Wildlife and Monopod Vs. Tripod

I tried searching and could not find any advice on this subject.

 

I primarily shoot picutures of wildlife (Mostly large animals (elk, deer, big

horn sheep) or smaller critters (prarie dogs, marmots, etc) with a minimal

number of landscape shots. I am currently using a Rebel Ti with the Canon 100-

400 L IS lens with a Monfrotto 685B monopod. I figure that I can get about

three stops of improvement over handholding with that combination.

 

My question was do you think I would see a noticible improvement on my wildlife

shots with a tripod? There is a minimum shutter speed needed even with a tripod

as the animal will be moving, so I was curious if anyone had a recommendation?

 

I do not mind spending the money and carrying it, but if it would only provide

mariginal improvement I would rather not.

 

Thanks,

Jeff

It would depend on the lighting situation. Mid day, full sunshine and aperture wide open = no real difference. Twilight, heavy overcast or stopped down = could make a lot of difference.

Jeff,

 

On a lighter setup I was quite fond of my Manfroto 3221 with the leg locks. When its on your shoulder you could clip the leg locks and it would function as a monopod, then if you need the stability just open it up. For birds and small mammals this can be the difference between the shot and not.

 

Be sure to try it out in the store before you make the switch, too light of a tripod will only hurt your images.

 

As for shutter speed, depends on the subject and the light. Elk don't go that fast, so stuff as slow as 1/30th can be razor sharp. When it comes to birds, and little mammals that flash around I like to keep it around 1/100th or faster if possible. Adjust your ISO as needed.

I use a tripod whenever I can for all kinds of wildlife and landscapes. It results in more stability (less shutter speed needed) than a monopod, which I also own and use, and it results in much better composition. So it is a double benefit. Joe Smith

If the animal is always at the same place (ie nest, water hole ect) then the tripod is more stable and will help in low light situation. But if you are panning or if the animal is moving (flying birds, running deers) then the tripod could be more troublesome than helpful. Why not have both, they each have their use in different situation?

Sitthivet Santikarn wrote:"<I>... they each have their use in different situation</I>"

<P>

I agree, but I rarely carry both. My default camera support is a shoulder stock with the

monopod and I use the tripod only where mobility isn't an issue.

A tripod will certainly give you more stability around 400mm. The real answer is that you'll need both, and I would use the tripod as much as possible. I would use the monopod in the situations that you need more mobility.