Camera Labs

What are monopods used for and are they very affective? I cant imagine balancing a camera on top of a single poll would do much good?

I've seen people use them on the beach for surf/skim photography.. They kinda dig into the sand and give you extra stability than just holding it. But their also lighter so you don't have to carry around the whole tripod.

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They won't give you the stability of a tripod and of course can't be left feee-standing like a tripod, but they can greatly reduce camera shake especially when using big lenses - they're good for shooting sports and let you rest while still having the camera pointing approximately at the action.

I bought one a while back, but admit I rarely use it! BUT if I got more into sports photography with a big lens, I might...

I have IS on my sony A100, but would it still be a good idea to use the monopod that I fished out of my garage? Would it make much difference

Yes, it would be a great idea. A set of trial shots will be worth a score of opinions.

Bob.

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My impression from using my monopod: It reduces shake only in the vertical direction. It then becomes very apperent that you still have a lot of shake in horizontal direction
That's the reason I never use my monopod, although it is light, small and stable Manfrotto quality...

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I have a manofrotto my have spelled that wrong, but you get the idea, it was a lower end model, only 50 bucks, but man, it works for me. It's good when you are in area's when your moving around, (i.e wedding maybe?) although i dont use them for that, if you are on the go, or you are in a tighter space and cant fit a tripod very well, I think its a good thing to have on your arsenal of camera equipment.

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I have had a little play with using the monopod but it dosent seem to make that much different to camera shake.

You're right, they don't. I only got about 1 stop out of mine, but if you're pointing a heavy lens in one direction waiting for something to happen, they can be a boon!

That said, I've not used mine for ages...

It does make a nice batton or poking stick though!

yeaH that is true, unless if you have a nice monopod with the little tripod thing at the bottom, even with that tho, I mainly use my monopod for film (video) for sports

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Back Window Productions
I can't sing, and I can't write, so the only thing I have to express myself is Photography.
www.backwindowproductions.com (UP!!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_lucas/