On Feb 1, 2013, at 6:12 PM, Aahz Maruch wrote: > Checked the last two year's archives, nothing about monopods. What do > people recommend for a K-5 IIs with 60-250? Do you also use it as a > walking stick?
If you want inexpensive, and sturdy enough to use as a walking stick: http://www.flickriver.com/photos/ellarsee/sets/72157631515424162/ After doing low light dance photography for a while with the K100 and K20, I tried using a monopod one night and found that while I could get sharp photos hand holding at 1/10 second or below, my keeper ratio went up tremendously (like an order of magnitude) when using the monopod. When I went shopping for one, my primary concern was that it fit in the computer pocket of my camera bag. That limited it to about 17" (if I didn't want it in there diagonally). I found a great deal on a five section carbon fiber monopod. I didn't think that carbon fiber would be important, but for something that I always carry with me, it makes a difference. The key thing about it, is that I always have it with me. Tripods are great, but they are a pain to carry around. I keep mine in my car, but don't always take it for a hike in the woods, to the beach, in to the dance etc. When going on a hike, or even shooting indoors when sometimes I want it, and sometimes I don't I found that a maglight belt holster is excellent for carrying the monopod: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellarsee/4568907119/in/set-72157623846825763 Even on nominally sunny days, it can be rather dark in the redwood forest. Having a monopod can make the difference of several stops of aperture/ISO by allowing much lower shutter speeds. I don't always put it back in the holster between shots, and will often walk with it like a walking stick. I don't put a lot of weight on it, but when I'm negotiating some rocks on steep ground, while carrying a camera bag, I find it can be very helpful to give me just enough steadying to make things a lot more comfortable. I mentioned fitting it in my camera bag. Short of lenses, camera bags are the topic that photographers are most fanatical about. Most of us seem to try about a dozen before we find the several that work for us. I absolutely love my Lowepro Fastpack 350: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531367-REG/Lowepro_LP35199_PEU_Fastpack_350_Backpack_Red_Black.html I use my camera bag as my daily bag, so I need a pocket that is convenient for carrying my wallet etc. Most bags don't seem to have one. It also has a convenient side pocket, so you can get your camera out without taking it all of the way off: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531367-REG/Lowepro_LP35199_PEU_Fastpack_350_Backpack_Red_Black.html It, unfortunately, took me several years before I figured out a good way to carry a tripod with it. I finally figured out how to clip it on with a biner, and then loop the strap that came with it under the straps for the pocket cover: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellarsee/sets/72157632665692043/ -- Larry Colen [email protected] sent from i4est -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
