Camera Labs

Using the 300mm f/2.8 in the park the other day showed I either need to work on my arm strength a lot, or get a monopod for prolonged shooting. I don't think a tripod would be suitable to maintain mobility, and I have two I could already use.

The 300mm f/2.8 with camera is going to be the wrong side of 3kg. The monopod would obviously need to be able to support that easily without flexing. Minimal weight for the monopod would be a plus so it can be kept out of the way when not in use.

I think I need to give particular attention to the head. In my usage in the park, I was using the posts which hold the flotation devices as a makeshift rest. I guess the question here is, should the head be locked or free in shooting position? If loose, which type of head? I hear of gimbal heads at this point which seem to offer superior stability over conventional heads. Is it time I looked at one seriously?

Edit: the Manfrotto 393 "Long Lens Monopod head" seems ideal in value and the reviews I've found so far seem promising. Serious gimbal heads are much more expensive...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Have a look at the Manfrotto 393, that what i use. It's no where as expensive as a Gimbal, but certainly as effective, it is a solid build and works very very well. I use it on my Manfrotto 680B mono.

HTH
Alan

edit: there you go, got your edit in before me

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Alan
D4 & D700


http://www.alanwilliamsphotography.co.uk
BLOG: http://www.ayrshireweddingphotographer.org

Found it by accident and it seems (comparatively) cheap and cheerful Will have to see if my local camera shop has one this weekend, and they stock the range of monopods too so should be able to find one there...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

popo, I used my mates monopod at the w/end & THAT alone was brill with my 300mm 2.8. I couldn't believe how much easier it was to carry (& lean on ) for a few hours.
I'm deffo gonna get a monopod & think i'll order a 393. Just wondered if you bought one & what you think of it.

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

Well i've ordered the Manfrotto 680B compact, 4 section monopod (it's rated up to 10kg) & i've taken the plunge on the 393 head/lens support.

They SHOULD be here tomorrow, so looking forward to trying them out. (rain is forecast though, so might have to wait! typical eh )

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Nikon D700 & D7100 bodies + Nikkor 300mm F2.8 VR11, 1.7TC, 50mm F1.4G, 16-35mm f/4G VR, 105 F2.8 VR macro, 70-300mm lenses. A couple of filters, Giotto tripod & ballhead. Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcarlos/

Bit late, I did get a 393, tried it a bit at home, does what its supposed to, but never tried it out in anger and now probably wont until the 200-400 extender comes out.

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.