Who here uses a monopod for viewing? (1 Viewer)

[Gdavis248]

Anybody here use a monopod? What's your setup? Do you like using one?

I like the idea of a monopod rather than the tripod. Tripod seems bulky and time consuming to setup/break down. I'd mainly be using the monopod to take on day hikes and for back deck bird watching.

What kind of attachment system should I get? I'd like to maximize my freedom of motion while attached so is there some sort of ball/socket type attachment? I've seen the velcro strap system to hold the bins down which I really like b/c it seems easiest to take on and off. I don't really want to have to fool with screw on/off system although that definitely seem sturdy.

I'm trying to do some research but having a hard time finding exactly what I'm picturing in my head!

Thanks!

 

[Mike Crawley]

With a monopod, I don’t personally think you need to have any kind of head - just attach your 'scope and angle/swivel as necessary.
In my humble opinion, a tripod would be better for your deck. It’s going to stand up on its own with little chance of toppling over and damaging your'scope/binoculars.

Never attached binoculars to anything.

I use a monopod (Manfrotto, carbon fibre)
I partner it with my Opticron MM4 60mm.
I use this combination when I’m out on my own somewhere like Scilly doing "what’s about" casual birding where I can put the 'scope and monopod in a backpack.

If I’m out for something in particular or with my partner I take the MM4 and a cheap lightweight tripod (1.75kg aluminium from Manfrotto) because it’s nye on impossible to show someone else a bird using a monopod.

Serious birding involves my 80MM Swarovski ATS and full size carbon fibre Manfrotto tripod carried on a "mulepack", starts to feel a bit heavy after ab 10km though.

 

[yarrellii]

This is interesting. When I go hiking I usually carry one of those 3-section trekking poles that weight very little and which collapse when not in use so that you can carry them attached to your backpack and feel basically no weight. I've always fantasized about some DIY plate mount on the "handle section" of the pole, so that I could attach a scope, or an adapter for stabilizing binoculars, but I haven't done any further investigation. Does something like this exist? I mean, a really sturdy yet light walking pole (intended as such) that has a mount for scope/binos, such as Arca swiss or similar.

 

[Pinewood]

Hello,

When I use a 12x50, it is always on a monopod. Indeed, if I were to use my 10x32 for a lengthy observation, it would be on a monopod. I use a tilt head, as there is no need for anything fancier, like an alti-azimuth mount as the monopod is easily rotated. The tilt head makes viewing high above the horizon much easier than using no head. The adapter to the tilt head must free of wobble, so I have been using a Leica adapter. Those 'L' connectors are hardly free of shaking. I would advise using a monopod at least as tall as the user.
My experience with a 15x60 on a monopod was not satisfactory.

Stay safe,
Arthur

 

[Tryglo]

This is interesting. When I go hiking I usually carry one of those 3-section trekking poles that weight very little and which collapse when not in use so that you can carry them attached to your backpack and feel basically no weight. I've always fantasized about some DIY plate mount on the "handle section" of the pole, so that I could attach a scope, or an adapter for stabilizing binoculars, but I haven't done any further investigation. Does something like this exist? I mean, a really sturdy yet light walking pole (intended as such) that has a mount for scope/binos, such as Arca swiss or similar.

The K&F monopod/walking stick that I have is used both as a walking stick and to stabilise a camera. It's basically a walking stick with a quarter inch tripod thread on the top. It has lever locks on the legs so it's fairly quick and easy to extend the height when you need to. It's a bit thicker and heavier than my Leki walking stick, but that doesn't cause me any difficulties.

I don't see why it shouldn't work with binos or a scope, but, as Pinewood says, it's a lot easier to use when viewing high above the horizon if you add a lightweight tilt head. I don't usually bother with the head though and it works for me. Mine came from Amazon; try searching for 'Monopod walking stick'. Cost is about £25 in the UK, so cheap enough for most to give it a try if they think it might be for them.

 

[tenex]

My wife has a collapsing Gitzo walking stick with a tiny ball head on top concealed by a plastic cover, and I have a less expensive Leki version with a comfy wooden top knob covering a 1/4" screw mount. Although not as steady as a tripod, we used both successfully in the field with a 400mm camera lens (back in the days before image stabilization) so I imagine they could also help with a large binocular, though I'm less sure about a scope. It doesn't take long to screw in/out because the pole twists easily and the thread is shallow. We found getting the height just right to be important.

 

[BKoh]

My tripod has a detachable leg that becomes a monopod, so I tried that with my binos when stargazing. I didn't like it as the extra weight on the binos made them harder to move around, yet they were not completely stable. So in a way the worst of both worlds.

However I am interested in monopods with a mini tripod foot, those seem to offer better stability while remaining smaller than a normal tripod.

For heads, I suggest a tilt-only head since a monopod rotates freely. For me, a ballhead offers so much freedom of movement that the monopod might not offer enough support. YMMV.

