Monopod with a Bigma

Seajay · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 06:45 PM

Hi All, What,s your opinion and experience on using a monopod with a long lens such as a Bigma? Any good? I believe some can also double up as a walking stick?

glsammy · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 06:52 PM

Have a look through my Gallery. The vast majority were taken with the Bigma and a monopod. (At least the last six months shots that is!) I also use mine as a walking stick. I'd fall over all the time if I didn't!
It doesn't matter which make you get but make sure you get a good quick release head with it. I've got the manfrotto 694 Magfibre monopod, with a 234RC QR tilt top head. It works extremely well with the Bigma, mounts very quickly, secure and also easy to disengage. I can thoroughly recommend them.

Seajay · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Hi Graham, Your photographs are beautiful, the standard I am seeking to achieve and speak for themselves and the use of a monopod! About £125 from Warehouse Express - I have'nt checked e-bay yet. What's the technique when using it? Do you carry it about set-up and collapsed or what? Thanks, much appreciated.

Blackdog · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 08:50 PM

Slik do a very good monopod; the Pro Pod 600. It's made of aluminium/titanium alloy, is very light and strong. Mine cost me £39 from my local camera shop. When the manager suggested Slik I wasn't sure, and then I tried it! Excellent bit of kit.

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 08:54 PM

i use the much cheaper steel manfrotto (cheaper than grahams carbon fibre one i mean) being a monopod its not unreasonably heavy and will only rush you 33 notes plus head.

another advantage of it being a bit heavier is it makes a handy "tool" should anyone offer to relieve you of your camera gear without your consent

I'm using this with a 20D and little bigma btw

Blackdog · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 08:58 PM

Have a look at this link- Slik Pro Pod 600 AMT Monopod

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seajay

Hi Graham, Your photographs are beautiful, the standard I am seeking to achieve and speak for themselves and the use of a monopod! About £125 from Warehouse Express - I have'nt checked e-bay yet. What's the technique when using it? Do you carry it about set-up and collapsed or what? Thanks, much appreciated.

I always have it set-up, that is extended as I use it as a walking aid. I don't have the camera on when walking, unless I'm moving a very short distance as it's so easy to click it onto the QR head. I got mine from Warehouse express. You could easily save on the monopod if you wanted to, any good make would be fine, but you MUST get a head that can support the Bigma weight, hence the reason I chose Manfrotto quick release. It's slick and secure, solid in construction and very reliable.

wildlifesnapper · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 06:13 PM

Hi,

have you thought of buying a tripod.Far more steady.A monopod is only a fraction more steady than hand holding especially at 500mm.

neil

HowlinWolf · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 06:51 PM

"...another advantage of it being a bit heavier is it makes a handy "tool" should anyone offer to relieve you of your camera gear without your consent..."

Yes, eeyore. I, too, would not hesitate to employ a monopod as a defensive device should any person attempt to abscond with my photographic apparatus.

HW

Blackdog · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowlinWolf

Yes, eeyore. I, too, would not hesitate to employ a monopod as a defensive device should any person attempt to abscond with my photographic apparatus.

HW

I think I'd be inclined to employ my monopod if anyone tried to abscond with any of my apparatus