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.
I use my right eye!
My right eye…I think. 🙂
The right eye of course!
Donna
I use my right eye
Left! And I totally need all kinds of pods 🙂 I don’t have any, and it is pretty obvious, gah!
I use my right eye. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
I use my left eye. I’m also left handed!
My right eye.
Btw, your pink princess is super cute! ♥
I use my right eye. I’d love to win! A borrowed monopod saved me when I shot my first wedding!
Ooooo…I’m excited about possibly winning the monopod and I’m curious reading the answers to your question.
I use my left. My husband said he uses his left. My photography-nutty daughter uses her right. Strangely, she has the strongest eyeglass prescription for her right eye, which is nearsighted (her left eye is not). I was surprised at that.
I use my right eye.
I use my right eye. Great giveaway – thank you for the chance!
the right 😉 I’ve heard recently that you should shoot with both eyes open… HARD to do!!!
I use my left .. Thank you for the giveaway !! Hope you’re feeling better as well !!
Since I do a lot of wildlife/bird photos I actually keep both eyes open – a trick learn from Moose Peterson and Rick Sammon so you can stay aware of what’s going on around you. I look through the viewfinder with my right eye.
Right eye.
My right eye!! Thanks for the giveaway.
I use my right
Had to think about it a second…right. Thanks for the chance!
The left.
Right!
I use my right eye!
That’s funny – I had to think about it. I use my right.
I use my right eye!
I use my left for pics but learned to keep both open while shooting video.
Wow I never really thought about it before! I’m a lefty so I use my left eye in my viewfinder 🙂
Left. However my bangs are always in the way on that side!
I peer through the viewfinder with my left eye and keep my right open – which I’ve heard is odd because I’m right handed. I don’t mind being odd. 🙂
I use my right eye in my viewfinder. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Right eye!
Right eye.
Right eye. (I actually had to pick up my camera and hold it up to remember which eye I used – poor camera hasn’t been used enough lately, I guess)
I use my right eye, though I had to stop and think about it for a second. 😉
My right eye. I can tell because there are more crow’s feet around my left eye. 🙂
I use my right eye 🙂
My right eye!!! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
Probably my right eye, as that’s the one I have the distance contact lens in. But I’ll have to double check!
I use my right eye.
I use my right eye ballius. You are supposed to keep both eyes open? More info plz!
I use both!
Right eye..however I sometimes find that both are open? Im so weird!! lol
I use my left eye ….
I use my right eye!
Thank you for Everyday Elements. You have helped me tremendously!
Left eye all the way…
I look through the view finder with my left eye. I am surprised how many people use their right one!!!
I keep my left eye open. I am right handed though.
My right eye…thanks for the chance Amanda!
Keep my RIGHT eye open – maybe b/c I’m right-handed?!?!
OMW had to pick up the camera & Check =) it’s the right !