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Azz's Avatar
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05-09-07, 11:39 PM
#1

Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

For us newbies, what's the deal on these?

Also, does it matter much what brand you go for? Are they generally a universal fit? I was in Tesco earlier and they had one for £9.99 - is this the normal price for them?
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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06-09-07, 12:00 AM
#2

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
For us newbies, what's the deal on these?
Use of a tripod/monopod reduces/eliminates camera shake thus enabling you to get sharper images. My first two lenses both had IS so I didn't notice much camera shake (it does help having a steady hand) however my latest lens does not have IS and thus I have become far more aware of this issue. You can try and use a faster shutter speed than normal to reduce the degree of camera shake, however it is best to go for a monopod or a tripod if you want better images. IMO there is a place for both - Monopods are used rather heavily when photographing sports, tripods when doing macro or landscape work.

I myself have a monopod at present, however I have my eye on a tripod and head set

Quote:
Also, does it matter much what brand you go for? Are they generally a universal fit? I was in Tesco earlier and they had one for £9.99 - is this the normal price for them?
Brand and price do affect both quality and stability. You may also have to factor weight into the equation if you will be doing a lot of walking whilst carrying your equipment. My personal reccomendations are Gitzo (if you can afford it ) or Manfrotto
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
Azz's Avatar
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06-09-07, 12:41 AM
#3

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

Thanks GH.

How do they differ? I've seen tripods but although I've heard of a monopod, never seen one... I'm assuming it's just one stump? How does it work lol
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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06-09-07, 03:27 AM
#4

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

I love my monopod. They are like a walking stick with extending legs (same as tripod) with the top for the camera to screw into. I use mine as a walking stick too, very hady, they provide a lot of stability and are quick and easy to set up.
Kit 1
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100-400mm L IS USM.
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 macro
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG MACRO HSM II.
Giottos Pro Monopod. MML 3270B.
Canon BG-E7 grip.


     
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06-09-07, 06:23 AM
#5

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

I have a Gorillapod I want a monopod though ....hubby and I share a Manfrotto . If you are thinking of getting into macro photography a tripod and a ring flash are quite important
Kit 1
Canon EOS 5D
Canon EF 100-400mm
Canon EF 24-105mm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
Kit 2
Canon EOS 400d
Canon EFS 60mm Macro
Tamron 70-300mm
Canon 18-55mm
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!


     
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06-09-07, 07:37 PM
#6

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azz View Post
How do they differ? I've seen tripods but although I've heard of a monopod, never seen one... I'm assuming it's just one stump? How does it work lol
Yes - a monopod only has one leg and you can either attach the camera directly to the top or you can buy a head for the monopod. Whilst a monopod is not nearly as stable as a tripod, they are far more portable and with them you can get shots that might previously have been lost. They take the weight of the camera off you so there is less risk of camera shake.

You can pick up a decent monopod for about £40 - £50, possibly even less now (the head will obviously be extra). You don't need a head but I find them beneficial.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody View Post
I have a Gorillapod
I was looking at these - however the normal Gorilla SLR version can't hold the weight of my body with a lens on (well not any of the lenses I have anyway). I would need to go for the Gorilla SLR Zoom version. Do they actually work well or are they more of a gimmick? How stable are they?
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
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06-09-07, 08:01 PM
#7

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

I've got a Slick tripod, very stable, and it's lightweight, don't know if you can still get them though.
Will post a pic of it later.
Kit 1
Canon 350D
Canon 18-55 f:3.5-5.6
Tamron 28-300 f:3.5-6.3
Sigma 28-200 f:3.5-5.6
Canon 28-80 f:3.5-5.6
canon 80-200 f:4.5-5.6
Kit 2
Canon 40D
Sigma 10 - 20 f:4.5
Other Kit
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My Compact/P&S: Sony Mavica


     
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06-09-07, 09:29 PM
#8

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

I have had no problems with my gorillapod but it is only useful in certain circumstances..Stephen bought me it ...if someone was buying just a single tripod I wouldn't say to get a gorillapod.
Kit 1
Canon EOS 5D
Canon EF 100-400mm
Canon EF 24-105mm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
Kit 2
Canon EOS 400d
Canon EFS 60mm Macro
Tamron 70-300mm
Canon 18-55mm
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!


     
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06-09-07, 09:33 PM
#9

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody View Post
I have had no problems with my gorillapod but it is only useful in certain circumstances
Thanks Mel - I guess their use is limited as you need something to wrap them around, which isn't always available or practical. They do look good though
Kit 1
Canon 20D
Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM
Canon 100 2.8 USM Macro
Canon 10-22mm 3.5-4.5
Canon 50mm 1.4
Canon 85mm 1.8
Other Kit
View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon Ixus V3


     
Azz's Avatar
Azz
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
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07-09-07, 12:55 AM
#10

Re: Tripods / Monopods - what's what?

Ok.... what stops a monopod from moving sideways then?! :-/
Kit 1
Nikon D300
Nikon 55-200mm VR
Kit 2
Nikon D40
Nikon 18-55mm
My Compact/P&S: Panasonic Lumix TZ7


     
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