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 right eye and I had to actually get my camera before I could answer. ;D
b
I keep my right eye open. I actually held a recipe card I have by my laptop up to my face to make sure:)
I use my right eye
I keep my right eye open, had to practice and think about that for a moment.
I use my right eye to look through my viewfinder & when I talk on the phone I listen with my left ear… Interesting
I put my right eye at viewfinder and leave my left eye open…which freaks out my client LOL
keep my left eye open.
I’m a rightie. ;o)
Puffy eyes Tea Bags? Cream?I’ve had this irritating puffy eye for the past 2 days. Not red or itchy just puffy and dry. From lack of sleep and woknrig online for the past couple of days. I read about cold compresses and tea bags also cucumbers. Is there a particular brand of tea bags I need to buy? Also what is the best aloe-based eye-soothing gel or cream? I’m 6 months pregnant so nothing medicated. Safe and easy to use? Thanks!
right eye
I use my right eye!
I use my left eye 🙂
I keep my right eye open. Thanks for the chance to win.
keep my left eye open……..i’m as lefty as a person can get:)
Right eye
Right, left, no, right.
I had to double check to see which i eye I use,the right one.By the way,love your blog!
Right eye for me!
I use my right eye
I keep my right eye open. Thanks for the giveaway!
I look through the viewfinder with my right eye but I actually keep both open when I’m shooting.
my right eye!
I use my right eye, not my wrong eye hahaha, ok, not so funny. The right one. Thank you!
I keep my right eye open.
I use my right eye!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Lorie Hall
loriehall@hotmail.com
My left eye…maybe because I’m left handed? Thanks for the giveaway Amanda!
Left eye, and right handed. 🙂
I shoot with my right eye opened…and I, too, had quite a time determining this! 🙂
Left eye 🙂
I use my right eye to look through the view finder 🙂
I keep my left eye open…
I use my right eye! 😉
I keep my right eye open
Left eye, right handed. I’m blind in my right eye so it doesn’t bother me to keep both eyes open either. Thanks for the giveway!
My right eye is open when I’m shooting pictures.
How awesome! I use my left eye when taking pictures. Weird!
Right eye… but more and more with my granddaughter running and never sitting still I am learning to keep both open to anticipate where she may be heading. LOL Not an easy task with a 2 year old.
Left eye.
I use my right eye. Interesting question.
I am a right eye shooter 🙂 Thank You Amanda for another great give away!
Right eye open. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I use my right eye!
I use my right eye.
Left eye!
Left eye
Leftie all the way!
Right. I tried left, but it felt wrong…
I use my right eye.
My right eye is open… and what’s bad, is I had to pick up my camera and hold it up to my face to remember… 🙂
I use my left eye… 🙂
I use my right eye.