Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: hassiman on February 20, 2011, 04:51:45 pm

Title: Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?
Post by: hassiman on February 20, 2011, 04:51:45 pm
Has anyone here used either the 6 section Gitzo GM2561T or 4 section GM2541 Monopods ?

I like the compact size of the 6 section GM2561T but I am dubious as to how sturdy it would be with its pencil-thin final section... it is only 14-34 closed. The 4 section version is 20-3.4 closed but it seems like it would be more sturdy and even good enough to do duty as a walking stick.

I will be using mostly a 5D MII and a 24-105

Anyone here used either of these? Thoughts?

Someone also mentioned Induro as an option... I have always been a Gitzo user... should I consider an Induro Monopod?
Title: Re: Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?
Post by: jmwscot on February 20, 2011, 05:22:42 pm
The use of a monopod with this lens would be ineffective. The image stabilisation will do a better job than any monopod. I've done exhaustive tests using the 1Ds MKIII with that lens and the 70-200 IS F2.8. The monopod was no benefit. The monopod comes into its own on heavy lenses where it primarily is a support to allieviate the weight hand holding. With up to date stabilisation the monopod helps little with camera shake. I do a lot of low light photography at slow shutter speeds and can get good results at the 105mm end at 1/50. If I take multiple exposures I can get away with 1/30th. At the wide angle end 1/15-1/6.

My Manfrotto monopod is carbon fibre, 22 ins long and has 4 sections. It's as sturdy as you would want. I am reluctant to sell it and it is used now to support an off camera flash.

Hope this helps.

John
Title: Re: Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?
Post by: Scott O. on February 20, 2011, 09:31:15 pm
Were I to purchase a monopod at present, it would be the new Really Right Stuff pod with their monopod head.  The monopod is top quality and the head expands the usefulness of the setup.
Title: Re: Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?
Post by: stever on February 21, 2011, 12:22:50 am
i agree that a monopod will be pretty useless with the 24-105

i tried using a monopod for panos and i'd rather handhold

from my experience, a monopod is useful for holding up something you can't handhold like a 400 2.8, and not much else
Title: Re: Help: Need advice on MonoPod purchase. Gitzo... Induro?
Post by: Canon Bob on February 21, 2011, 03:51:22 am
Has anyone here used either the 6 section Gitzo GM2561T or 4 section GM2541 Monopods ?


I actually have both options although my 6 section is a 2560T (previous version).  I exclusively use the G2541 when I need a monopod and only carry the G2560 when I might need one.....it's simply not stable enough for heavier lenses (300/2.8 size) or 1srs bodies (Canon) for regular use.....ie, it's my emergency monopod only.

Can't help with whether the G2560 would be okay for a 24-105....I haven't used either with shorter lenses (except macro).

Bob