im looking into buying a 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens and im just not sure to get a tripod or monopod? shooting mainly sports?if that makes any difference.
Printable View
im looking into buying a 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens and im just not sure to get a tripod or monopod? shooting mainly sports?if that makes any difference.
monopod
For sports, a monopod will work better - it enables you to move around much more easily.
Quote:
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
I'd agree with both opinions above. However, I'd add that a decent panning head (like an Induro PHQ) or an even higher-end panning head would might work well for things like motor sports where the paths of motion are constant and repeatable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Setters
The Induro has "quintaxial positioning" -- how can you go wrong? [:)]
Seriously, monopod. Feisol rocks, IMHO: rock solid, low price. Add a Manfrotto 234RC quick-release/tilt head and you're in great shape with the 100-400
Definitely a monopod, unless you're shooting video.
You certainly don't need a tripod for stability while shooting high speed frame rates for sports. As stated above the monopod gives you much more mobility, as well as a smaller footprint near the sidelines, and it also enables you to get out of the way of a play more easily, as well as move around with the action of the game.
Also, a tripod definitely doesn't set-up as well in crowds or near; steps, seats, or the stands were people around you would tend to bump into it more easily.
Rich
I think this will be pretty much unanimous; a monopod with a good head -- second the 234RC.
Forget either the monopod or tripod. I think you should try to handhold the the 100-400 before you consider getting support for it. That lens is not hard to handhold for couple of hours.
That's a good point, that particular lens is definitely hand holdable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinh Nhut Nguyen
+1
for sports a tri- or monopod isn't really necessary and I prefer shooting without one. It's way more versatile. Unless you're sitting in a row with 20 other photographers and you don't have room to move(like those guys along the line at the WC Soccer these days..), try without.
Jan
I vote monopod. I have the 100-400 and most of the time I have my Gitzo GM5561 attached. Quite often I am shooting fleeting, fast moving subjects like birds and other wild animals so there is usually little time to set up a tripod.
When going on long hikes the monopod makes carrying the lens & camera on your shoulder very easy. Even when hand holding the extra weight and mass of the monopod hanging down further stabilizes the lens... but at the expense of your arm muscles.