How to Use a MONOPOD FOR Macro & Insect Photography (With a Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro Lens)
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2022
- How to Use a Monopod for Macro Photography: I mostly hand-hold for my macro and insect photography, but what about a monopod? It bridges the gap between hand-holding and using a tripod. It's lighter and more flexible than a tripod, but still gives you a degree of support and can reduce the pressure on your body. I gave it a try on an insect and macro shoot, with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, at one of my local haunts. Have you used this technique.. and does it work for you? Let me know in the Comments Box below.
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This video was filmed with a Canon M50 and 15-45mm lens.
Equipment: Canon 1DX Mark i; Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens; K & F Concepts modified monopod; Pig Iron Ball Head; L Bracket
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Also if you have the camera strap around your neck, when using the monopod it can give a bit of extra stability - taking some of the tension out of your grip. Another thing to try - if you have a cable release - is to tape it to the grip of the monopod to be used with your left or free hand.
Using the camera strap and a monopod is a very good combination. It has saved my photos many times when shooting alpine skiing when the subject just shoots by you at top speed.
Interesting video. I suggest that you should always extend the bottom sections of the monopod last, as by keeping it to the thicker sections will give you better stability, particularly if you have a light monopod.
Except if you’re in the muck, then extend the lowest element to avoid the dirt getting into the locking mechanism
You could throw a sock or something down to keep mud and debris off the leg when you retract it again. Mind you, Although this sounds sensible I always forget to do it myself 🤣
Hi Paul - I love using my mono for macro ..I push the leg forward so I can get very low behind it -- works great for grabbing vid clips as well. When I do need to extend for height - I start with the top thick portions first and save the more flimsy lower section until absolutely needed. Great instructions and images as usual from you .. looking forward to many more :)
Great tip, thank you Doug.
Hi Paul! The monopod is my best friend photographically speaking! I find it really difficult to use a tripod from my mobility scooter, so the monopod is much easier.
I regularly use a monopod for macro. It really helps with stability and thus sharpness and I find it much easier than a tripod to carry in the field. I've recently upgraded to a Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR Carbon Fibre 4-Section Monopod which has retractable feet. This has helped immensely, and I can thoroughly recommend it!
I also fine it damps out some vibration from my slight tremor which gets a little worse when straining to get the best composition
Thanks for sharing John.
Try this. Set a short monopod so it points straight back from the camera (perpendicular to the viewscreen) and now tuck it into your armpit (or what ever the Brits call it) and squeeze it between your arm and the side of your chest.
Can also help steady a telephoto.
Interesting. Yes, we call them armpits...
That is a fantastic idea, will try it today. But now, perhaps more importantly, I am wondering what people call armpits in different countries? 😃
3.48! I also talk to my cameras & subjects. I’ve recently bought a sturdy monopod & primarily shoot macro handheld in the field; finding this video right now is serendipitous.
Excellent idea! A monopod would even work better with an L bracket on the camera for verticals. A tripod in a botanic gardens facility is also a red flag to be designated as a pro photographer and charged accordingly. A monopod won't arouse much attention.
Non professional use tripods too.😊
Thank you for a great video on monopods , i use one quite a bit for my photos, especially when i use larger lens, 100 to 400 and 150 to 600, as i have shoulder and arm issues, and it really helps me get better photos
I have a monopod and after watching this video, I now have a better idea of when to use it. I have lots of woods around my neighborhood, this will come in handy. Thanks Paul.
Great video. I like macro also and find a tripod is way to cumbersome. Thanks for sharing and your shots were great.
I use the same lens for macro. You brought good suggestions! My K&F TC2534 tripod has a detachable monopod. Thanks for the good video!
Thanks again, Paul. ✌️❤️
Great video Paul. Thanks for introducing this technique to others who may benefit. I've been shooting monopod macro exclusively for the last year or so and I swear by it. I love the stable platform being really effective for quick stacks. I use a super light carbon Manfrotto job with modified ball head. When you get the technique down, it only takes seconds to dial in the right height and start shooting. I often shoot in dark forest, so it's great to add a focussing LED on a side arm and large flash with soft box in the hot shoe. A little odd with the tiny Fujifilm / Laowa lens in the centre but works a treat. My tripod experience was similar to yours and I often disturbed the subject, but this was much improved with the mono. Thanks again and happy shooting.
