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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Monopod Suggestions
Jordan McNaught, Photographer
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Pakenham | ON | Canada | Posted: 10:34 PM on 05.21.07 |
->> Hello,
I am looking to buy a monopod for my 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens. I know its not a beast of a lens but I find myself getting "tired" at some events I shoot. Does anyone have some recommendations on a monopod set up for my 350D and 70-200? I tried searching these boards but came up short.
Thanks, |
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Brad Mangin, Photographer
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Pleasanton | CA | USA | Posted: 12:12 AM on 05.22.07 |
->> Good evening Jordan. I know this is not what you want to hear- but I think you should seriously try to keep shooting your zoom hand held. Putting a small lens like that on a monopod will reduce our mobility and hurt your growth as a photographer.
You should try lifting some weights to build up your arm strength. Trust me- If I can lift weights to boost my strength ANYONE can :-)
I promise you that if you suck it up your zoom will feel super light in the future- and your pictures will improve.
Best of luck to you. |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 12:22 AM on 05.22.07 |
->> Jordan,
Ditto to what Brad just posted. Plus you will get strange looks from your fellow SS peers and you may end up in the "Fun Pix" section. (Smile) |
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Lane Hickenbottom, Photographer
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Grand Island | NE | usa | Posted: 1:14 AM on 05.22.07 |
| ->> And if you do not want to follow the advice of Brad and Mark, pretty much ANY monopod will support the small amount of weight you need it to hold. Depending on how tall you are, make sure you get one that you don't have to bend over to shoot with. |
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Paul Nelson, Photographer
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Temperance | MI | USA | Posted: 1:44 AM on 05.22.07 |
| ->> I own a Bogen/Manfrotto 684B NeoTec Monopod and it works great w/a 70-200. I first used it with an 70-200 f/4 L (non-IS) and it helped somewhat w/night-time football. Bought a 70-200 f/2.8 IS and honestly don't use the monopod much anymore....but....if you do want one, I highly recommend this because it's quick-collapse - meaning its very simple to move up or down at your will. |
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Martin McNeil, Photographer
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East Kilbride | South Lanarkshi | United Kingdom | Posted: 3:57 AM on 05.22.07 |
->> The Manfrotto Neotec 684B is, as Paul Said, an excellent choice. It weighs just over 1.5lbs and can support up to 17.6lbs in load... enough for even a 1Ds Mk II with a 600mm f/4 attached and therefore it represents a good investment.
I would however second what Brad and Mark said and work a bit on your physical condition; even a good aerobic/cardio workout programme will help improve muscle tone and stamina so that those long shoots become less bothersome.
I'm about to take delivery of a $500 cross-trainer so that when the Edinburgh Film Festival rolls into town in August, the hills of the city won't stress me nearly as much when I'm toting 50lbs of gear from photocall to photocall, ten hours each day for two weeks ;) |
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Chris Stanley, Photographer
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Lansdale | PA | USA | Posted: 8:39 AM on 05.22.07 |
->> Have to disagree here...
Carrying even a smaller tele will wear on you over time. Plus I don't think it can be good for your lens mount to have all that weight carried by the camera body. I use a Manfrotto with an 80-200 all the time. |
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Martin McNeil, Photographer
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East Kilbride | South Lanarkshi | United Kingdom | Posted: 9:07 AM on 05.22.07 |
->> Chris,
Yeah, on the non-pro cameras with plastic or composite lens mounts, I'd be wary about having something like the 70-200 dangling off my shoulders via the camera strap alone - so your caveat has merit.
Of course this is less of a problem on pro-grade bodies which have all metal mounts, though even these can distort and warp over time. Anything over 200mm and I'd definitely use a 'pod and ensure that there's as little stress on the lens mount as possible when carrying it. |
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Ron Erdrich, Photographer
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 1:59 PM on 05.22.07 |
->> Gitzo. I bought mine back in 1990 and it's still rockin'. They have a lifetime warranty.
-R- |
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Preston Mack, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 2:22 PM on 05.22.07 |
| ->> I have NEVER seen a working magazine or newspaper photographer with a 70-200 on a monopod... |
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Gary Mills, Photographer
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Culver | IN | USA | Posted: 4:14 PM on 05.22.07 |
->> I believe some of you heavy weight pros who have assistants, shoot pro sports with big vibration free glass, and can strobe famous athletes are being a bit harsh on our amateur photgrapher friend from Canada.
Many of us shoot high school sports or other local events with very poor lighting and an 80-200 on a monopod is necessary to shoot at lower shutter speeds. |
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Brian Hill, Photographer
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Lisle | IL | USA | Posted: 5:10 PM on 05.22.07 |
->> Gary,
If you are shooting at shutter speeds that are slow enough to need a monopod then I can only guess that most of the shots are blurry due to motion.
