holding a monopod

[Rebecca]

This is already probably well known to everyone but me.

I have had a terrible time trying to hold my camera steady on a monopod and my father shared a nice little technique that he uses with his hiking stick and it transferred well for my use: Using the little wrist strap that is already attached, loop the strap around and under the wrist and then wedge the web of the hand on the handgrip to lock your hand in place. This allows me to hold the monopod using the larger arm muscles instead of just fingers and wrist. I saw a dramatic improvement in stability after trying this.

[AndrewMSV]

Thanks for the tip, Becca.

I, for one could probably use a monopod for my GL2 and FX1 (ESPECIALLY the FX1) but I'm too stubborn to get one. I figure I'll just use a tripod for extended shots (e.g., toasts/speeches, ceremony.)

For all other shots, I'm mostly on the XL1S and it is - as you know - VERY stable. I generally don't need any stabilization for the XL1S and can even use it for lengthy shots like toasts without messing it up or getting tired.

[vegas06]

Becca and Andrew, check out this new fluid base monopod with feet from Bogen. I have the 682 Bogen Monopod with the retractable feet, and hate it because of the flex (too much) in the retractable legs of it.

These look much more substantial, and the fluid base could come in very handy. Could be a good fit for you andrew with you GL2 or FX1.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=434422&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[JC/DV]

I've just started using a monopod more recently. Mainly for reception and/or prep footage. Friend of mine used his monopod as a boompole to get "crane" shots. Works awesome when you get used to it. The reception Saturday was so packed full w/people, setting up tripod was not happening, so the monopod worked well. I can get some really high shots and also use it to flip upside down and get a ground angle shot without squatting on the ground. Just flip that clip in post.

I cut the wrist strap off of mine though, but I did mount a tripod head to it, that handle helps a bit.

[Chuck_e7]

I use the camera hand strap and hold the camera and let the monopod be used as a rest. When I need to pan/swing, I pick it up off the floor. I also us it for "crane" shots, kinda stick when A light is on it though.

[Rebecca]

Becca and Andrew, check out this new fluid base monopod with feet from Bogen. I have the 682 Bogen Monopod with the retractable feet, and hate it because of the flex (too much) in the retractable legs of it.

These look much more substantial, and the fluid base could come in very handy. Could be a good fit for you andrew with you GL2 or FX1.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=434422&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Nice, I like that new monopod. Thanks for the link.

[Mike Downey]

Becca and Andrew, check out this new fluid base monopod with feet from Bogen. I have the 682 Bogen Monopod with the retractable feet, and hate it because of the flex (too much) in the retractable legs of it.

These look much more substantial, and the fluid base could come in very handy. Could be a good fit for you andrew with you GL2 or FX1.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=434422&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


That is pretty slick. The only thing I worry about with the monopods with feet at the bottom is how stable are they. I had one once and when I tried to pan with it the stability made it unusable.


Mike