monopod?

[squishy]

i've been told that monopods are good for macro work, as you can set up fast and they are easier to carry then tripods.

would anyone on WAB recommend a particular monopod, or just monopods in general? i am looking the in sub £50 market

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by squishy

i've been told that monopods are good for macro work, as you can set up fast and they are easier to carry then tripods.

would anyone on WAB recommend a particular monopod, or just monopods in general? i am looking the in sub £50 market

Hi Squishy,

If you are going to use it with your S9600, I would suggest having a look at the Manfrotto Modo Mini MN785SHB tripod.
It is very light, and compact, (5-section legs), and will give you the best of both worlds - you can use it as a monopod or bipod by simply just extending only one or two of the legs.
It makes a great tripod for macro work, as you can split the centre column, to enable virtually ground level operation. (Maximum height is 114cm).
It has a trigger grip locking mechanism, on a ball/socket head, and has a quick release plate which attaches to the base of the camera.
Being very light, it can only just about manage a D80, but with a bridge camera it is ideal. I use mine with my S9600 all the time. (It costs about £35.00).

Regards
Mike.

[BillyPilgrim]

I don't know a great deal about macro (sold my Sigma 180mm and regretted it ever since) or monopods but one I've always toyed with buying is the Manfrotto 682B Self-Standing Pro Monopod. This can be used as an ordinary monopod or you can attach 3 'legs' for extra support.

Although the legs look a bit flimsy in the photos, Manfrotto claim it can take a weight of up to 12kg. If it is as sturdy as this then it should provide a bit more steadiness for macro?

Its a bit more than £50 though. Just checked WEX and they have them at £61.

Manfrotto 682B Self-Standing Pro Monopod Black (MN682B) - Warehouse Express

[squishy]

that does look good, but i cant see it for less then £45.

i already have a velbon tripod, and i'm looking for something really light to carry around, but i'm just not sure mini tripods would be that useful



billy: thanks for the reply, that is abit out of the price range i can afford, but thanks for the suggestion.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by squishy

that does look good, but i cant see it for less then £45.

The retail chain Wilkinson Cameras have it at £34.99 (Not sure if they have a shop in your area but I believe they do internet sales).

Regards
Mike.

EDIT - PS: Every one of my WAB uploaded macro photo's, have been taken using the camera on the Mini Modo.

[squishy]

i will go to the big jessops in birmingham and have a good look and try of the tripods/monopods.

[Geoff F]

I use a monopod sometimes but wouldn't recommend it for macro work. It is difficult to hold a monopod sufficiently still when you only have 1/2 inch or less of depth of field.

The other thing with a macro used monopod is that you need one with an adjustable angle head, so that you can look downwards; and that makes them expensive.

My lightweight tripod is a Velbon Mini which is reasonably effective even with heavy lenses. The downside is limited height, around 2 ft which is ideal for flowers etc but not much use for insects on the top of shrubs, brambles, etc.

ps. Yes tripods are difficult to use in long grass or brambles but you soon get the hang of lifting then upwards before moving and carrying them with the legs pointing behind you.

My advice would be, if you can't find the ideal solution at a price you can afford, then wait until you can afford it. That works out cheaper in the long run.

[Jim Ford]

_The_ tripod for macro work, which can also be converted to a monopod, is the Uniloc 1700 system tripod:

Uni-Loc System 1700 Tripod

It doesn't show it in the above link, but you can set the tripod up so the camera is at ground level (below ground level if the subject is in a hole!).

To convert to a monopod, you remove the centre column and a leg, and couple them together.

I believe the Benbo Trecker is similar, but not so versatile.

Jim

[Zoundz]

I use a monopod for all sorts, but not macro, it's not easy at all to keep the camera steady, and if your macro lens is at all heavy, it makes you sway a bit, which ruins focus of course.

xx

[squishy]

thanks for the advice. i think those tripods are way out of my price range, and it's not just about the amount i have to spend, it's about the amount my parents (and myself) consider sensible to spend

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

_The_ tripod for macro work, which can also be converted to a monopod, is the Uniloc 1700 system tripod:

Uni-Loc System 1700 Tripod

It doesn't show it in the above link, but you can set the tripod up so the camera is at ground level (below ground level if the subject is in a hole!).

To convert to a monopod, you remove the centre column and a leg, and couple them together.

I believe the Benbo Trecker is similar, but not so versatile.

Jim