In my opinion a 70-200 does not need a monopod.
-Brian |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 6:14 PM on 05.22.07 |
| ->> I carry like most of us a 400 f2.8 at pro games a 70-200 and sometimes a 300 2.8 the only glass on a monopod is a 400 . Most of us at these pro events have no assistants. "Thoughit would be nice |
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Jordan McNaught, Photographer
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Pakenham | ON | Canada | Posted: 6:20 PM on 05.22.07 |
| ->> Ok, maybe I asked the wrong questions. What are some good monopods that I could buy now and possibly grow into. I might end up getting a 300 2.8 in the future. |
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Clive Evans, Photographer
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Antibes | Cote d'Azur | France | Posted: 7:20 PM on 05.22.07 |
->> I have just bought both a Benro tripod and monopod.
Half the price of Gitzo and I'm buggered if I can see the diffrence.............[AFAIK this factory actually had the Gitzo contract until recently, and then they fell out,bad news for Gitzo good news for buyer............]
Good deal............Arca style ballheads good too!
Clive
Antibes, France |
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Paul Kelm, Photographer
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Milwaukee | Wisconsin | U.S.A. | Posted: 11:47 PM on 05.22.07 |
->> Many of the shooters that cover events along with me use the 70-200 f/2.8 as their main lens. They all use monopods. When shooting running events (marathons, ironmans, etc.) we often shoot between 2000 and 5000 images in about six hours. To be consistant and not tire out, we need to use some support.
I've got a Manfrotto and a Gitzo. I love my Gitzo. One of the best features on my Gitzo is the locks which do not protrude out very much from the monopod. This keeps it from getting snagged when I pull it out of my pack.
Two handy devices I've added to my pod are a Manfrotto swivel top and a RRS quick release. The QR makes mounting the lens or camera really - quick. The swivel helps framing when I'm using a lens that doesn't rotate.
By the way, mount the lens to the monopod, not the camera with your 70-200.
All the best to you. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 1:23 AM on 05.23.07 |
| ->> How is a monopod helping in improving your shots covering a night football game? Surely it is not helping stop the action on the field. Could you elaborate? |
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Myung Chun, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 3:17 AM on 05.23.07 |
->> Sweet Jesus. He just wants a monopod recommendation -- not an exercise routine or a commentary on how he's going to "look." He wrote that he gets "tired" covering some events.
To those who offered equipment suggestions, thank you. The Neotec looks like a good deal plus it's light. Or you can check out any of the carbon fiber models (lightweight).
Jordan, don't sweat what people are going to think. Use what's gonna help you out. |
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Baron Sekiya, Photographer
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Kailua-Kona | HI | USA | Posted: 3:31 AM on 05.23.07 |
->> I use a monopod sometimes when covering field sports both day or night even with an 80-200. That way I can keep the camera up and near my eyes at all times ready to shoot, not down at arms length to bring up to shoot. I also sometimes attach an umbrella to the monopod if it's raining. And being able to just let go the camera on the pod to use a 2nd body in an instant with a wide lens is helpful.
I find it hard to believe that folks here are so harsh on photographers and how they use their gear. I mean, this isn't grade school where we should feel peer pressure because some think you aren't like a pro if you use a monopod on a shorter tele, or wear a photo vest, or use one of those guitar strap camera straps with the film holders (okay, that last one might be a bit much).
Yeah, I do agree with Brad that one should build up arm strength to both deal with the gear at hand and to prevent injury. But sometimes I think notions on a photographer's work based upon how they using their own gear is silly. The viewers don't care how we got the shot, all they care about is the content.
I mean, I may look silly myself when I use my medium-sized manfrotto tripod with my little videocamera that is smaller than my old Nikon CoolPix 4500 pocket camera. But it's a Sanyo HDV camera shooting 720p so things can get shaky and it does look silly that I can't hand hold it.
I use the aluminum bogen/manfrotto monopod, it works well, is strong and doesn't cost and arm and leg. Though it is heavier than the state of the art carbon fiber monopods which are better if you're hiking or just tired of dealing with a heavier monopod. |
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Clive Evans, Photographer
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Antibes | Cote d'Azur | France | Posted: 6:26 PM on 05.23.07 |
->> Where do I get one of these coool sounding guitar straps with film holders?
I think they would work great with my Epson R D1 rangefinders , really discreet!