Thanks for sharing your techniques. Very useful for others here.
Very timely video for me. I am going to start using a monopod with my camera and macro lens. I am using a Vanguard VEO monopod with three short folding feet on the bottom. I mated it with a Moman video head that has silky smooth pan and tilt. This combination is no light weight though. The smooth tilt makes it easy to rock forward and back to frame a macro subject.
Using a monopod has been a staple for macro work, would also use the camera strap as discussed on here plus the idea of the cable release taped to the monopod sounds a good method. Paul try them both you might find one of them works for you.
Good video, and an untapped resource for macro. A video monopod with the tripod feet work a treat. If you tension the little feet right it can provide extra stability over the single contact point of the normal monopod that can wobble a bit. I like to put 1 foot on one of the 3 feet and a knee against it further up for extra points of contact. You can also lean it in towards the subject and use tension on a video head to remain fluid.
Nice video, I use tilt pan head to avoid ball head flop.
I second the use of monopod, I have been using my manfrotto monopod with ball head for macro, esp when i am shooting with Sigma 180mm f2.8, very heavy lens..
Hi Paul I never leave the house without mine its a god send been using it for over 2 years now. I have a 100-400 lens and its great for standing waiting for wildlife and seeing I have a big stomach its good to rest on to. My shots are more clear to.
Excellent!
Another great vid! I use an i-Footage Cobra monopod for wildlife and macro. It has a simple twist grip to unlock, adjust the length and lock, instead of adjustable leg sections. Very quick and easy!
Sounds good David!
Had a mono. for years wouldn't be without it, as you say Paul clip it on your bag and your ready for any macro situation. Very frustrating when your on the perfect shot with handheld and your shutter speed let's you down. 👍
Another option is a SmallRig cage with handle. You can hold the camera at ground level very comfortably with one of those cages.
Good video again, Paul. Found that interesting. Halfway through, hubby called me out into the garden to take a photo of a tiny blue butterfly that was flitting around. Had my100-400 lens on the camera, which is very heavy for me, (but I won't give up on it), but I might have benefitted from using my tripod, perhaps!!
Definitely give it a go if you can. You can find cheap monopods. Or even use a light tripod as a monopod.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thanks for your reply. I will certainly give it a go.
One little tip: I added a lever clamp to my monopod, and other supports, this way with an addition of a dovetail plate to my ballhead I can switch from monopod to tripod, or a platypod with the flick of a lever and shoot at the level required by the situation.
Hi Paul Good idea for Macro, probably really good if you want to focus stack as well. Nice to see you are still using the amazing 1DX Mk1 and not going over to mirrorless like everyone else. I sold my 1DX2 18 months ago to fund an R5 but wish I could have afforded to have kept it as well. I loved that camera. All the best Doug
Would not recommend the monopod for focus stacking. I tried it and the result were photos that did not line up enough to prevent small areas of blur in between perfectly sharp areas. Single shot macro the results are acceptable but focus stacking with the monopod was a no-go for professionally acceptable results.
Don't know about this. I suspect it would be very difficult.
I use what suits me for now. But mirrorless had advantages.
as usual i love your videos. i got a question,instead of putting high iso,can i use external flash or the image will be less quallity with flash?
Great video. I use a monopod 90% of the time. I have a Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal Head for Monopods and it really makes a significant difference in the ease of use. In regards to which section you should adjust, I agree with you, do what is easiest and causes the least disruption. My other recommendation is to buy the best quality monopod you can afford and make sure it is significantly taller than yourself for when you want to do birds in flight shots! I also use my monopod as a hiking stick (so to speak) and add the camera when needed.
Thanks Andrew. Still getting used to the monopod approach! Thanks for mentioning that head - a few people told me about it and I forgot the model, so thank you!
Hi great video, I have used a mono pod for macro for some years also. I would suggest using a monopod tilting head rather than a ball head. Also if you use the camera strap (around your neck) this adds additional support to stop camera movement Alternatively if you attach a rope/string to the tripod mounting thread with an appropriate screw/bolt with a loop attached bottom of the string (making a stirup to put your foot through) you can then brace the camera by putting upward pressure one the camera to stabilise it, also with the camera strap as above.
