tripod or monopod

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chau

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Hi everybody.
I am planning on buying either a tripod or a monopod but can't make up my mind.
Would it be better to get the tripod as i can use that as a monopod with the legs folded together?
I mainly enjoy shooting sports so i was thinking about a monopod but thought afterwards a tripod might be better if i do other things.
what do you guys think?
thanks
 
If you're getting one get the tripod - more versatile imo.
 
It depends on what you are predominantly going to use it for - for me it is mainly traveling, so the monopod works out great. Smaller and easier form factor for carrying and packing (and also a useful self-defence weapen :D:D:D)

There are plenty of times when I felt I needed a tripod, but I made do with the monopod or a mini-tripod (the 20cm type).

For shooting sport I'm not sure if a monopod is better - it really only shines when you have enough time to position yourself, preferably against a wall or tree or something. I'd think maybe a tripod is your best bet.
 
A tripod is a more stable beast, but a monopod does allow flexibility, especially when you're following something such as a bird. I use both.

@iris: a monopod can be used for sport especially with something like the monopod belt pouch. My model in these pics is a pro sports photographer (he also invented this particular version of the monopod pouch).

71489988_BPCYS-M.jpg
 
chau said:
Hi everybody.
I am planning on buying either a tripod or a monopod but can't make up my mind.
Would it be better to get the tripod as i can use that as a monopod with the legs folded together?
I mainly enjoy shooting sports so i was thinking about a monopod but thought afterwards a tripod might be better if i do other things.
what do you guys think?
thanks
Click to expand...

There are hybrids available. The pod is mostly a monopod, but turning a knob
releases 3 small legs which allow it to stand upright very easily.

Manfrotto does those but the one I use was bought in Singapore.
Dunno about SA.

Here it is:
http://reviews.cnet.com/other-a-v-a...g-pro/4505-6507_7-31070747.html?tag=mncol;lst

I think I have this one:
http://reviews.cnet.com/other-a-v-a...nding/4505-6507_7-31021417.html?tag=mncol;lst
 
Last edited:
PeterCH said:
There are hybrids available. The pod is mostly a monopod, but turning a knob
releases 3 small legs which allow it to stand upright very easily.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, will only work with short lenses, and not well in wind.

Is available in SA
 
Monopod and tripod are different animals. The monopod gives your photography stability, and the tripod gives the photographer freedom to set up the shot. They have totally separate functions, so it really depends on what you're wanting to do.

The hybrid sounds cool, but I would seriously consider getting a tripod you can weight, so it has a hook under the central poll, which you can either tie to the ground or hang a weight off. This is really useful when it's windy. You could get hold of Singer photographic and ask their advice, they don't really sell to the public, but they're always great for info.
 
I have a tripod, gorillapod and monopod. I use the tripod by far the most. The gorillapod is useful, but it limits you somewhat due to its height. You can extend the tripod legs without spreading them, so you effectively have a monopod. Just buy a proper light one. The carbon fiber ones are nice.
 
Thanks guys. I have finally made up my mind and ill be getting a tripod.
koffiejunkie, the carbon fibre is very nice but comes with a nice price tag too :( maybe one day when i become a decent photographer and have a decent paying job then ill buy one :)

i saw a manfrotto modo maxi tripod at Makro which had a nice head and was only R400 but then i saw the tag and it said for 'Point and Shoot'. The legs flexed a bit when i applied a little bit of pressure so should i give that tripod a skip?
 
but then again i guess you get what u pay for right?
 
Chau, give that mini one a skip if you want to stick an SLR on it. If you want to look at a small one, the Gorillapod SLR Zoom (I think they call it) is a pretty decent option. It's rated for 2.5kg, if I remember correctly. It's more than stable enough to rest the camera on. My only complaint is that if I twist it around something, it doesn't actually hold my camera's weight (about 1.5kg) very well - it creeps very slowly.

Otherwise look at Velbron's entry level. They're fairly light. I had one of those before I got the carbon fibre one.
 
koffiejunkie said:
Otherwise look at Velbron's entry level. They're fairly light. I had one of those before I got the carbon fibre one.
Click to expand...

Velbon you mean? What do you think about this Velbon-CX-440 that is priced just right for a student budget :o like mine? Seems like a good start off point for a beginner... especially at that price.
 
That looks just like the one I have. It's decent enough for the money. I took some of my best shots on it :)
 
Thanks Koffijunkie! Ill keep that in mind. Im going to have a look around on monday for some more tripods. Im not in a rush so ill be shopping around
 
chau said:
Thanks Koffijunkie! Ill keep that in mind. Im going to have a look around on monday for some more tripods. Im not in a rush so ill be shopping around
Click to expand...
If you're in CT or surrounds, I suggest you try Orms. If you're in GP, try to get to Outdoorphoto.
 
PepsiPod™ FTW :D

picture.php


Seriously considering an upgrade to the PepsiMaxPod™ - been packing on a few pounds recently. :o
chau said:
i saw a manfrotto modo maxi tripod at Makro which had a nice head and was only R400 but then i saw the tag and it said for 'Point and Shoot'. The legs flexed a bit when i applied a little bit of pressure so should i give that tripod a skip?
Click to expand...
I saw the same tripod and was put off by the same thoughts you had.
 
Last edited:
bwana said:
PepsiPod™ FTW :D

picture.php


Seriously considering an upgrade to the PepsiMaxPod™ - been packing on a few pounds recently. :oI saw the same tripod and was put off by the same thoughts you had.
Click to expand...

hahaha dont give me ideas bwana. Ill probably use a bottle of brandy :D
 
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