Okay, in my marathon post on focus, you heard me talk about how slow shutter speed can be one of the causes for “soft” or out-of-focus pictures, right? Well, one way to help with that is to use a tripod or monopod. Both tools will help steady the camera and prevent movement you would other wise have from your own hand shake.
The most ideal tool for ensuring complete stillness is a tripod, however we don’t often have time to set up a tripod when in certain situations. And, tripods can be bulky and take up more space than you might have. So, a wonderful solution is the monopod.
In September I purchased the Manfrotto 680B monopod and I have been very pleased! Not only does it help me hold steady so I can use a slower shutter speed when light is low, but it helps me not break my wrists holding up the D700 with the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens (which is a monster).
I have used the monopod at the wedding I did last month, plus at all my son’s football games (if I lugged the D700 with me). You can adjust the leg so easily to be longer or shorter, in just a couple of seconds, whereas with a tripod you have to adjust each of the legs, taking up more time. When I was finished shooting, I quickly close down each section and carry it on my wrist or under my arm.
Here is a shot of my pink princess, posing not all that willingly, with the Manfrotto monopod fully extended, so you can get an idea of the size.
If you are struggling with keeping your shutter speed fast enough to ensure good focus, think about investing in a good monopod. And, I encourage you not to buy the cheapest one you see. you are putting an expensive camera and lens on it, so you want one that is well built and durable.
Please remember, this is NOT a tool you will use if you need a long shutter speed, like for night shots and such. Those type shots require a tripod. Monopods are great for weddings, nature and sports photography.
Okay, on to the giveaway!!!
Giveaway is CLOSED
I am giving away a Manfrotto 680B to one lucky person! Comment #3, Lori, was the winning number. Congrats, Lori!!!
To enter the giveaway simply tell me if you use your right or left eye when looking through your viewfinder (in other words, which one do you keep OPEN when shooting).
- One entry per person
- Answer must be left as comment on this blog post, not on Facebook
- Giveaway ends Saturday, November 19th at 11:30 PM EST
- Winner chosen via Random.org
- Winner has one week to respond to my email after which I will choose another winner
Note: Links are Amazon affiliate links, which mean I receive 3% of sales made from purchases, which I use to help me pay for the products I giveaway here.
About Amanda
I use my left eye! I tried to switch earlier this summer and I couldn’t stand it! Back to using my left! I have noticed that cameras are set up, however, for using your right.
I would love to win the monopod! I have a tripod, but would rather use a monopod, particularly when I travel. Thank you so much for a great giveaway!
my view finder eye is my right eye.
Right eye, and I would presume majority would be right eye… most, if not all, shutter controls are on the right side, which leads me to believe using left eye would put more (of your head) in the way of your hand and shutter controls.
Hmm, this makes me wonder.. do they make left handed cameras?
left!
Right eye! But, I’ve never had an eye exam…. Which is on the list of things to do…
Right eye, which my eye doctor tells me is quite “dominant”…
Left eye!
I’m a righty!
Left!
Right eye!
oh, I have been saving for a monopod! =)
I use my right eye in the viewfinder and my right hand on my shutter button.
Funny, I never thought about what others do?
Thanks for the give-away
~kimi~
I use my left eye…which I’ve never thought of until now and am very surprised!
I use my right eye as my vision is better in that eye.
My 70-200 is putting too much on my poor, pitiful neck. I need a Manfrotto!
Left eye!
Oh, and almost forgot, RIGHT EYE!!!!
I use my right eye on the viewfinder and my right hand on the shutter button! I have a cheap tripod, but I’d love this monopod! 🙂
I actually had to get my camera and put it up to my face to figure it out! I guess I use my right eye. 🙂
Right eye!!
Both…I’m weird!
I keep my left eye open…which to is puzzling, since I am so right handed in everything! Funny how I never thought about this before!
I use my right eye and I have a monopod but it is a cheap one thanks for having these contests
I use my right !!!!
I use my left eye! A monopod sounds like a great addition for me. 🙂
Hi Amanda!
I use my right eye.
I’ve been wearing glasses for 20+ years and they were just getting in the way with my camera, so I just experimented with contact lenses… what a difference!
I use my right eye, but since I am pregnant and my vision is fluctuating it has been very difficult lately!
My right eye!
left, always wanted to try a monopod 🙂
I use my right eye- I absolutely can not close just my right eye-when I try, both eyes close! Would love to have this! wildlife shooting just doesn’t allow time to get the tripod set up!
I use my left eye, which is my dominant eye by far, but I am right-handed. I once had an eye doctor ask me if I hit baseballs well, and–even though I’m not a ball player–I can hit very well. Home runs are easy. Then he asked if I can catch a baseball in a glove and I said no, that’s very hard for me. He explained that because I’m right-handed and left-eye dominant, that makes me a good hitter because my “good” eye is closest to the incoming ball. And it’s the opposite when catching–my poorer right eye is nearest the glove, and so I can’t catch well. So, I don’t know how much truth there is to all of that, but it certainly makes sense in my case.
I shoot with my left eye. I wear a contact for reading in my right eye. I have been looking at monopods! Hope you pick me!! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I keep them both open. However, my left eye is looking through the view finder. Thanks for this awesome giveaway.
Kat
Sweet gift! I keep my right eye open while shooting!
LEFT!!!! I HOPE I WIN!!!!
I keep my left eye open. Since I am right-handed, I tried to keep my right eye open, but my left eye works better for me.
Good luck everyone and happy clicking away!
I use my right eye!
Right eye ….thanks for the chance! 🙂
I use my right eye and had to put the camera up to check it!
I’m a rightie myself!
Left.
I look through the camera with my right eye open when taking pictures~
Right eye all the way!!! My left eye is a lot weaker.
Amanda, did you see me wink at you? Too funny. I closed my right eye as I thought of what my answer would be. So, I use my right eye when I look through the viewfinder. 🙂
Right eye!! 🙂
Most of the time I keep both eyes open…when I do use only one, it is my right.
I use my left eye and I am right handed 🙂
I use my left eye! But I am right handed..is that wierd?
Right eye and I am right handed! I have been checking into to getting a monopod, just ordered a 50-200 lens that is a bit heavy and this would be awesome to use for sports and action shots.
I’m a right-eye kinda girl.
I use my right eye to look through the view finder. My dominate side is my right side.