Great suggestions. I will certainly consider a tilt head.
Pig iron 👍👍I use their arka Swiss plate for the 500mm f4 nice big solid plate with 3 bolts although only 2 are needed 👍👍
Hi Paul, I often use a gimbal head on my manfrotto monopod. I tend to use it with lenses with tripod rings. When I am doing portraits I often have to shoot low down and with the slightly heavier lenses and old canon 1ds Mk2 body it saves a lot of muscle pain for me.
Tripod ring would be better. Glad this combo works for you
I've been using a monopod for macro for years, dump your ball head and get a tilt head, less messing about and far more controllable and a spike for the bottom to shove into the soil so you don't slip at silly angles.
I might look at a tilt head. Other people have suggested this.
First like💪🏼
I made a sort of crutch top for my monopod, a padded curved support for the lens to just sit on. It takes the weight but still gives the flexibility. Trick is to not lift camera off of it and then have it crash to the floor unsupported. I will add a short cord leash to it for next time I use it. Great ideas and content thanks!
That sounds good, too!
Love it. Might steal that idea..!
I never thought about that, how clever! You can keep the camera strap around your neck and you are safe so far as slippage goes?
What I was thinking was attach a rubber pad of somekind to the top of the mono pod then just sit the camera on it not attach it . If you need to hand hold just drop the mono pod.
You considered using a flash and diffuser for macro? Your results would improve massively (not that they’re bad!)
I just don't like the lighting personally. Happy to use natural light and a bit of extra - reflector, LED etc.
I've used a green garden plant support rod to brace the stem of the plant, then tie with a flexible plastic fitting (like those found which seal a loaf of bread) - I can then photo handheld when there's a lull in windspeed. Good for Soldier Beetles, moths etc - Acts like a 45 degree tree brace. It's also possible to position it for additional light support 'monopod style' - find it in your garden shed or buy one from the DIY at about 90p - Ground conditions obviously have a bearing.
Fantastic tips.
Instability from your hands will far exceed any instability due to wind loading on the leg. Adjust height based on your needs at the moment and enjoy. After watching your video I went out and watched insects on some flowering shrubs. They land so briefly a shot would just have to be extremely coincidental. Looks like I’ll replace my ancient tricky to adjust two piece monopod.
Interesting topic, and video. Thanks. You could tip your ball head all the way to the side and mount the camera sideways on that (using the cage you have attached - though it balances better if you can mount with a lens foot instead, and you can rotate the camera around the lens centre line in that setup). Leave the ball head clamp partially loose and you now have a side gimbal. You can instantly alter the tilt of the camera to keep the subject framed as you rock the monopod forward and back. Better still, get a dedicated side gimbal mount - a mini one. Wimberley make several models (Monogimbal). But if you're not a billionaire, there are "affordable" options available from other makers too :-) Really helps with handheld focus bracketing over short distances too.
I will try and think about that. Thanks for the suggestion Steve. I've heard of this monogimbal thing. No, definitely not a billionare!
This. 👍🏼
As I read this I thought oh boy this one is gonna cost me.🥴
Interesting... Unfortunately I am hopeless at hand holding for macro, no idea why, tried so many times and been annoyed every time / bad results. For that reason I use a tripod (always) tripod in place nice and solid then move the camera on the ball head (getting the friction right is really important ). Never tried a monopod, that would possibly be my best option, going to give it a go on my next outing. With a tripod I always start by extending the top (thickest legs first ) for stability, with a monopod however I don't think it'll make much difference, as you said, easiest to get at whilst not disturbing the shot. Good video, well done that man ! Thnx
I’ve typically only use my monopod with my 600 F4 but it probably would help me a lot with 100mm macro, I feel like an idiot for never trying it before.
With the monopod, you tend to get in positions where your body is leaning forward (or otherwise leaning this way or that), and therefore, holding your balance results in slight body movement. Nothing is easy. :) :)
I prefer to be 'legless' as most of my subjects are on the move. By the time I would set up with the monopod, the subjects would have flown (or crawled away). However, that said, I use a very small 60mm lens so I can do an entire day shooting without worrying too much about the weight of my equipment. Thanks for this video, however, as I will show it to my husband who has been trying to get me to use one!
