Monopod versus tripod

[ingweDave]

Can I play devils advocate and ask if anyone has tried, or would consider the Whistling Wings Speed Shooter Harness System? Seems to answer quite a few problems. Is it more down to aesthetic that more haven't, or is there something inherently wrong with the system?

I have been using the MrJanGear sling, which I have adapted to have a monopod pouch similar to the Whistling Wings. This works well for carrying large lens and camera over a long distance and leaves hands free for another camera, that I often carry in a pouch. This is not my go to set up and generally have a monopod over my shoulder.

I have found with increasing ISOs, I use the monopod more these days but still use a tripod regularly. I also use the Whimberley Monogimbal which works great. However it is a bit fiddly to engage on the move and I tend to keep it fixed all day.
I have done a fair amount of shooting from small ships (Svalbard Etc) and a monopod works better than a tripod, as it is less prone to vibrations.

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[Pat Cassity]

As mentioned, the Wimberley MH-100 monogimble head is the ticket for big glass on a monopod. Can be easily modified with an RRS quick release as I did with mine.View attachment 56219

Viseguy, can you explain how you removed the original release so that the RRS release could be attached?

 

[Viseguy]

Viseguy, can you explain how you removed the original release so that the RRS release could be attached?

Disassemble it from the knob end, make sure parts go back on in order they were removed. You will remove a circular shaft with the arca-swiss plate on it. This shaft I clamped very tightly in a vise between a couple pieces of wood (try to avoid scratching or damaging the shaft). Once clamped, placed a long piece of wood or the like in the arca-swiss plate to unthread it from the shaft, then simply swap on the RRS plate. It may help some to take a torch and apply heat on the threads between plate and shaft, as heat will break down any lock-tite compound used on the threads.

 

[Pat Cassity]

Disassemble it from the knob end, make sure parts go back on in order they were removed. You will remove a circular shaft with the arca-swiss plate on it. This shaft I clamped very tightly in a vise between a couple pieces of wood (try to avoid scratching or damaging the shaft). Once clamped, placed a long piece of wood or the like in the arca-swiss plate to unthread it from the shaft, then simply swap on the RRS plate. It may help some to take a torch and apply heat on the threads between plate and shaft, as heat will break down any lock-tite compound used on the threads.

Perfect! Thanks!

 

[EricBowles]

Viseguy, can you explain how you removed the original release so that the RRS release could be attached?

You need to be careful when you disassemble the original release. Occasionally they are attached with red Loctite or the equivalent - which requires heat to be released. I recall the Markins ballheads used such an approach and it was very hard to remove the plate and replace it with a RRS lever release. If you need to secure the plate, a drop of Blue Loctite is adequate.

 

[Graham Clark]

Disassemble it from the knob end, make sure parts go back on in order they were removed. You will remove a circular shaft with the arca-swiss plate on it. This shaft I clamped very tightly in a vise between a couple pieces of wood (try to avoid scratching or damaging the shaft). Once clamped, placed a long piece of wood or the like in the arca-swiss plate to unthread it from the shaft, then simply swap on the RRS plate. It may help some to take a torch and apply heat on the threads between plate and shaft, as heat will break down any lock-tite compound used on the threads.

Another option is to use a pair of 3/8" UNF nuts tightened against each other as lock-nuts, no risk of damage to the fine thread.

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[Ivan Rothman]

Can I play devils advocate and ask if anyone has tried, or would consider the Whistling Wings Speed Shooter Harness System? Seems to answer quite a few problems. Is it more down to aesthetic that more haven't, or is there something inherently wrong with the system?

I have the Whistling Wings harness system and it works very well
Offers added stability over hand holding alone and adds mobility over using monopod alone. And most importantly it allows me to handhold large lens weighing 5 pounds up to 10 pounds without losing the strength and stamina needed when holding it for more than a few minutes

 

[Marcus]

I have the Whistling Wings harness system and it works very well
Offers added stability over hand holding alone and adds mobility over using monopod alone. And most importantly it allows me to handhold large lens weighing 5 pounds up to 10 pounds without losing the strength and stamina needed when holding it for more than a few minutes

I must admit it does look like a good solution for those who are prepared to forgo a tripod/monopod. I would likely only use it for 'walkaround' purposes, where I don't foresee needing a stable base to shoot off of. I am surprised they haven't taken off as a product/option more than they have

 

[Walter Baliero]

I hate the monopod! Maybe it's a little lighter when you have to walk a lot carring your gear, but think about this: what do you do when you have to use your two hands for any other action, like cleaning your path a bit, drinking water, going to the bathroom? , where do you leave it?, obviously, on the ground or supported on a tree or a rock, with the danger that this means. Also, nothing is more stable than a tripod when shooting; with the monopod it is very easy to lose the location of the subject due to the sway, you cannot preset a focus point and fix it, and other disadvantages.

