monopod technique

[jay37]

hello everyone
there is a lot of talk about which tripod/monopod is best.which head and so on.but could some of the guys who use monopods with such success share some of there secrets and technique,im sure this would help me and many other wobbley would be photographers
many thanks
jay

[Meta menardi]

I use my monopod to make me into a tripod if I am going for macro shots. Keep the stick a little longer than is confortable if held vertically, lean it forward and use the head to get the right angle, stand with your legs spread. You have a tripod. I find that my worst motion when free-standing is a gentle rocking backwards and forwards.

[John D]

Originally Posted by jay37

hello everyone
there is a lot of talk about which tripod/monopod is best.which head and so on.but could some of the guys who use monopods with such success share some of there secrets and technique,im sure this would help me and many other wobbley would be photographers
many thanks
jay

Hi Jay, My tip is 'keep the monopod vertical at all times and use a suitable head to vary the angle'. This eliminates any possibility of vertical movement and helps to minimise the possibility of lateral movement.
The head I use is a Monfrotto 234RC on a Manfrotto679b monopod.
Hope this helps.
John D

[nightshade]

I like both suggestions but this may help;
How To Use A Monopod & Multi-Purpose Tripod

[Meta menardi]

There can't be a hard and fast answer to this. I do what suits me because I find I sway, John D keeps his upright to solve a different problem. Any tree is a good tree when the wind is blowing.

[Geoff F]

At one time I regularly used a monopod, but then I realised a tripod with the legs closed up is a monopd. With legs slightly apart it is a stabilised monopod and legs fully open for a tripod. 3 for the price of 1. Slightly heavier I admit, but I find it easier to assemble than a monopod.

The only problem being trying to remember that in monopod mode the camera will fall over when I let go.

[DuncanE]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I like both suggestions but this may help;
How To Use A Monopod & Multi-Purpose Tripod

Nice to see I'm using mine properly when I do use the monopod. I have developed a technique very similar to "option 3" where I wrap my leg around the pole and keep the monopod close to the body. A slight change in camera holding (and holding my breath) this can make the shot more stable... If space is of an issue it works for me. Needless to say a head comes in handy with this style.

[jay37]

thank you guys for all your imput,i am currently trying all the different styles still with some wobble ithink it may take some time.it may also need a stronger pod for me to lean on it fully.thanks again
jay

[Jim Ford]

I've got a 'Duopod' attachment for my Uniloc tripod (but not got around to trying it yet). It's an arm that attaches about a foot up from the bottom of a monopod, at an angle of about 30 degrees downwards. At the end of the arm is a plate that you can stand on.

Jim

[glsammy]

I've never before really studied how I use mine, I certainly don't use it anything like the way show in that guide. I find it depends what the ground is like. I often have the pod at an angle to my body, not usually straight in front. At the end of the day there can't be "right" and "wrong" ways.
If the method you use provides you with the stability you want, that's all that matters.