Clive
Antibes, France
http://www.clive-evans.com |
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JohnPaul Greco, Photographer, Assistant
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 1:22 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> You'd be far better served buying the battery grip for you 350D rather than a monopod. Having a bigger more comfortable grip will make the camera much easier to hold and its a godsend for shooting verticals.
The 70-200 works horrible with a monopod because the zoom ring is right over the foot on the collar and theres no room for your hand to grip the ring. I don't care how tired my arm gets, it drives me crazy.
Honestly though ANY monopod will work. Heck a $10 walmart model will hold something that light just fine, I've even got one still. I'd say buy the cheapest thing you can find because chances are you'll never use it. If you do get a 300 2.8 etc down the road, cross the bridge when you come to it. (or just get a $40 bogen 679 which holds it fine)
Lastly, to the "forum police" who are so upset about the way some people answered this question, did it occur to you that maybe answering in the best intrest of the OP actually means telling him/her something different than what they are asking, or perhaps not what he/she wants to hear ?
If Brad Mangin for example, tells you that based on all his years of experience as one of the best in the business that you'll be better served and grow as a pohtographer by not using a monopod and holding the lens, maybe, just maybe, he has a point ?
Teach a man fish vs give a man a fish type of deal you know..... |
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Myung Chun, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 4:56 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> Jeff--It never occured to me that giving an answer different from the OP was the best way to answer that question. Silly me.
Using your fish analogy, he doesn't want to be taught how to fish, he just wants to buy one.
This is Car-54, honorary forum police signing off. |
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Brad Mangin, Photographer
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Pleasanton | CA | USA | Posted: 5:05 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> Jordan- I am sorry if my answer was lame. I was seriously trying to help you. Sorry if I offended you or anyone else. Sometimes the wannabe teacher in me tries to help others too much (like the tired veteran old man that I am) instead of answering a very simple question- like yours.
To answer your question more directly I am a big fan of the Gitzo carbon fiber monopods as they are super light and can handle a variety of loads. I have been using one like this for many years and am happy with it.
Once again- I am sorry if you took my suggestion the wrong way. Best of luck to you in your decision! |
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Jordan McNaught, Photographer
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Pakenham | ON | Canada | Posted: 5:33 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> No offense taken Brad. To be honest, I go to the gym 5 days a week already and can bench press over 200lbs. So holding my little 70-200 isnt a problem. :) I just found standing at the local motocross track for 8 hours a day a little tiring. I think I will end up getting a Gitzo. I also wanted to use the monopod to shoot from different angles. Like putting on the 10-22mm and holding it above my head with the monopod would capture some cool shots.
Oh, and whoever it was that said to get a battery grip for the 350D....I already have one. I agree, it helps big time! :)
Thanks again guys. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 7:51 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> Jordan,
Gitzo is a good way to go. If you are thinking about getting a 300 f2.8 or even a 400 in the future go ahead and get one rated to hold the weight you will (eventually) be putting on it.
Some of the smaller ones will hold your 70-200 fine and even a 300 2.8 but some fairly sturdy ones are rated to hold only about 9 pounds (or about a 300 with body) while a 400 2.8, without a body attached, is more than 12 pounds.
Better to go ahead and spend a little more (like $50 extra) now rather than have to buy a whole new monopod at $250 later for the bigger lens.
And to continue on Brad's thoughts, if you are shooting motocross I would think with the up and down of bikes going over the jumps it would be limiting to use a monopod. |
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Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 8:17 PM on 05.24.07 |
->> While I do like to think that each and every members opinion and feedback on SS is valuable, it strikes me as being something of a sad sign of the times when someone of Brad Mangin's level of experience should feel they have to apologize in any way for giving what they felt was the best possible advice.
I don't know Brad personally but I'm pretty sure he's not the type of guy who post something just to be rude or unhelpful. Pretty sure he's got better uses for his time than that right ?
Lets step back and think about this for a moment. As sports photographers consider just how darn lucky we are to be able to ask a question and get one of the best in the business to take the time to answer it!
Its like asking a question on landscape shooting and having John Sexton or Ansel Adams post a responce.
Its like asking a guestion on guitar playing techinque and having Slash or Jimmy Page take the time to answer your question.
Those examples aren't something thats going to happen obviously, and thats one thing that makes SS so cool is because that does happen here.
Ask on most any other forum and you'll get "some guy" who may or may not have a clue or even shoot sports. Not to put any other forums down but I think we all know theres way more people that talk the talk rather than walk the walk.
We don't always have to agree with the advice we are given by any means, but I'd still like to think we can appreciate that it was given to us and how that alone is pretty cool.
