Panning with Monopod's

[Happy-Snapper]

After having a go at panning for the first time recently and alot of the shots not coming out would it be easyer to use a Monopod to steady the camera...!

(or just not drink so much the night before)

Cheers.

Happy-Snapper

[Red Firecracker]

I considered taking a monopod to Le Mans but decided against due to it being extra stuff to cart around.

In the end I used a slightly strange looking technique to get some stability and to press the shutter at the right time. I positioned myself against a fence post and worked out where my hip would be at the right time. Pan round, get 'that feeling' and press. Then adjust to take into account what comes up on the screen and what you actually want.

Also helps to carpet bomb the subject so you have more chance of getting something decent!

Using that technique got me this;



and this



amongst others.

[kybo]

I tried a monopod and found it a little bit awkward as, to some degree, you have to get used to pivoting around the pod and not just your hips. I tend to point my body towards where the car will end up and swivel my hips round to where the car will be when you start panning. That way as your panning your body is unwinding and is not contorted when it comes time to take the shot. Feels/works for me (I still get garbage shots, though!!)

I'll be taking mine to the GP test day, to try with it again.

Oh, and don't forget to continue to pan with the car, even after you've taken the shot.

Practice on the roads near you. You get some funny looks (really funny looks), a lot slow down thinking you may be plod (especially if you wear a lumo vest) but it pays dividends.

HTH
Scott

[alanw89]

I've never tried a monopod but i dont think you need one to get good panning shots, its much more worthwhile to put effort into improving your technique. Plant your feet facing towards where it is you want to take the shot, tuck your elbows in at you side and twist at the waist.

Examples




The only time i thought about getting a monopod was when i moved from a 400d to 40d and wasnt used to the extra weight but after a few outings i wasnt noticing it anymore. Also i see a monopod as another thing you have to cart about with you and i'd rather carry as little as possible, camera and 70-200 round my neck and 17-40 or 50 1.8 in my pocket. Having said that though i think that if i had a 300mm lens or bigger i would get one.

[MonkeyHanger]

1/80th @ 500mm....on a monopod



The trick is to get away from the natural tendency to move the monopod in an arc. I find that using a gentle push / pull movement (ie push with right hand on camera, pull with left hand on lens) ensures that you rotate the 'pod rather than swinging it.

[kybo]

alanw89 said:

I've never tried a monopod but i dont think you need one to get good panning shots,

Fantastic shot!!

I use the Bigma for all my motorsport and manage without a monopod. it is damn heavy after a while but you get used to it and I oughta give the 'pod another go - although I do find that it's more useful as a support tool, not for panning, but for when you throw the lens over your shoulder

[ROADRUNNER3]

Definitely go handheld for a smoother technique. Here's one of mine....



www.fluidimages.co.uk

[Happy-Snapper]

Wow some great advice and some amazing quality of images.

I think I will carry on testing handheld for the time being, as you say have enough to carry as it is.

Also practice at the side of the road is a good idea hadnt thought of that, will try it tonight and see what re-actions I get LOL.

[Neil G60]

Another thing is only use a shutter speed just slow enough to blur the background. You don't need very long exposures to get the effect

[4hero]

I have a manfrotto monopod, but very rarely use it (if at all).

These are shot hand-held, with a 100-400 (mostly at around 400mm).









Practising on panning technique seems to have proven my shots, and I found the monopod just got in the way.

[Goldeeno]

Personally comes down to what you feel comfortable with. I have a mono pod, and i do use it, but much preffer hand held, no restrictions. Find keeping the mono pod upright while panning hard. But love the adapter ring on my lens which means while on the mono pod i can twist the camera from landscape to portrait and add tilted photos, very easy. So, i have no quibbles with either but find 90% of the time my hand held shots are better. Dont know why lol.

[White Fly Swater]

What you really need is a load of practice

it comes in the same box as the roundtuits