Is it better a monopod or tripod to make videos? I already have a gimbal

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FoxAdriano

Well-known member
Hello, I almost decided, I will buy the Benro IT15 for my GH5 but before making the purchase I would like your opinion. I remember that I need the lightest tripod possible, I don't take pictures but only videos. If there are important differences I will be able to evaluate the acquiring of the other Benro. But I like the Benro IT15 because it doesn't have the knobs to stretch the legs. I believe that if you want to open a tripod as quickly as possible the knobs are not too suitable.

My questions: what should I do to shoot with the Benro IT15? I think it's a tripod to take pictures and not for video. So I should buy a lever to handle the GH5? Or what else? I repeat: even if the head is not very fluid it's ok because I will do panning with the gimbal and with the tripod I will mostly do fixed videos. If I had to change my head, the tripod would weigh more, I think it. 1000 thanks for some info.

PS: Out of curiosity: because I already have the gimbal Zhiyun Crane Plus that has a small tripod at the bottom, do you think a monopod could be more useful for me to make videos or a tripod? I will use all them only for my trips.
 
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It "depends"

Personally I *LOVE* a monopod for unscripted fast paced shooting.

But also there is stuff I really prefer a tripod for.

And in the end it can be a very personal preference.

Why not just get both? For a lightweight camera like a GH4 the support gear is pretty cheap
 
Thanks for your suggestions, bu it is not a price problem. My problem is different. I travel always alone in remote places of Africa and rainforest and I will make my first documentary with a GH5 the next month in Africa. I already have a gimbal (Zhiyun Crane Plus) and for this reason I asked if it is better a tripod or a monopod for me.
 
I'd vote tripod. It makes a great camera stand when you want to put the camera down. It also can be used as a shoulder rig in a pinch if you need one.
 
FoxAdriano said:
.... But I like the Benro IT15 because it doesn't have the knobs to stretch the legs. I believe that if you want to open a tripod as quickly as possible the knobs are not too suitable.
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I wouldn't rule out tripods because of knobs. My lightweight tripod has knobs that only take a quarter turn and the legs drop quickly.


FoxAdriano said:
.... do you think a monopod could be more useful for me to make videos or a tripod? I will use all them only for my trips.
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The Benro IT15 is both a tripod and monopod. From the product description: "One of the tripod's legs can be removed and attached to the included ball head to convert into a monopod that extends to 59.8" high. "
 
Paul F said:
The Benro IT15 is both a tripod and monopod. From the product description: "One of the tripod's legs can be removed and attached to the included ball head to convert into a monopod that extends to 59.8" high. "
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I was going to mention that many lightweight tripods can be both by removing a leg and the center column. The ball head on the IT15 will not be very video friendly for tilts and maybe not for pans. I'd suggest one of their tripods with the S6 video head or the S8 video head. I have the S6 and it is OK, the S8 would be better. The Benro Aero 7 might be a good choice, not sure if the head is better than the S6 but should be at least as good. The Aero series are fairly short so they pack up into smaller places and generally weight less than their other tripods. https://www.benrousa.com/products/benro-a3883ts7.aspx

[edit] This is the tripod I have, it is decent and I got it as a demo so the price was under $200usd https://www.benrousa.com/products/benro-a2573fs6.aspx
 
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FoxAdriano said:
Thanks for your suggestions, bu it is not a price problem. My problem is different. I travel always alone in remote places of Africa and rainforest and I will make my first documentary with a GH5 the next month in Africa. I already have a gimbal (Zhiyun Crane Plus) and for this reason I asked if it is better a tripod or a monopod for me.
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I vote monopod then, as it is lighter.

Unless you will be doing a lot of self filming, or time lapses, then get a tripod.
 
That's where spending a bit more to buy carbon fiber may be worthwhile. That Aero7 has a CF version, not sure how much you will really save in weight though.
 
'It Depends' is completely th answer.

To dive around the market and get a sequence of 10s shots of traders and thier wares you want a monopod.

To do a smooth slow shot telephoto of the elephants walking past the sunrise at kilimanjaro you want a tripod.

Embarking on a doc without already knowing this 'feel' is a little under thought IMO.

Personally Id have a shoulder mount (market) and sticks (scenics).. just like most doc shooters have had for the last 50 years.
 
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morgan_moore said:
Embarking on a doc without already knowing this 'feel' is a little under thought IMO.
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I'm sorry but I think you didn't read well my question or you didn't understand my bad english. I wrote I already have a gimbal and having a gimbal already, what should I buy? Which one would be more useful for me?
 
He’s saying the visual style of the doc should determine what tools you need, and that by asking the question you asked, this aspect of the documentary does not seem to be well thought out.

Without having ever done what you’re doing I would recommend the tools that allow the most versatility. To me that’s a tripod. A tripod can do what a monopod does, if you learn to move really fast with it, but the opposite is not true.
 
Ok, I will have to buy one of the two tripods, I have no alternative because they are the lightest tripods: https://www.amazon.it/Benro-IT15-Tr..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=C9T49249598EG6NX6QM7 or https://www.amazon.it/Treppiede-Con...qid=1532016060&sr=1-6&keywords=K&F++treppiede
(Benro IT15 Kit or Reflex K&F Concept TM2324). Then I will have to replace the head and to buy another one for video but the easiest and the least heavy that exists on the earth. I'm considering: https://www.manfrotto.it/nuova-testa-joystick-con-portata-fino-a-3-5kg or https://www.manfrotto.it/product/MV...qwKua122JnIwSia_wMRoCoIYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Do you know a very light head that doesn't exceed 500gr?
 
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FoxAdriano said:
Unfortunately I have to limit the weight because I shoot only in remote areas around the world and I always travel alone.
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Adding a monopod is the addition of one pound one ounce.

When you need a monopod you need a monopod.

When you need a tripod you need a tripod.
 
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1273964-REG/manfrotto_mvkbfr_liveus_befree_live_video.html

I have one of these for travel....it's flimsy, but light and easily fits in a backpack....the pan is OK...the tilt not...with practice you can get usable pans...especially filming in Africa, in remote countryside, in extremely dusty and sandy conditions, a monopod does not provide a place for your camera to sit on...the pan arm on the little fluid head is the weak spot, but for the kind of trip you're doing, light is good, and if you break the arm, you can improvise...read some reviews...for what I use mine for, it's fine...but it's no production quality piece of gear...only I handle it.
 
fboonzaier said:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1273964-REG/manfrotto_mvkbfr_liveus_befree_live_video.html

I have one of these for travel....it's flimsy, but light and easily fits in a backpack....the pan is OK...the tilt not...with practice you can get usable pans...especially filming in Africa, in remote countryside, in extremely dusty and sandy conditions, a monopod does not provide a place for your camera to sit on...the pan arm on the little fluid head is the weak spot, but for the kind of trip you're doing, light is good, and if you break the arm, you can improvise...read some reviews...for what I use mine for, it's fine...but it's no production quality piece of gear...only I handle it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your suggestions. Out of curiosity: is Manfrotto MVH400AH the fluid head? Thanks
 
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