Author Topic: Walking monopods?  (Read 2568 times)

  • Offline zpyder

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Walking monopods?
on: January 21, 2009, 14:05:33 PM
Im planning a trip to the lake district for in the near future, and of course I will have to take some pictures. Having used sticks with scales on for fieldwork, I quite like the idea of having a monopod for walking, but also for a bit of camera support.

Im not that knowledgeable in cameras and makes, or if theres anything to watch out for in a tripod/monopod, so was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or information on them?

  • Offline Alien8

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #1 on: January 23, 2009, 15:09:48 PM
I have never used one, but did consider getting one as the look a bit less awkward to carry than a tripod, and was looking at how to use one when I found this site

http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3

hope its helpfull :)

  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #2 on: January 23, 2009, 16:15:48 PM
Hah, that over complicates things somewhat!

I ended up getting a mountain king expedition pole with a removeable handle that has a camera screw underneath.

I found there were a lot of monopods that looked flimsy, and really I wanted a pole that doubled as a monopod, rather than a monopod that doubled as a pole, if you get my meaning. Its primary use will be for walking and gauging the depth of mud and things, with the added stability for when Im knackered on a hillside and whatnot for the photos!

  • Offline Serious

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #3 on: January 23, 2009, 16:31:12 PM
Ive got a professional Manfrotto model, extremely strong to the extent you could use it as a weapon too. I would have suggested going in to a camera shop and having a look before you decided, even if buying elsewhere.

There are also heads that allow you to change the camera angle, rather than just having it pointing straight forwards. I got a cheap but adequate Hama one from 7dayshop.

Thing with having to remove and reattach the handle is it might become a chore, mine has a handle just below the screw thread.

Mine looks similar to this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Pro-Monopod-MN681B-3-Sctn/dp/B0001BY20M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232728043&sr=8-7

  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #4 on: January 23, 2009, 17:17:35 PM
Aye, I saw some similar to that, but decided on a moulded grip.

The handle removal may become a chore, but I dont expect to be using it that much, as I said, I wanted it to be a walking pole primarily, so having changeable baskets and points on the end is a big +, as well as being very very strong. That and the fact it is a bit cheaper, and has a non-photo partner for if I ever decide to need 2 poles for stuff, is a bonus too.

Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #5 on: January 23, 2009, 23:31:03 PM
Quote from: zpyder
with the added stability for when Im knackered on a hillside
A pole is a lifesaver coming down a hill even when youre not knackered.

  • Offline Serious

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #6 on: January 23, 2009, 23:51:26 PM
Quote from: zpyder
Aye, I saw some similar to that, but decided on a moulded grip.


Just wondering, if you have it how much can you extend the thing? Going down a steep, rough hill can mean longer = better. Really a monopod should extend up enough so you can look through the eyepiece of the camera without bending much.

  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #7 on: January 24, 2009, 09:16:08 AM
Its only to 135, which is about the norm it seems. Some go beyond this, I know the pod you showed did, but I really cant emphasise the requirement for strength for the kinds of things Ill be using it for ;)

Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #8 on: January 24, 2009, 11:31:58 AM
Quote from: zpyder


I ended up getting a mountain king expedition pole with a removeable handle that has a camera screw underneath.
!


Ive got one of those, almost never use it now that I have a camera with SR built in, but it used to come in very handy indeed and of course its still good as a walking pole.

  • Offline Serious

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #9 on: January 24, 2009, 17:49:43 PM
Quote from: zpyder
Its only to 135, which is about the norm it seems. Some go beyond this, I know the pod you showed did, but I really cant emphasise the requirement for strength for the kinds of things Ill be using it for ;)


Mines so strong that if you put a seat on top you could sit on it easily. The issue with this is it is also heavy, the tube is thick metal and the weight might be too much for some people. Ive had it a very long time and so far its proven, to all intents and purposes, practically indestructible. Providing you dont use it for something like trying to lever boulders or fallen tree trunks it will last a lifetime. Ive been up this with it a good few times, and over the Cheviots! If I do go out with my camera I ditch the stick and use that.


http://www.sb-sota.org.uk/sb009.htm

Oh, I used to camp just on the left of the picture as a kid! :D Last time I was up was just a few month back, even managed somehow to get to the top, and down again! Then spent the rest of the day crippled :/

  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #10 on: January 24, 2009, 18:33:31 PM
Hehe, yeah, Im slightly concerned Ill cripple myself in the lakes. I have some kind of persistent injury where if I walk too fast or stretch my legs too far, I pull a muscle on the inside of my groin/thigh, crippling me for a couple of days.

Were going to do Scafel Pike and helvelyn which are the highest and 3rd highest peaks in England at ~3000ft , so I forsee a fair bit of pain :D

  • Offline Serious

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #11 on: January 24, 2009, 21:07:11 PM
Ive done that, both sides, trying to run just a few metres for a bus...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7848934.stm

3 good reasons for not going climbing in the winter...

  • Offline zpyder

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #12 on: January 24, 2009, 23:32:14 PM
We should hopefully be safe, I have a feeling we wont be going till after easter, depending on my friend, would have been nice to see some snow on the ground but people know me, Im that cautious if theres even a sniff of danger well change plans and do a different lower peak heh.

As to the groin thing, know of any exercises to prevent or ease it?

  • Offline Serious

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Re:Walking monopods?
Reply #13 on: January 25, 2009, 01:09:16 AM
Probably the best option is some gentle stretching exercises every day. Every morning I spend time stretching the leg muscles and tendons before even thinking of getting up. Also might be worth trying to  walk, cycle or swim every day to keep your muscles trained. If it still continues ask your doctor but I doubt if there is much that can be done. I have muscle relaxants that do help a bit but I dont like taking them.

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