A photographic equipment question

Newportnobby · August 09, 2020, 09:43:01 PM

Looks like age is catching up with me faster than I want it to. Some of you have seen I enjoy filming steam trains passing through the area but yesterday I had trouble in hand holding the camera, starting the vid, zooming and stopping the vid which is why I mentioned maybe getting a monopod (one legged tripod).
I've been doing some research today and have come up with the Sirui P-204SR which appears to do all I want and more. It costs as much as the camera I have did 3 years or so ago and, more to the point, as much as a largeish new N gauge loco (which those who know me well know it sticketh in my craw).
Unlikely I know, but does anyone have experience of monopods? I'm after one with panning and tilt ability, robust construction such that it will see me out.
https://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-sirui-p-204sr-aluminium-monopod-with-stand.htm

N_GaugeModeller · August 09, 2020, 09:52:30 PM

Monopods tend to not be as easy to use as you would think, you might be better of with a tripod.

If you realy want a monopod I have a half decent one in the back of the cupboard you are welcome to for the cost of postage.

If you are interested I will dig it out tomorrow and let you know make and model.

NGM

Newportnobby · August 09, 2020, 10:00:12 PM

Thanks for that. I would certainly be interested in knowing more about it so I can check it out

Dorsetmike · August 09, 2020, 11:03:41 PM

For tracking a moving target I find a monopod far superior, I use mine at air shows. Tripods are best for stationary subjects or some slow subjects. Some tripod heads can swivel, but I still prefer the monopod, as a bonus it comes in handy as a walking pole.

Ditape · August 10, 2020, 02:02:40 AM

That monopod looks to be over kill mine is much simpler and works well if you want a free standing device a tripod would probably be better.

maridunian · August 10, 2020, 06:47:44 AM

My father made a 'chain monopod'. About 5' of light-weight chain with a short 1/4" bolt through the last link. Attach one end to camera - put foot on other end. Pull taut when taking pictures - put away in your pocket when not!

Mike

chrism · August 10, 2020, 07:21:20 AM

Quote from: maridunian on August 10, 2020, 06:47:44 AM
My father made a 'chain monopod'. About 5' of light-weight chain with a short 1/4" bolt through the last link. Attach one end to camera - put foot on other end. Pull taut when taking pictures - put away in your pocket when not!

If I've interpreted Mick's problem correctly I don't think that would help, in fact it could exacerbate it because you have to remember to keep tension on the chain - as well as manipulate all the controls.

I have an interesting take on a monopod, in that it's only a short one (adjustable between 10-15") with the bottom held up by a neckstrap. In combination with a short neckstrap on the camera it keeps the camera nicely in front of your eye so your hands are more free to just work the controls. Panning is achieved by twisting at the hips, and legs whilst tilt can be done by leaning forwards and backwards.

Another possibility, if the camera has the capability, would be a locking remote control which could be attached to the neckstrap (so it can't go swinging off on its own and can be easily found when you want to stop a recording), thereby leaving the hands free for everything else once the recording has been started.

geoffc · August 10, 2020, 09:45:21 AM

The one Mick is looking at has a stand, more of a hinderance than a help. I use a tripod for static subjects and a monopod for moving subjects. I have a ball head for the monopod which I find is useless, I use the monopod to support the weight and pan by swiveling around the foot of the monopod.
My monopod is an aluminium Manfrotto, light but strong.

Geoff

N_GaugeModeller · August 10, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Hi

The one I have is a Davis & Stafford Trekker Pro complete with its bag

22 inches closed 66 inches extended and 660 grams in its bag

You will need a head but they are very personal so shouldn't be an issue.

Only been used once as I couldn't get on with it, I prefer a tripod.

You are welcome to it for the cost of postage via PayPal friends and family

Let me know via PM if you are interested.

NGM

Dorsetmike · August 10, 2020, 11:14:29 AM

A good head for a monopod is the Manfrotto MN222RC, also handy on a tripod, squeeze the handle and it will swivel and/or tilt. also featurers a quick release plate that fits the botom of the camera and slides on and locks to the head.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MANFROTTO-MN222RC-JOYSTICK-TRIPOD-HEAD-WITH-1-4-QUICK-RELEASE-PLATE/283486499598?hash=item42011cb30e:g:3dsAAOSwHNxaKoav

Newportnobby · August 10, 2020, 01:35:16 PM

Thanks to all for contributions so far.........

Quote from: Ditape on August 10, 2020, 02:02:40 AM
That monopod looks to be over kill mine is much simpler and works well if you want a free standing device a tripod would probably be better.

Thanks, Di, but I don't want a free standing device.

Quote from: chrism on August 10, 2020, 07:21:20 AM

Another possibility, if the camera has the capability, would be a locking remote control which could be attached to the neckstrap (so it can't go swinging off on its own and can be easily found when you want to stop a recording), thereby leaving the hands free for everything else once the recording has been started.

Sadly the camera has no such fitting, Chris.

Quote from: geoffc on August 10, 2020, 09:45:21 AM
The one Mick is looking at has a stand, more of a hinderance than a help. I use the monopod to support the weight and pan by swiveling around the foot of the monopod.

Exactly, Geoff. Quoted from the spec.............

The spreader can be detached and used as a floor or table tripod. The monopod can also be used without the spreader, you would then use the rubber foot with twist out metal spike.

@N_GaugeModeller @Dorsetmike
Thanks for the info which I'll check into.

Ditape · August 10, 2020, 03:40:07 PM

Quote from: Newportnobby on August 10, 2020, 01:35:16 PM
Thanks to all for contributions so far.........

Quote from: Ditape on August 10, 2020, 02:02:40 AM
That monopod looks to be over kill mine is much simpler and works well if you want a free standing device a tripod would probably be better.

Thanks, Di, but I don't want a free standing device.

In that case you don't need the mono pod you have highlighted a much simpler one would do, something like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/K-F-Concept-Compact-Camera-Monopod-Aluminum-67-inch-For-Nikon-Sony-T3D8/283974297883?epid=9032364648&hash=item421e2fe91b:g:enoAAOSwPHhfMQTr

lil chris · August 10, 2020, 06:04:36 PM

Hi there Mick @Newportnobby not sure if you have seen the item called a Gimbal that Stephen on Elvenholme uses for filming on his layout. It is on episode 81 and he does a review and explains it's use, it looks like something that might be of use to you.

Newportnobby · August 10, 2020, 08:13:53 PM

Thanks, Chris, but Ditape has set me wondering and I may yet come to a conclusion after a bit more research.

Newportnobby · August 11, 2020, 12:38:57 PM

After much thought, research, vid watching and reading the above replies I have plumped for the item in my OP. You probably think "he's got more money than sense", especially with the offer from @N_GaugeModeller but it was @Ditape who finally brought me to this conclusion.
The Sirui has remarkable reviews. I've found one at a decent price and it carries a 6 year warranty.
It has panning and tilting features along with the option of feet or rubber foot/steel spike and it was all the versatility that convinced me I could also use it in place of the heavy, un-user friendly tripod I inherited from my Father all those years ago (which is also not quick to set up and takes up a lot of space on it's spindly legs)
The deed is done. I thank you all.