www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi everybody,
ok - I'm now of the distinct opinion that I need a tripod/monopod ( probably a monopod for portability ) for my 30d.
Could you kindly give your thoughts on your monopod and its pros & cons & if you won the lottery which one would you choose , not that I have won the lottery but would value your opinion anyway

regards
Martin
( http://www.mgnastro.org/wildlife.html )

ps. apologies if this is a repost but I've not seen discussion on this

A mono is probably the most convenient to use and it will improve your images.With only one leg to worry about in vegetation there is less chance of disturbing your quarry and height can be adjusted quickly.

But without doubt a tripod is the best way to go, I would rather get one good shot in ten attempts with the tripod than nine average/poor shots with the mono.

I also don't believe that there is one tripod that will do all things, I do all sorts of photography and have a selection of five tripods two monos, plus a ground pod.

On my Butterfly/insect hunts I usually carry a small tripod that can splay its legs really wide to achieve a very low level and a ground pod.

Hope this is of help

Can't recomend the following enough;

Manfrotto 680b monopod with Manfrotto 234rc head

It's pretty much perfect if not a tad heavy. I always carry it attached to my camera using the neck strap to carry the lot and found it very comfortable although it does get a bit heavy after and hour or two. It steadies the camera a treat and I'd never take a shot without it. Don't forget with a macro set up you only really need to bother about the monpod itself and the head is a secondary consideration as the rig is light.

well I've just bought a Manfrotto 680b with Manfrotto 234rc head brand new and cheaply ( thank you ebay ) , so thanks for the advice. I can't believe just how light it is ! I'm off to the Cosford Air Show next weekend so will give it a try then.

many thanks
Martin
( http://www.mgnastro.org/wildlife.html )

If you use a DSLR you might consider a lens with image stabbilization. It enables you to hand hold exposures as short as 1/100 sec and you dont have to carry a tripod

dave

Dave Mac wrote:If you use a DSLR you might consider a lens with image stabilization. It enables you to hand hold exposures as short as 1/100 sec and you don't have to carry a tripod

dave

I agree...this was taken with a 400 Image Stabilizing lens at 1/50th of a second, plus 3 extention tubes, hand held.



I used a mono pod for the first time yesterday and used it quite a lot. I ended up having to take it off every time a b/fly was on a low plant, and I think, on the whole, my photos were below par.
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/phpBB2/v ... php?t=1184

Maybe if I persist that will change...we'll see.

Martin.