 

[bleirer]

I hate the monopod! Maybe it's a little lighter when you have to walk a lot carring your gear, but think about this: what do you do when you have to use your two hands for any other action, like cleaning your path a bit, drinking water, going to the bathroom? , where do you leave it?, obviously, on the ground or supported on a tree or a rock, with the danger that this means. Also, nothing is more stable than a tripod when shooting; with the monopod it is very easy to lose the location of the subject due to the sway, you cannot preset a focus point and fix it, and other disadvantages.

Though with a quick release plate, the camera is off and on in an instant. I mount it only when desired and use it as a walking stick otherwise. I agree about the focus, I am always swaying a bit.

 

[knauerfoto]

I can highly recommend the Leofoto MP365C Monopod.
Great stability and very compact.
As for heads I am using a Small Rig 3457 mini video head
You could basically use any 2-way head depending on the size of the lens
Don’t use a ball head on a Monopod, this won’t be fun to use ;-)

Cheers
Stefan

​

 

[Gene_Hughes]

An excellent choice if you're doing a lot of hybrid shooting. Lightweight and solid with very smooth movement.

iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod

Super lightweight, carbon fiber, four part modular design monopod. Quick release system, adjustable feet and lock and friction control. Extends to a huge 180cm – perfect for when you need to get above the crowd. What you get: 1 x carbon fiber monopod with feet (180cm fully extended)1 x carry...

www.ifootagegear.com

 

[Midway]

I have the Whistling Wings harness system and it works very well
Offers added stability over hand holding alone and adds mobility over using monopod alone. And most importantly it allows me to handhold large lens weighing 5 pounds up to 10 pounds without losing the strength and stamina needed when holding it for more than a few minutes

Is this any different than a typical flagpole holder? I ordered one on Amazon for $45 and did a quick test in the yard and it seems it could help in a few situations. I don't mind paying the premium for functionality if it justifies the difference. It isn't quite as fancy as the Whistling Wings harness but other than shoulder padding and chest stabilizer it looks essentially the same. The WW harness does look more robust even without the options. I may have gone that route if I had known about it, I still might. How large is the monopod pouch? It is a tight fit for my Gitzo GM5540 6X in my flagpole holder. I bought mine as a potential solution to take weight off my arms while on a rocking boat in rough water. A monopod was not manageable and my arms can't handhold long enough with a 600 TC when attempting to be in a shooting position for extended periods. I've since added the Wimberley Monogimble that should help with or without a harness. Thanks.

 

[MadMikeOne]

I’m an inveterate tripod user and, as the Amex ads say, don’t leave home without it. But, there are times when even my relatively light weight Gitzo carbon tripod weighs me down when hiking longer distances. Because of this, I’m thinking about buying a quality monopod to support my D850 and long lens, but I have very little experience using monopods. For those of you who do use them, how do you like your monopods, and in what circumstances do you use it? Are there situations where it doesn’t serve your needs? Do you use it with standard ball or gimbal heads, or do you have other means of attaching your camera rig to the monopod?

My normal gear is either a Nikon Z9 or D500 with a 500mm PF or 80-400 or Tamron 150-600 G2. I try to shoot handheld whenever possible, and that's one reason I have NO big, heavy glass. That being said, my arms & shoulders do complain at times. If I'm shooting from one spot for a long period of time (think places like small rookeries) I use my tripod with my Nest gimbal head. If I need to move around with ease, but need stability (think the Alligator Farm or Wakodahatchee or Green Cay) I use my Vanguard monopod with the 3 feet than can be either pulled down or left up. It is extremely stable especially if I plant my big clod-hoppers on the feet. My model has been discontinued, but other companies have similar models. The key for me was the 3 retractable feet.

 

[TonyDownunder]

You may have already searched but Steve has excellent videos on using a monopod. When I was in the market for one I just searched ”monopod” on the home page of BCG.

Love the quote. Just what I needed this morning

 

[Roy]

I’m an inveterate tripod user and, as the Amex ads say, don’t leave home without it. But, there are times when even my relatively light weight Gitzo carbon tripod weighs me down when hiking longer distances. Because of this, I’m thinking about buying a quality monopod to support my D850 and long lens, but I have very little experience using monopods. For those of you who do use them, how do you like your monopods, and in what circumstances do you use it? Are there situations where it doesn’t serve your needs? Do you use it with standard ball or gimbal heads, or do you have other means of attaching your camera rig to the monopod?

