Camera Labs

hi,
I'm shopping around for either a tripod or monopod for action & sports photography. I like the idea of being able to pick and and run around with a monopod for the sports photography i'd like to do (mostly mountain biking) but haven't used one before.

Should I just get a conventional tripod or are monopods useful also?

thanks.

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Canon EOS 400D, Canon EOS 30V, EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, Speedlite 430EX, Kenko & Cokin filters

I saw some the other day that work as both.

If you go mountain biking, go for the monopod. It gives you quite a good stabilization at less weight!

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

Monopods are great for sports and other situations where you need a quick bit of extra stability - while also providing relief from holding a heavy lens. But they understandably won't reduce wobbling anywhere near as much as a tripod. So it really depends on how quickly you need to frame and setup your shot - plus as Thomas says, the weight you're willing to carry. And of course how much stability you need...

Gordon

I just ordered the Manfrotto MA 676 for only 35EUR. It is a 400g monopod that extends up to 154cm and carries up to 4.5kg.
See the specs here: http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/man ... n/pid/2362
This is much easier to carry than my 055pro (at 2.4kg) and should give some much needed stabilization for my 500mm lens.
I'll report back, when I have some experience

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

It (the Manfrotto MA 676) just arrived.
Nice piece of gear, only that the adjustable carrying-handle slips open time and again. The stability is by far enough for the D80 even with a 3kg lens.
I tested the stabilization effect with my Tamron SP 500mm mirror lens. Statistically it seemed that the shutter-speed could be lowered from 1/1000sec to 1/250sec, and consequently the ISO by a factor of 4 (from 800 to 200) as the lens has no aperture.
I can also envisage its use with the 105mm macro as with the large magnification every shake gets also amplified. Still not sure how the buildt-in VR works together (or against) the use of a monopod. Have to try it out...

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

So you're saying it gives you about 2 stops then? It'd be interesting to see the benefit with AND without VR on your 18-200, as some would say you should have it switched off with a monopod. It may end up only being really useful for your 500mm and other non-VR lenses...

But then it still takes the weight off, which is great for wildlife or sports photography where you may need to redjust the position very quickly.

I admit I only use my own monopod these days on the rare occassions someone lets me play with a big aperture fixed focal length lens...

Gordon

Don't just "play" - go testing! Where are the results from"playing" with these lenses, Gordon?

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

I'm too embarressed to share this 'early work' Thomas!

Lets just say there's clearly MUCH more to sports photography than just sitting by the side of a field or court with several grands worth of glass...!

Gordon

What a pity, Gordon! Haven't we all been young once upon a time?

I'd just like to add, that my monopod has no head (and I assume that you normally do not put a head on one!?). So especially when pointing down say at 45° you best put the bottom of your monopod against your foot and then tilt over. This way the monopod will not suddenly loose grip and topple over with your valuable camera.
Works quite well...

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

Perhaps a bit hard to find: Here's an overview of all Manfrotto monopods:
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/man ... f/pid/1799

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

After a bit of research I decided to go for the Manfrotto 676B as Thomas had. I must say that I am very impressed with it for just £30 pounds. It feels really sturdy. It doesn't look cheap and nasty. In fact it is pretty pleasing on the eye. It seems to perfectly compliment my D40 with the 70-300mm lense.

I am going to take this with me to a motor racing event next weekend at Donnington Park. It should take some of the burden off my neck and shoulders while also lending me good stability for taking shots. Also importantly it should minimise fatigue over the course of what will be a long day at the track.

Another thing that I am really impressed with is that fact it weighs so little at around 400 grams and is so compact to boot. The only gripe I have is that the strap is a little bit slippery in that it doesn't grip the plastic clip. This sounds like the same problem that Thomas described. All in all however my first impressions of the Manfrotto 676B monopod is that it is a near faultless product that perfectly suits my needs. All I need to find out now is how it handles in the field or in my case at the track.

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GEAR: Nikon D40 | AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II | AF-S VRII Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED | AF-S VRII Nikkor 105 f/2.8G IF-ED micro | SB-400 Speedlight | Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW | Manfrotto 676B monopod