tripod or monopod

A

artforme

Well-known member
Is there any strong recommendations for a tripod or monopod?

I'm looking for something that is quality, yet small, portable, and affordable.

Has anyone worked with the manfrroto 560b? Or anything similar to that?

The only thing about working with a monopod is that I'm afraid that when I pull focus it might be more likely to affect the video. Please let me know if you've shot video with a monopod.
 
I think your shooting style affects this

You can probably hold 2 or 3 seconds fairly firm on a monopod only

Pull focus is difficullt on both

The adavantage of a monopod is you can really move and change composition so you can get many 3 seconds bursts in a short space of time

So is your style fewer long duration shots or more fast cuts ?

A ball head of some kind is good on a monopod

A monopod can also act as a rudimentry steadicam

S
 
Thanks, yeah my shooting style is pretty go with the flow. So I think short burst are more my style, as ultimate mobility is key for me.
 
Use a tripod. Something small, light and inexpensive to begin... like Dynex - 65" Tripod

Cheers
 
in the ideal world you'll have both and adapt usage according to situations. In a "do or die" situation I'd rather have a good monopod. In other cases where you can afford to spare a few extra seconds to set up I'll go for the tripod. For the dvx/hvx size camera you won't be needing a bulky tripod that will break your bank. A manfrotto 190 with a Manfrotto 501 head will be reasonably good. I have both a monopod and two tripods and adapt usage accordingly. I use my manfrotto 350b tripod for everyday use my manfrotto 190 for travelling and the monopod when i'm on the run especially for cases of investigative Journalism or for news coverage in crowded places.
 
is that head good? with all due respect it doesn't look like it. :-) the only cheap "fluid effect" head i've used that worked ok is the velbon one, which is still in the same price range maybe twice as much or so.

/matt
 
They have a monopod that also has legs, so you can use it as either a tripod or monopod. With a tripod, you can leave it standing while you turn your back for a second, a monopod you need to be on it or reset the shot.
 
mattsand said:
is that head good? with all due respect it doesn't look like it. :-) the only cheap "fluid effect" head i've used that worked ok is the velbon one, which is still in the same price range maybe twice as much or so.

/matt
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Matt, I agree it doesn't look like it...and it is a cheapo tripod, but it works very well for the D90. I've been very surprised. I have tried the Velbon one and I think the Hakuba's head is tighter, no wobble that you sometimes get on these at the beginning and end of a movement. I probably wouldn't use it for serious client work, but for quick hits, run and gun stuff it works.
 
thanks, that's great info. are you referring to the fluid head from velbon though? the one that looks like a real head even though i'm sure they're cheating. i think it's really smooth and it never wobbles or jerks the slightest. in fact had it just been heavier i might actually use it for client work.

/matt
 
I was referring to the Velbon Videomate 607. They had them side by side at Fry's Electronics for a while and the two are very comparable, but you're right, they may both be a little too light. I just liked the Hakuba's pan and tilt better (you actually control tilt tension by twisting the panning arm, plus it has very good sturdy rubber feet and a built in handle :) I've had it for over two years and it's held up. I originally bought it for my TRV900 when the DVX arrived, but the D90 has it now.
 
joe 1008 said:
Vincent Laforet recommends this selfstanding monopod from Bogen (best to use with a quick release plate):

http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=682B&productDescription=SELF%20STANDING%20MONOPOD%20BLACK&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1
Click to expand...
Capt Quirk said:
They have a monopod that also has legs, so you can use it as either a tripod or monopod. With a tripod, you can leave it standing while you turn your back for a second, a monopod you need to be on it or reset the shot.
Click to expand...
Something that I don't understand. Are those three retractable legs capable of holding a 5lbs DSLR zoom lens included? Or just lower than that? If so, how low? 4, 3lbs?
 
Caesar, I am not 100% on that model, I just saw the ad once, and thought it was a cool idea. I believe it is Varizoom that makes it, so start looking there. As far as the weight, I doubt it is capable of holding up anything as heavy as a BetaCam, but a still cam should be fine.
 
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