Monopod for my XL1S at DVinfo.net

Andrew Petrie · August 20th, 2004, 09:53 AM

I'm looking for the best monopod that can comfortably hold a Canon XL1. This is primarily used for a lot of run'n gun with my car club, as the tripod takes too long to back and set up when we're on cruises, or in a crowd.

So, naturally I'm looking for a monopod that can compact nicely, and extend quickly. Weight isn't so much of an issue, but going light is always a nice bonus.

Can anyone suggest a suitable monopod?

Ken Tanaka · August 20th, 2004, 10:53 AM

We have oodles of posts concerning monopods here.

Personally, I don't feel that a monopod is a good choice for most video applications. I think you'll find them most common in situations that have traditionally been dominated by still photography (ex: weddings and wildlife...hmm...maybe they're more similar than I realized). Obviously they limit your vertical movement during a shot. But they do not offer much lateral stability. You may find that schlepping a monopod with an XL1 will be more work than value. So I recommend that if you're determined to try a monopod you get a dirt-cheap model first to see if the technique really meets your expectations. The fact is that there really isn't that much practical difference between a $50 monopod and a $600 model.

As an alternative, if you're having trouble with stability and/or fatigue I recommend considering a high-quality shoulder brace.

Have fun!

Robert Mann Z. · August 20th, 2004, 12:49 PM

the ohh so front heavy xl1 welcomes my monopod, on along day of shooting my carbon fiber gitzo is super light and gives me the help i need...i have quick release swivel bogen head on it so attaching and reattaching is painless,

i have been shooting this way for 3 years now, and don't ever plan on giving up my monopod, which i use now on my dvx...

monopod $99
head $24
super steady shots $priceless

Mike Rehmus · August 20th, 2004, 02:12 PM

The model (name brand forgotten) monopod that has a squeeze handle for releasing the telescoping sections would be much more useful than one with toggle-locks.

Alex Dolgin · August 24th, 2004, 08:57 AM

It is a Bogen 3245. And btw our new monopod gadget helps in lateral stability a lot. Take a look at the sample video. If you are handy, you can easily go DIY.
Alex
http://dolgin.net/Director.htm

Dennis Kane · August 24th, 2004, 03:42 PM

I use a monopod from Adrorama and a small Bogen quick release ballhead. The monopod is small, extends to 68 inches if needed and is very light. Of course it does not replace a tripod, but in situations where my tripod is too inconvenient, it works very well. The whole system costs about $150.

Ursula Badertscher · August 29th, 2004, 02:13 AM

Monostat Switzerland makes real cool monopods which have a unique foot stabilizer with a ball inside. This makes horizontal and vertical movements a lot easier. www.monostat.com
But they are rather expensive. I paid about $ 120.00 for a RS16 Pro over here in Switzerland.

Andrew Petrie · August 31st, 2004, 11:20 AM

Thank you gentlemen, I'll take a look at everything suggested and find the one best suited for my needs.

Eric Chi · September 2nd, 2004, 02:29 AM

HI Andrew,

I'd highly recommend Bogen 3449 (449) Carbon One Carbon Fiber Monopod. It's light (only 1.1 lb) and strong. And is made of carbon fiber for only $146 at B&H. Add a Bogen swivel head ($17), the combo works great and you have no limitation vertically.

I also got a belt pouch from Orchard Hardware. The kit works wonderfully when I need to walk while taking video.

Eric.

<<<-- Originally posted by Andrew Petrie : I'm looking for the best monopod that can comfortably hold a Canon XL1. This is primarily used for a lot of run'n gun with my car club, as the tripod takes too long to back and set up when we're on cruises, or in a crowd.

So, naturally I'm looking for a monopod that can compact nicely, and extend quickly. Weight isn't so much of an issue, but going light is always a nice bonus.

Can anyone suggest a suitable monopod? -->>>

Alex Dolgin · September 14th, 2004, 08:18 AM

http://www.dolgin.net/Director.wmv

David Lau · October 24th, 2004, 05:02 PM

Hi I am new around here, just started to cross over to Video from Photography. Anyhow I was wondering is it crucial to use a head with a monopod. cause i never used a head on a mono ever. even in still photography.

Dennis Vogel · October 29th, 2004, 02:36 PM

With still photography the aim is to keep the camera still. With video the goal is to be able to move the camera smoothly. Those two requirements drive a whole lot of differences in tripod heads in particular.

For monopods it's not quite as clear but you still need to tilt at times which can only be done easily with a head. Panning isn't a problem so sometimes monopod heads only have a tilt function.

Good luck.