I do like a tripod and have unfortunately ended up with a dozen or so.
Tried monopods but didn't like them much.
These are 4 tripods I use regularly - A heavy a medium and a travel - and sometimes another with a gimble.
Outside the studio I mostly use the medium one.
They are Manfrotto with arca swiss heads - Manfrotto aren't cheap but are very well built.
My non-tripod use often means using a sandbag or waterbag on a wall or fence which also works well...

 

[Pat Cassity]

I know this is a bit off-topic but does anyone use the RRS MH-01 LR or MH-02 monopod head? I currently have the Wimberly MH-100 and it’s a great piece of equipment, but it is just not working for me. I appreciate the help from Viseguy explaining the RRS modification to the Wimberly but I can’t get used to the side mount setup. Thanks!

 

[Patty15]

I have the Wimberly mono-head on a Sirui P-324 monopod. I also have the RRS quick change for the head. No problem putting it together. I mostly use a monopod because it's much easier to carry around.

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[Patty15]

I know this is a bit off-topic but does anyone use the RRS MH-01 LR or MH-02 monopod head? I currently have the Wimberly MH-100 and it’s a great piece of equipment, but it is just not working for me. I appreciate the help from Viseguy explaining the RRS modification to the Wimberly but I can’t get used to the side mount setup. Thanks!

Pat, it took me a bit of time to get used to the side mount, but I used it with my D850 and got very accustomed to it. I lay it across my lap to attach the camera, once it's there it's good. I actually like the camera off to the side now. Hope you find what works best for you, that's all that really matters.

 

[mdirvin]

I'm not sure its one or the other. Both have their uses. I have a love/hate relation with monopods. I really don't like them, but there are times they are indispensable. I find when hiking off trail a tripod is basically useless. The brush/weeds, not to mention the animals are always moving around. Some people say I just handhold. That is fine as long as you come across something like this:

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For me that doesn't happen very often. Mostly I find my time spent watching and waiting, sometimes for very long periods. When something does happens, its only for a very brief time, if you are standing there with your camera/lens hanging from a strap or whatever its over before you get a chance at taking the shot. Enter the Monopod. You can stand there leaning against a tree or whatever, watching and waiting ready to take the shoot.

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For 10 to 15 years I have used the Gizo series 55, during the pandemic I decided it was time for a lighter one. I ended up with a RRS series 3. Mainly because that was the only one I could find. Not that I don't like it, but I'm a Gitzo kind of guy. I have both the Wimberly, and RRS head. Hands down I prefer the RRS. Attaching the len to the wimberly is a pain, and doesn't provide any advantage to the RRS. With RRS I can just set the camera/lens combo on the head, and close the lever. I leave the head loose with a slight drag so that I can move the lens up and down. Works great. I also find them very useful when walking around a Motocross track waiting patiently for a bike to come flying over a ridge. When on very unstable ground I will put my camera/lens in my pack and use the monopod as a walking stick, and probing the ground ahead of me if I'm in a marsh.

Mike

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[Woody Meristem]

I'm not sure its one or the other. Both have their uses. I have a love/hate relation with monopods. I really don't like them, but there are times they are indispensable. I find when hiking off trail a tripod is basically useless. The brush/weeds, not to mention the animals are always moving around. Some people say I just handhold. That is fine as long as you come across something like this:

For me that doesn't happen very often. Mostly I find my time spent watching and waiting, sometimes for very long periods. When something does happens, its only for a very brief time, if you are standing there with your camera/lens hanging from a strap or whatever its over before you get a chance at taking the shot. Enter the Monopod. You can stand there leaning against a tree or whatever, watching and waiting ready to take the shoot.


For 10 to 15 years I have used the Gizo series 55, during the pandemic I decided it was time for a lighter one. I ended up with a RRS series 3. Mainly because that was the only one I could find. Not that I don't like it, but I'm a Gitzo kind of guy. I have both the Wimberly, and RRS head. Hands down I prefer the RRS. Attaching the len to the wimberly is a pain, and doesn't provide any advantage to the RRS. With RRS I can just set the camera/lens combo on the head, and close the lever. I leave the head loose with a slight drag so that I can move the lens up and down. Works great. I also find them very useful when walking around a Motocross track waiting patiently for a bike to come flying over a ridge. When on very unstable ground I will put my camera/lens in my pack and use the monopod as a walking stick, and probing the ground ahead of me if I'm in a marsh.

Mike

Great photos. You and I use the monopod in the same way, including with a tilt-head. This morning I spent several hours sitting at a wetland waiting for waterfowl and the ability to put the weight of the camera and lens onto the monopod was a blessing.