 

[Boogieshrew]

This is interesting. When I go hiking I usually carry one of those 3-section trekking poles that weight very little and which collapse when not in use so that you can carry them attached to your backpack and feel basically no weight. I've always fantasized about some DIY plate mount on the "handle section" of the pole, so that I could attach a scope, or an adapter for stabilizing binoculars, but I haven't done any further investigation. Does something like this exist? I mean, a really sturdy yet light walking pole (intended as such) that has a mount for scope/binos, such as Arca swiss or similar.

I use a Terra Nova

Unipodhttps://www.summits.co.uk/product/terra-nova-unipod-trekking-pole/

A walking pole that you can mount a head on or a scope direct. Also good as a tent pole for when I'm tarp camping.

 

[yarrellii]

@Boogieshrew Thank you, I didn't know it. More than 15 years ago I had a Terra Nova tent (with titanium pegs!) and I remember it was really good stuff. I'll be checking this one. If I may ask you, do you use a head? If so, of what kind? Thanks!

 

[Tringa45]

Don't forget to check the height.
For taller people the majority of monopods on the market are too short.

John

 

[limonabe]

I use a Sirui P-306 monopod with VA-5 head and connect to my binoculars using the Outdoorsman bino stud system. I use it with my Ultravid 12x50 and Fujinon 16x70. No complaints, works perfectly well and packs small.

 

[Boogieshrew]

@Boogieshrew Thank you, I didn't know it. More than 15 years ago I had a Terra Nova tent (with titanium pegs!) and I remember it was really good stuff. I'll be checking this one. If I may ask you, do you use a head? If so, of what kind? Thanks!

Hi Yarrelli,
I use this manfrotto monopod head.
Monopod Head with Quick Release, wide 90° scope
But I don't always need it. It's often possible to use the scope directly attached to the monopod if you don't need a lot of vertical movement.

Terra Nova equipment is good stuff, like you say. A good brand. I have a tent by them thats24 years old and still perfectly useable.

 

[albie...]

I have a Manfrotto monopod with pistol-grip head and a triple foot fluid base . It is my second monopod setup , the first was a cheaper setup that couldn't handle the weight of my 5 pound 15x70 BA8's too well .
I use the monopod mostly with the 15x70 for stargazing but do like to use it during the day with my 8x42 Nikon MHG's occasionally .

Here's a couple pics . The second pic gives you an idea of how tall the monopod is.

 

[Gdavis248]

I have a Manfrotto monopod with pistol-grip head and a triple foot fluid base . It is my second monopod setup , the first was a cheaper setup that couldn't handle the weight of my 5 pound 15x70 BA8's too well .
I use the monopod mostly with the 15x70 for stargazing but do like to use it during the day with my 8x42 Nikon MHG's occasionally .

Here's a couple pics . The second pic gives you an idea of how tall the monopod is.

I like this set up!

While you're here, I'm heavily leaning towards getting some Nikon MHG's later this year! What are you thoughts on them??

 

[albie...]

I like this set up!

While you're here, I'm heavily leaning towards getting some Nikon MHG's later this year! What are you thoughts on them??

The Nikon MHG 8x42 replaced both of my Nikon E2's ( 8x30 , 10x35 ) . I needed a binocular that was more eyeglass friendly than the E2's and performed as well or better , the MHG did that for me . Ergonomics , viewing comfort , colour rendition , sharpness , contrast , fov , build quality , etc , are all what I would expect for a binocular that retails at $1450 ca . Nobody pays retail though .
I really like the Monarch HG 8x42 . Can't really tell you much more .

 

[Gdavis248]

The Nikon MHG 8x42 replaced both of my Nikon E2's ( 8x30 , 10x35 ) . I needed a binocular that was more eyeglass friendly than the E2's and performed as well or better , the MHG did that for me . Ergonomics , viewing comfort , colour rendition , sharpness , contrast , fov , build quality , etc , are all what I would expect for a binocular that retails at $1450 ca . Nobody pays retail though .
I really like the Monarch HG 8x42 . Can't really tell you much more .

Well I’m a fellow glasses wearer 🤓

And I’m glad to hear the MHGs work well with glasses!

I wish they were sold in stores just so I could get my hands on them in person before buying but oh well! I got a good feeling about them.

 

[dries1]

Gdavis248,
If you can wait until later this year Nikon will likely have a sale or two, just keep your eyes out.

 

[Gdavis248]

Gdavis248,
If you can wait until later this year Nikon will likely have a sale or two, just keep your eyes out.

Oh I can definitely wait! I gotta get some money together so it’ll be a few more months. Do you know when they normally have a sale????

 

[dries1]

Towards the end of year, likely after September.

 

[Ted Y.]

I use a Terra Nova

Unipodhttps://www.summits.co.uk/product/terra-nova-unipod-trekking-pole/

A walking pole that you can mount a head on or a scope direct. Also good as a tent pole for when I'm tarp camping.

How one can attach a binocular to this monopod?