Dennis Vogel

August 20th, 2004, 09:53 AM	#1
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Monopod for my XL1S I'm looking for the best monopod that can comfortably hold a Canon XL1. This is primarily used for a lot of run'n gun with my car club, as the tripod takes too long to back and set up when we're on cruises, or in a crowd. So, naturally I'm looking for a monopod that can compact nicely, and extend quickly. Weight isn't so much of an issue, but going light is always a nice bonus. Can anyone suggest a suitable monopod? __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

August 20th, 2004, 10:53 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	We have oodles of posts concerning monopods here. Personally, I don't feel that a monopod is a good choice for most video applications. I think you'll find them most common in situations that have traditionally been dominated by still photography (ex: weddings and wildlife...hmm...maybe they're more similar than I realized). Obviously they limit your vertical movement during a shot. But they do not offer much lateral stability. You may find that schlepping a monopod with an XL1 will be more work than value. So I recommend that if you're determined to try a monopod you get a dirt-cheap model first to see if the technique really meets your expectations. The fact is that there really isn't that much practical difference between a $50 monopod and a $600 model. As an alternative, if you're having trouble with stability and/or fatigue I recommend considering a high-quality shoulder brace. Have fun! __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

August 20th, 2004, 02:12 PM	#4
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	The model (name brand forgotten) monopod that has a squeeze handle for releasing the telescoping sections would be much more useful than one with toggle-locks. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 24th, 2004, 08:57 AM	#5
Alex Dolgin Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, Ma Posts: 286	lateral stability is "under control" It is a Bogen 3245. And btw our new monopod gadget helps in lateral stability a lot. Take a look at the sample video. If you are handy, you can easily go DIY. Alex http://dolgin.net/Director.htm __________________ Alex Dolgin Dolgin Engineering Camera DC Power accessories, Fast 4 position Battery Charger http://www.dolgin.net

August 31st, 2004, 11:20 AM	#8
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	Thank you gentlemen, I'll take a look at everything suggested and find the one best suited for my needs. __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

August 20th, 2004, 12:49 PM	#3
Robert Mann Z. Skyonic New York Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NYC Posts: 614	the ohh so front heavy xl1 welcomes my monopod, on along day of shooting my carbon fiber gitzo is super light and gives me the help i need...i have quick release swivel bogen head on it so attaching and reattaching is painless, i have been shooting this way for 3 years now, and don't ever plan on giving up my monopod, which i use now on my dvx... monopod $99 head $24 super steady shots $priceless

August 24th, 2004, 03:42 PM	#6
Dennis Kane Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: san francisco, ca Posts: 106	I use a monopod from Adrorama and a small Bogen quick release ballhead. The monopod is small, extends to 68 inches if needed and is very light. Of course it does not replace a tripod, but in situations where my tripod is too inconvenient, it works very well. The whole system costs about $150.

August 29th, 2004, 02:13 AM	#7
Ursula Badertscher New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Switzerland Posts: 19	Monostat Switzerland makes real cool monopods which have a unique foot stabilizer with a ball inside. This makes horizontal and vertical movements a lot easier. www.monostat.com But they are rather expensive. I paid about $ 120.00 for a RS16 Pro over here in Switzerland.

September 2nd, 2004, 02:29 AM	#9
Eric Chi New Boot Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 23	Re: Monopod for my XL1S HI Andrew, I'd highly recommend Bogen 3449 (449) Carbon One Carbon Fiber Monopod. It's light (only 1.1 lb) and strong. And is made of carbon fiber for only $146 at B&H. Add a Bogen swivel head ($17), the combo works great and you have no limitation vertically. I also got a belt pouch from Orchard Hardware. The kit works wonderfully when I need to walk while taking video. Eric. <<<-- Originally posted by Andrew Petrie : I'm looking for the best monopod that can comfortably hold a Canon XL1. This is primarily used for a lot of run'n gun with my car club, as the tripod takes too long to back and set up when we're on cruises, or in a crowd. So, naturally I'm looking for a monopod that can compact nicely, and extend quickly. Weight isn't so much of an issue, but going light is always a nice bonus. Can anyone suggest a suitable monopod? -->>>

September 14th, 2004, 08:18 AM	#10
Alex Dolgin Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, Ma Posts: 286	new 4 min clip using the monopod stabilizer http://www.dolgin.net/Director.wmv __________________ Alex Dolgin Dolgin Engineering Camera DC Power accessories, Fast 4 position Battery Charger http://www.dolgin.net

October 24th, 2004, 05:02 PM	#11
David Lau New Boot Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 19	Hi I am new around here, just started to cross over to Video from Photography. Anyhow I was wondering is it crucial to use a head with a monopod. cause i never used a head on a mono ever. even in still photography.

October 29th, 2004, 02:36 PM	#12
Dennis Vogel Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 409	With still photography the aim is to keep the camera still. With video the goal is to be able to move the camera smoothly. Those two requirements drive a whole lot of differences in tripod heads in particular. For monopods it's not quite as clear but you still need to tilt at times which can only be done easily with a head. Panning isn't a problem so sometimes monopod heads only have a tilt function. Good luck. Dennis Vogel