|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 02, 2007Monopds versus tripods
From time to time, I've been asked to recommend a monopod for use with a spotting scope, both with and without a camera attached. Hey, I hate having to lug a tripod around out in the field as much as anyone, but after having tried every alternative to a tripod, including shoulder stocks (we don't carry) and monopods, I still carry a tripod. Why? Monopods and shoulder stocks don't offer the stability needed at these magnifications.
For casual viewing and scanning at relatively low magnifications, say 20x to 30x, monopods and shoulder stocks are better than nothing, but even at those magnifications, they leave a lot to be desired if you are trying to study fine detail. Forget monopods and shoulder stocks altogether at 60x. They're just dead weight at this end of a spotting scopes magnification. For a spotting scope with a camera attached, forget a monopod at any magnification. If you want sharp pics, you will need a tripod. Monopods with a 300mm, f2.8 lens (about 6x) camera lens are one thing, but 40x shots with a camera and spotting scope are another thing, entirely. It's tough enough to get good pics at this magnification, even with a good tripod. A monopod just doesn't get the job done if you want those keepers. Comments: |
|
|
|
|
© 1999- OpticsPlanet, Inc
- telescopes,
binoculars,
microscopes,
riflescopes,
rangefinders,
& more.