use them to joust other ECV drivers.
• If you enjoy blocking crowds while you take several minutes setting up a picture, it gives you one more thing to fiddle with.

 

[DVC Jen]

There are a surprising number of other uses for a tripod at WDW.

• You can set one up to hold a spot along the parade route.
• You can use them to poke people in line that aren't keeping up.
• If you get an ECV and get bored with running over walkers, you can use them to joust other ECV drivers.
• If you enjoy blocking crowds while you take several minutes setting up a picture, it gives you one more thing to fiddle with.

I swear Mark - you have the BEST ideas! I learn so much from you. Thanks.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Thanks Jen.

Haha.

What do some of the rest of you guys do?

 

[DVC Jen]

Come to think of it - I did use it once for Spectro - but I had it set up primarily that night for Wishes. It was our last night and I really wanted to get some decent fireworks shots.

We got the tripod - had dinner and set up on main street.

Many people rent lockers and put a monopod or tripod in that for the day and just get it as needed. That might be an idea for you.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

The locker idea is a good tip. Thanks.
Am I to believe that nobody else uses any kind of tripod or monopod type thing?

 

[AndrewWG]

I would say that a tripod is a pain in the neck for the most part. If you are with a party of people, I would say don't bother. If you are alone on a photo shoot night or something, certainly bring it. I say this because for the most part, people in your party will get sick of you setting up your tripod for your shots. It gets old QUICKLY for them. You may be enjoying yourself, but I assure you that they will not be. If I had the opportunity to go out by myself one night while I was there, I would have loved to have just my camera and tripod. The shots you get that way can be truly amazing, but if you are like me and not very used to using a tripod, it can be somewhat time consuming.

If you want to bring it and store it in a locker, I can tell you that the lockers at Magic Kingdom can hold a tripod up to 24" long if you put it in the locker on an angle from top corner to opposite bottom corner. That way, you have it there in case you want it or find that you have the time to use it. However, DON'T forget it! I would put a name tag inside the locker with your name and number just in case so that they can find you to get it back to you.

 

[boBQuincy]

The locker idea is a good tip. Thanks.
Am I to believe that nobody else uses any kind of tripod or monopod type thing?

I use some sort of camera support almost always, usually a monopod. Camera shake is a factor even at shutter speeds that are considered "safe". A camera support will improve the sharpness of our images more (and for less $$$) than almost anything else.

I usually do stash the tripod in a locker, it's a Velbon 640, partly chosen because it does fit WDW lockers.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Thanks guys for confirming what I was feeling. I might try the monopod idea.

 

[AndrewWG]

There are a surprising number of other uses for a tripod at WDW.

• If you get an ECV and get bored with running over walkers, you can use them to joust other ECV drivers.

Unfortunately, the jousting competition contestants almost certainly end up here:

 

[Master Mason]

I really depends on what your going for to me. If your going with your family, chances are good as already stated that they will lose patience with you quickly working with a tripod. However if your on your own, or with another photographer and you out that night to take pictures, then a tripod is invaluable.

I typically use my tripod about once ever 4 or 5 days of time in the parks. Personally I never use a mono pod at the parks, but could see how it could be helpful for some shots if you so inclined.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

Thank you, all trips would be with the family. I see your point.

 

[seashoreCM]

I can't hold a monopod steady enough for picture taking, so maybe jousting is the only use I can make of one (Actually I don't own one). A tripod is much better.

I can't count the times when I didn't bring a tripod and could not find some place to support the camera and aimed the right way for a shot.

>>> ... people in your party will get sick of you ...

You can be a photographer, a park guest, or a parent, but no two at the same time.

Digital camera hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/digicam.htm

 

[Groucho]

I love having a tripod at the parks. On our last WDW trip, we were there 10 days, and every day I either had my monopod or my tripod. At this point, I probably wouldn't bother with the monopod.

We have an advantage in that we brought our own stroller, which has room underneath for the tripod to hide away during the day. At night, there is simply no substitute for having a real tripod IMHO. Now, if I had to stash it in a locker, I might be less inclined to have it with me all the time. But I'd still want it at least 1-2 nights at each park.

Usually my MO was, once it got dark enough to do tripod shots, and I was in full shutterbug mode, I'd leave the legs extended and the remote shutter release attached to the camera. When I found a good spot, I'd spread the tripod legs, pop the camera onto the quick-release, aim the ballhead, and click away. When done, pop the quick-release and move on. It really was a fairly quick operation.

 

[garate55]

I agree with the night shot use of the tripod otherwise leave it in the locker or in the room. I wish I hadn't forgot mine on this last trip or I wouldn't have had to scrap so many night shots.

 

[ThurlFan]

Here's a kind of fool's compromise that I did last time around. I carried a monopod on my belt or bag using a carabiner for quick release. I also carried in my bag a couple lengths of velcro tape. I found a number of convenient locations (fences, posts, etc.) where I could fasten the monopod to a rigid vertical object and get good results. I also carried a minitripod about (8" extended) which could be set on a table, trash can, or wall for other shots. The monopod was quickly & easily attached to & removed from the camera, and also helped with panning for shots like the stunt cars at MGM.

Not a fully adequate substitute for a tripod, but the velcro tape adds a bit of versatility. I bought mine on clearance right after last Christmas - it was sold as a fastener for hanging greenery.

 

[Groucho]

The velcro tape is a really good idea. Last WDW trip, I did buy a proper carabiner and carried the monopod that way a few times... usually worked well, but it's still a big, thick, heavy chunk of aluminum and required careful walking sometimes. But velcroing it to something could be handy, as long as you could cinch it pretty tight.

 

[DueyDooDah]

While agreeing with most here, I never used the tripoid I took during Christmas/New Year. Going during the super-busy season does not lend itself well to using a 'pod (although, I like Mark's suggestion to use it to reserve space). Also, it helps to be on you're own. Going with others truly hampers your ability to use it.