fj5 Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Are monopods useful during weddings or do they just slow you down? Besides using tripods for formal shots, is handheld really the only way to go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralph_wilson Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I use one during the ceremony on the long lenses. I don't move around a whole lot during the ceremony anyway. Other than that, I shoot handheld. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_russell2 Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I just did my first wedding yesteray actually and found that I didnt even need my tripod. Im sure in the future on some shoots I will but when moving from place to place it just seems to be in the way. During the ceremony I even turned off auto focus and did everything manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek_c. Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 If you do 3-5 weddings you'll figure out the system that works for you.<br>I don't have a monopod.<br>I always bring a tripod, I use it maybe less than 10% of the time.<br>But when I need it, I really need it.<br>I can see how some people would not even bother to bring tripod/monopod.<br>Especially if they are PJ style... or if a photographer is small and doesn't want to carry too much.<br> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmarkpainter Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Tripods should always be reday in case you need it. I mount a Rollei on one and shoot a roll of long-ish ceremony exposures with it. That always delivers some great images Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstrutz Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 I frequently use both a monopod and tripod. The tripod for formals, and the monopod for the most of the ceremony shots. Lately I've been skipping the monopod for some weddings and just use the tripod as a monopod by extending one leg. It's not as convenient to use, but it saves me the time/hassle of keeping track of, and using, both. I have a system quick release with every support/bracket/camera equipped with the same device so substitutions are quick. Since switching to digital, I find the higher usable ISO's are allowing me to hand hold more, so the monopod is getting used less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_jacoby___raleigh__nc Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 It's a lot better in theory than in practice in my opinion. I only use a monopod only if I use a long lens. Then it's worth it's weight in gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedding-photography-denver Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 I always have both there. I use the tripod for formal shots and the mono (when I use it) for ceremony shots and some well lit portrait shots at the reeption. OTOH, if I can hold it, I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 A couple of things to consider: Maybe most damaging thing that happens to available light images is caused by camera movement, (perhaps more than any other single thing). IMO, Tri-pods are essential at the ceremony. They are even better with a cable release. Mono-pods are very useful for mobility. They allow you to go most places you can go when just hand holding. Any lower light shot taken with a Mono-pod will be better than just hand holding... the exception to this rule may be a rangefinder which can be hand- held at lower shutter speeds than a SLR or DSLR... but even they are better on a Mono- pod. Jacking up the ISO, even with the newer DSLRs, is an unnecessary compromise when a Tri- pod or Mono-pod is employed... unless subject movement is a concern, which is less likely during a ceremony if you observe your timing carefully ( ISO 200 or 400 is better than ISO 800 or 1600). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photoreu Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 definitely useful... in more ways that one. Just this saturday we used one to hold a second light (slaved 550), as a regular old monopod, and then to hold the camera up above the crowd during the hoora hoora (sp?) (where they lift up the b+g on chairs)... got some cool shots with a 14mm... set the camera to self timer, zone focus, hit the shutter and hold it up there.. we got some cool stuff that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueform Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 Monopods just do not enter the equation, i have been using this product at weddings for the last couple of years. In low light it is often better than a monopod. Bronica + 80mm + Metz, 1/2 sec no problem. Digital, 35mm, Long lense as above. Jim Kingston.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueform Posted March 28, 2005 Share Posted March 28, 2005 Correction. It is often better than a TRIPOD in low light. Jim Kingston Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fj5 Posted March 28, 2005 Author Share Posted March 28, 2005 How is that thing standing? I can't see the other leg. It just looks like it's resting on two little legs and... possibly leaning on the wall? Great looking setup though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gregory_c Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 I use my monopod when the church does not have a center isle & have to stand between the pews, or occasionally stand on the pews. Or at outdoor weddings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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