Do you use a tripod?

[Crissy]

How many of you out there use a tripod when you take pictures? How often do you use it? I mean to use mine more often than I really do, but it just seems easier to have the camera ready to shoot whenever and where ever.

[Chris]

I used to use a tripod with my non digital SLR years ago - a bogen tripod, then I had a small table model that came with a Yashica we once had. It was great because I used it as a shoulder brace to keep the camera steady. I broke it on my first really large and heavy camcorder!

[Aino]

I also have one, nothing terribly expensive -but I rarely use it. I have taken it out on trips when I intend to photograph nature or flowers or things like that. And I have used it to shoot flowers inside the house or when shooting the moon. But I find it pretty useless when shooting around kids, family and daily life. I'd rather increase my ISO and gain a little grain than to fiddle with the tripod....

[Chris]

I agree with Aino about the kids and the bother with it - my tripod was used mainly for class projects, and I gave the it to my daughter when I started using the small table model. I wish I wasn't so stupid to use it for the video camera, I really need one since going digital.

[ValerieP]

I looked at a monopod the other day and started to think about when it would be really nice to have it-but one more thing to carry-so? I do have a little tripod that helps when I want a shot with both dh and me when we are out and about exploring. I used it a lot wit my p&s, but haven't tried it with my SLR yet-maybe soon-I just have to make sure it is secure and there aren't too many people around

[katrinak]

I just purchased a monopod and have to say I could INSTANTLY see a difference in my photos. I think I will be carrying it around much much more!

[Crissy]

You know... I have never heard of a monopod until now, LOL!! How do they work? Do they stand by themselves or do you have to hold them up?

[ValerieP]

I only looked at one in Walmart- it was fairly inexpensive- do you all think it would be worth bringing home?

[digigrandma]

I have one. Rarely use it, even though I've been meaning to use it more for landscape photos or close-up photography of flowers. I recently used it to take my own photograph in front of our house so I could do the squirrel photo thing.

I just bought a remote control for my camera so that I can maybe do a photo shoot of the new grandson using the tripod and the remote. At one month of age he, at least, stays in one spot!

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by Crissy

You know... I have never heard of a monopod until now, LOL!! How do they work? Do they stand by themselves or do you have to hold them up?

You have to hold it. Your camera attaches to the top but you can easily use the camera with both hands and it supports the weight. Not a substitute for a tripod but works when you are in crowds, moving a lot or simply cant use a tripod.

[Crissy]

I think I need one of those Sounds easier than having to set up a tripod when you are on the go.

[connieg]

Merrilee, I bought a remote for my camera a couple of months ago, I love it. It will be great for shooting your new grandson sitting on grandma's lap.

[connieg]

Katrina, My cheap tripod is on its last legs, I've abused it, and trying to use it as a monopiod didn't help matters. So I'm in the market for a reasonable priced tri and monopod. So what do you suggest or what should I be looking for, I want to get the best my money will allow.

[katrinak]

Quite honestly Connie I sent my husband to pick it out because I was OVERWHELMED with all of the choices. I bought a Manfroto because I love my Manfroto tripod. It was in the $50 range. If I had to do it over now that I've got mine I would buy one that collapsed just a bit smaller so it would fit in a carry on bag. I'd also invest in a ball head for easier movement of your camera while on the tripod. The price range is crazy from $40 to $200. I went with the selection from my local camera store so was a bit limited.

[carollee]

I can't picture a monopod, must google it.

I've only used my tripod for family photos when I want to get in them too, so I can use the self taking doo-dad. My mind has gone blank, LOL.

[katrinak]

It looks a bit like a ski pole or a cane

[shellb]

I have a cheapy but I love it. I was with my Camera Club and the organizer of the field trip let me borrow his manfrotto...Oh I love it. It's on my wish list. The monopod is interesting. I googled it and I love how Katrina says she uses it. I bet its a huge help, I'm just not sure if I'm brave enough to use it. I have camera issues.

[Amson]

I am in the market now for a tripod as my cheapie broke and I really need one for travelling (we have a trip planned for November). I have usually carried a tripod with me everywhere in travels although sometimes it has not been used. Prices here in Australia are crazy with the carbon I am looking at costing $350. It is my 50th birthday present to myself. So hard to decide.......

[ejanie]

The monopod works really well at sporting events.

[Carol Elliott]

Katrina - The advice on your monopod is just what I am looking for. I too have been overwhelmed, but my fingers are sore from taking swimming photos the last couple of weeks, so I think it is time for a monopod! I love my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, but man, is that baby heavy! On a positive note though, I think my arms are firming up!! I do have a tripod, but it is a pain to move around at sporting events, especially swimming where there is not much room around the pool.

[audrey77]

Originally Posted by Amson

Prices here in Australia are crazy with the carbon I am looking at costing $350. It is my 50th birthday present to myself. So hard to decide.......

The Carbon his crazy expensive here too! I am delaying a tripod purchase... too much money!

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by allmine

Katrina - The advice on your monopod is just what I am looking for. I too have been overwhelmed, but my fingers are sore from taking swimming photos the last couple of weeks, so I think it is time for a monopod! I love my 70-200 f/2.8L IS, but man, is that baby heavy! On a positive note though, I think my arms are firming up!! I do have a tripod, but it is a pain to move around at sporting events, especially swimming where there is not much room around the pool.

that is EXACTLY the lens I needed the monopod for. The great thing about the monopod too is that the IS doesn't need to work so hard so your battery life is much greater!