Hi there. Hand-held is great, I love the flexibility. But monopod I think is good, under certain circumstances.
Great tip monpod Paul 👌and some great photos and bit of your sense of humour again excellent teacher keep us learning 👏👏
Cheers Paul. I quite enjoyed this vid. Practical in the field tuition is my favourite type
I struggle to hand hold but the monopod was just too awkward when I tried it for macro. What I would really like is something where it braces the camera against your chest when you are looking through the viewfinder. Just to add a bit more steadiness to the handholding.
I used a neckstrap with a lens cradle that attached to the lens foot plate for a while but found that the monopod provided more stability, if I did not care to lug the tripod around which of course was still the most stable solution.
Mini tabletop tripod, legs spread to match your belly or closed to be a monopod, combined with a neck strap and tilting viewscreen have done wonders for me. It can act as a supershort monopod to rest on yourself, with the neckstrap helping provide tension. A little body language can adjust for angle, or loosen the ball head. You can follow movng insects this way.
@@johnkanzler6646 That's an interesting idea. I ended up ordering a shoulder rig meant for POV video. Hard to tell from the pictures if I will be able to maneuver enough to make it work but it was cheap enough to get and try.
Michelle Cox I’ll bet you can certainly aim how you need, while still Having it steadied on yourself 😊
@@johnkanzler6646 Well, I'll find out next week when it arrives. :)
I retract two of the legs and use the third as a support.
Any lower and it's time to lie down.
I missed this. I've got a tip for using a monopod or stick for macro photography, that hands down beats any other support for macro, I have ever used. The biggest problem with monopods, is adjusting them for height. This approach gets around this problem.
What you do is open the tripod fully, or use a walking pole, bamboo cane, or any other stick. Instead of using a head. You put your left hand on the stick, at the height you want. Then you simply rest the end of the lens, or lens hood, on your left hand grasping the stick, and brace your camera against your eyebrow, using the rubber eye cup. It's best to rest the end of the lens on your left hand, not the base of the lens or the camera, as this gives much more stability. If you want to adjust the height, you just slide your left hand up or down the stick. In barely a second you can go from the top of the stick, to near the ground. You can rock the stick back and forward. It really needs a demonstration of how to do it, to get the best stability. It is amazing how must stability you can get when you do it right.
The best monopods for this are low profile twist locks. Although you can use ones with catches. It's just not so smooth sliding your hand up and down the stem. You can just use any old stick. I use bamboo canes dotted around my local patch, where I can pick them up when I visit. If you do this, you might want to smooth over the nodes, to avoid splinters. The ideal length of the stick is just over head height. Although you can use shorter ones as they are easier to carry and transport.
I can only use 1 arm hence a tripod is too difficult. Thinking a monopod is lighter than beanbag to carry. Is there a weight limit for a lens on monopod? I’m not using for macro, birds in flight I prefer. Thanks Paul
If it's a fairly big lens then you may need the more expensive monopods and a quality head. I wouldn't risk anything too flimsy.
Great video Paul-my monopod acts a walking stick when I'm out with the camera so it's a double win!
Same here. Me getting older (50+) my knees (arthrosis) do need more support in "bad terrain". Besides special bandages a monopod stick helps a lot LOL.
And my 150-600 like it too.
It certainly does-anything to keep me getting out is fine with me!
As a second comment I bought the Manfrotto Auto 3 section tripod, you don;t have clips or grips to undo.
I love the idea of a monopod. Unfortunately, I have never used one for landscapes, macro, or birds where it didn't feel restrictive and uncoordinated. I'd sooner just use a tripod or hand-hold. I have even used a tripod with a single leg extended when three legs didn't work. I tell myself that I didn't give myself time to get use to it or that a different head may work better but I just can't get comfortable with it. I have a friend who uses a gimbal head on a monopod for birds and seems to enjoy it. Frankly the only time I have felt like a monopod really helped me was in places where tripods were not allowed. Usually, you can get away with a monopod and that is better than nothing at times.
why dont you get rid of that old dinosaurs for one !!!!!