I can only speak for myself here, but any time I ask a question in the future, I welcome anyone and everyones advice. As long as your taking your valuable time to share some information with me that you think is helpful and in my best intrest, I welcome it, I may not like it, but I'll sincerley thank you for it.
Oh and before dropping nearly as much as your camera is worth on a CF monopod, I strongly advise you try something cheap like a $30 Bogen first. It will do the job and you can see if its even useful for your shooting needs. It will even do the job if/when you get a 300 2.8 and that would certainly be alot sooer if you save a few hundred bucks. |
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Jordan McNaught, Photographer
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Pakenham | ON | Canada | Posted: 10:42 PM on 05.24.07 |
| ->> LOL! Jeff Mills. My 350D is worth a little more then a CF monopod. Not much, but it is. ;) I do plan on upgrading my camera soon as well. I am looking for a Mark II. Like George Bridges said, I like to buy ahead of myself and grow into my equipment. I made the mistake of buying cheap before just to get by and I wont do that again. Thanks again all, this thread is getting more millage then I thought it would! :) |
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Richard Denham, Photographer
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Toronto/Buffalo/Niagara | On | Canada | Posted: 9:13 AM on 05.25.07 |
->> Man, you capital area boys sure are pansies some times, just kidding. Go hit up Henry's and grab a MANFROTTO 681
monopod, should run you about $70, and holds 12kg, that's 26lbs for our American friends. I have one and have no problems shooting a 400/2.8 with 1.4x on it, plenty sturdy enough. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 11:16 AM on 05.25.07 |
->> " I have NEVER seen a working magazine or newspaper photographer with a 70-200 on a monopod..."
Then either a) you don't get out much or b) the photogs where you live don't care about sharp pictures.
I've been using (not all the time of course) a monopod with a 70-200 lens for years and, amazingly, it helps. I've seen many photogs do the same. |
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Preston Mack, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 11:31 AM on 05.25.07 |
->> " I have NEVER seen a working magazine or newspaper photographer with a 70-200 on a monopod..."
Then either a) you don't get out much or b) the photogs where you live don't care about sharp pictures.
I've been using (not all the time of course) a monopod with a 70-200 lens for years and, amazingly, it helps. I've seen many photogs do the same.
Jim,
Let me clarify my statement.
In the 15 years as a professional photographer, I have never seen a person use a monopod at any NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA or NCAA game that I have covered. I am not saying it is wrong to do, but the working pros that I know at these games DO NOT use monopods. And yes, we generally have sharp photos..
Preston |
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Scott Rovak, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 11:35 AM on 05.25.07 |
->> For those of you on both sides of this "discussion", here is an example I found in the fun pix of one of our members with what most of us would consider the normal setup for a sports photographer,
http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_view.html?id=6674
He has a short zoom, a 70-200 zoom and a 400 2.8 (some have only a 300 2.8).
So those of you that are working professionals covering pro events daily this is the normal setup, but as discussed above, in smaller markets, papers, towns, etc. the setup might be a short zoom and a 70-200 only. When you are at a pro event with photographers using the most expensive top of the line gear you will be ridiculed if you are using one body with a 70-200 zoom & monopod only. That's just the way it is. My arms, back neck have gotten sore after using my 70-200 all day also, but if I am using my normal amount of gear and I cradle my 400 in my arm and pick up my 70-200 I feel very comfortable with it because I have done it that way for so many years. |
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Baron Sekiya, Photographer
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Kailua-Kona | HI | USA | Posted: 5:24 AM on 05.26.07 |
->> For Jordan I think that if he plans on getting bigger glass in the future, a 300 or longer, it would be a good idea to start practicing now on using a monopod with a camera if he has never used one before. That way his shooting techniques would benefit when Santa brings him the heavy glass.
I think we could all agree that working with a monopod is a little different than hand-holding a lens. Dealing with something like a 400/2.8 on assignment for the first time with a monopod might be a bit foolish without having practiced using a monopod. To get that FunPix SportsShooter look of cradling that lens on a monpod against your body while getting the shot with a wide in front of you at a football game.
Of course I always thought technology would have brought us much lighter cameras and lenses by now. But then again those old issues of Popular Science magazine also blew it as I don't have a flying car in the garage like they said. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 11:59 AM on 05.26.07 |
->> "In the 15 years as a professional photographer, I have never seen a person use a monopod at any NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA or NCAA game that I have covered."
In my getting-close-to-30 years I have.
YMMV |
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Andrew Wheeler, Photographer
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Capitola | CA | USA | Posted: 7:51 PM on 05.26.07 |
->> I'll second Jim's Velbon monopod...
Love the twist locking mechanism, and they're well constructed.
Andrew
http://www.automotophoto.com |
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