Travels - tripod or monopod?

[FayJ]

I am off on my travels next week (20th) and I have a bit of a dilemma. I am taking my camera gear, of course, but I am wondering whether to take my carbon fibre tripod or a monopod instead.
The tripod isn't heavy, but it takes up room in my rucksack, and I wonder if I'd be better off taking a monopod instead. I don't want to not take some kind of support as I do tend to get camera shake even with a lightweight lens such as the 400mm f5.6.
I am not taking a scope with me (takes up too much room and is extra weight), so I don't think a tripod is absolutely essential, but I do want to take the best photos possible.

Thoughts, anyone?

[Joe stockwell]

Take a monopod, allthough a tripod is good but they do take up room

have you ever tried one of these (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1028538)

joe

[FayJ]

Hi Joe, I have the similar Manfrotto 679 (which was a lot cheaper!). I am leaning towards a tripod, but want to get some thoughts before deciding.

Thanks
VB

[MichaelF]

If you lean towards a tripod, good chance you'll stay up.

If you lean towards a monopod, you'll fall over.

:ohdear:

[FayJ]

Yeah, very amusing Michael, but not a lot of help. :no:

[Colin Key]

If the 400mm is the longest lens you are taking I would take a monopod and forget about the tripod, but the light will be so good "down under" that you might not even need the monopod. I have never had either my 400 f/5.6 or 100-400 zoom (on a 1DMk3) on a monopod or tripod.

Colin

[Colin Key]

Take a monopod, allthough a tripod is good but they do take up room

have you ever tried one of these (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1028538)

joe

Do you use any sort of "Gimbal type" head with that monopod Joe?

Colin

[FayJ]

If the 400mm is the longest lens you are taking I would take a monopod and forget about the tripod, but the light will be so good "down under" that you might not even need the monopod. I have never had either my 400 f/5.6 or 100-400 zoom (on a 1DMk3) on a monopod or tripod.

Colin

Thanks Colin.

[Joe stockwell]

nope normaly use just a bog standard ball and sockett head

joe

[MichaelF]

Yeah, very amusing Michael, but not a lot of helpSorry, but it is a valid point - with a monopod, you can't leave it standing the way you can with a tripod. That would certainly put me off getting a monopod, having to hold on to it continuously, when you want to scan for other birds with your bins, change the batteries in the camera, eat your lunch, etc., etc.

[FayJ]

Sorry, but it is a valid point - with a monopod, you can't leave it standing the way you can with a tripod. That would certainly put me off getting a monopod, having to hold on to it continuously, when you want to scan for other birds with your bins, change the batteries in the camera, eat your lunch, etc., etc.

True. I was thinking along those lines, but it comes down to weight vs portability then I think I will go witht he monopod. I can always lay the thing down, on the ground or a bench.

[prattw]

See if you can find a rifle rest that fits on your monopod. That way you don't have to actually attach the camera to the monopod, you just prop the joint between camera and lens on the rest. You can leave camera on a strap around your neck, and can drop the monopod anywhere without worrying about the camera. Personally I can't see any difference in stability.

Will Pratt