I purchased a 561B monopod 6 months ago and I've used it once. I expected the three little feet at the bottom to provide more stability than than they do. I hate that it still moves around so much, as I am a freak for steady shots. I went back to using my tripod with the legs folded in when I need the room or to using my spider brace.

Can those of you who use this device tell me how you use it and when?

I have two monopods and I basically stopped using them about 2 years ago. I just shoot handheld, tripod or steadicam now. I found that the monopods weren't as useful in creating a steady shot as I had hoped. In fact, I feel like I can get a better shot handheld in most situations than I could using the monopod. It might not make sense, but that's how it is for me.

Hi Jeff,

I'm lost without it.

EventDV.net: In the Field: Manfrotto 560B Monopod (http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/News/Feature/In-the-Field-Manfrotto-560B-Monopod-41398.htm)

I use it along with a glidecam for nearly everything except the ceremony. I do use it for the processional though. As for your experience with the stability that may be because of the way you hold and use it. By using the viewfinder rather than the lcd, removing the pan/tilt bar and holding it as you would an unsupported camera you can get rock solid shots even zoomed in while having complete command of the manual controls.


I purchased a 561B monopod 6 months ago and I've used it once. I expected the three little feet at the bottom to provide more stability than than they do. I hate that it still moves around so much, as I am a freak for steady shots. I went back to using my tripod with the legs folded in when I need the room or to using my spider brace.

Can those of you who use this device tell me how you use it and when?

I've got the manfrotto 561B awsome i added a tripod strap to it. I use it for church and speeches. Folds up in 10secs i put it on my shoulder and off i go

I can even balance the camera on it BUT i still have my hand around the monopod

there great.

Jeff,

I removed the head and put on my 503 head. With the extendable arm I can put the monopod well over my head and still have full tilt and pan control. I love it at the receptions, but I would not want to use it for anything that requires an extended steady shot. The first dance is about as long as I can keep the monopod steady. In addition, I can extend the monopod up to about 7ft and get great areal shots of the dance floor.
Just me two cents.

Jon Schwartz
CA Video Productions

I too am a satisfied 561B monopod user. I use it during...

- bride/groom prep, when I'm usually in tight spaces
- the whole time before the ceremony, then up until after the bride comes in (on tripod for readings)
- back to monopod during rings, vows, etc. (back to tripod until end of ceremony)
- procession out of the church and everything following
- for the reception, I use it for the grand entrance, any dancing, cake cutting, and most especially for table-to-table toasting

I can't wait till I can afford a steadicam then I'll definitely be using a monopod much less.

Jeff - after getting boxed out of too many critical shots on my tripod I started using a 561B. Not being able to adjust the tension on the legs though is definately a shortcoming. I use it for everything except when I'm on the Merlin. The mobility and the overhead extension for dance scenes are what I like best.

Art

Jeff,

I use the 561B for short duration/high mobility shots. I used it recently at a wedding for getting candid shots during the reception, cake cutting... I don't usually shoot weddings, but I think it would be a benefit for the fast moving pieces. I would not use it for prolonged shots! If I'm going to plant for any time, I like to use a real tripod. I find that with the 561 I can't keep it totally still, but much better than handheld. Here's a clip using the 561B (everything past 0:59) and despite my best efforts you can see evidence of my movement using this pod:

Wind Through Atlanta on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/1687451)

I couldn't have possibly used a tripod since I was walking through the park with the masses, often in a line.

IMO 561B is 80% as good as a tripod for shots less than 10 seconds
60% as good for shots 10 - 30 seconds
50% as good for shots over 30 seconds
100% better than handheld for stable shots over 10 seconds

Joel, holding the camera and foregoing the handle is genius. I have played with it that way and I love it.

I very much appreciate the feedback from everyone. I have a fun bridal shoot traveling around the city tomorrow with a couple and I'm taking the monopod. It will be perfect.

Roger, I had no idea, you are truly skilled as a shooter and editor. Fantastic footage. I am blown away by the camera. My FX1000 just shipped today, I hope it will come close to the quality of your Canon.

Wow Jeff, I'm humbled. I've been reading your posts for some time and figured you were pretty much Spielberg's understudy! Thanks for the compliment. Let me know how that 1000 turns out.

I had no idea I came across that way. That is embarrasing. If you saw my work you'd not be impressed, trust me! I'm slightly familiar with Vegas, I know my cameras somewhat, and I half know what I'm doing on a PC.

I tend to be assertive when I feel confident in my knowledge about a topic, and I try not to jump in when I don't know (at least not too often) so that may make me appear more than what I am! I guess during my many years in the entertainment and bar business I learned a thing or two about the art of BS and putting up a front.

Sorry Jeff, I didn't mean to insinuate anything; bad humor on my part. You never came off as cocky, just someone who's been around the block a few times.

I took a look at your new camera on Amazon, it looks like a nice camera. Probably the biggest deficiency of my XHA1 is the LCD screen. Looks like your Sony will have a much larger screen, which is very positive.

Back to your monopod. If you haven't done so, take a look at the bottom joint and tighten the small Allen screws to make the lower joint as stiff as possible. I tightened mine until the head started rotating (no way to hold it). With time the joint has tightened a bit as the lubrication has aged; which I count as a good thing. It's still smooth, but not as featherweight as it was when I first put it into use.

My 2nd shooter films with it all day. It has a 501/503 compatible head so they can go from monopod to tripod easily. I wouldn't have someone shoot for me without it.

That's encouraging Roger that it stiffens up a bit with age. I have been playing with it for a while and by using it without the handle, I really like it more and more.

I am really glad I can put it to use. I had considered selling it, but I certainly won't now. I'm really looking forward to the shoot tomorrow.

I have to throw the Bogen 685B in the ring. We have been using one of these for years. You just squeeze the handle, step on the foot brace and raise it to the height you need it. I put the Bogen 501/503 adapter plate on it so that I can transfer it from the tripod quickly. The only problem we have had is that you need to keep an eye on the rubber foot as it can pop off when you least expect it.

Well, I did use the monopod exclusively yesterday. It does take some getting used to. I am restless and ansty by nature, so I had to really discipline myself to hold still for longer shots.


The footage came out close to perfect. I got into places I normally couldn't have gone, shot angles I never could with tripod or shoulder brace. It is SO unobtrusive.

Thanks to all for your encouragement!

I use my 561B all the time. In fact when the camera is not on the tripod its on the 561B. Brilliant bit of kit but a word of warning......

There is an almighty temptation to rest your toes on one of the three little feets as a sort of reassurance that the thing won't slide away. Don't put your feet on the 561B's feet.

Because they will break off! They are attached by two plastic bridges to help them fold up, and these are not very strong. I rested my foot on one of the feet and broke one off.

I had to get in touch withe the UK Manfrotto parts specialist who took 4 weeks to get the part imported to me ( the whole bottom feet assemby) Price was £60 plus VAT and postage. And its not simply a case of unscrewing the old one and putting on the new, as there is a tension issue to get right and I have been phaffing around with it for a few weeks on and off to get it to feel right again.

But I do highly recommend it.

Thanks for the heads up Steve. That is good to know about the feet!

For your interest:

three things I've made for my monopod which seem to work quite well.

1. a strong foot for the monopod which can be put on or taken off very easily.
2. a weight (material made into pockets which are filled with lead shot and wrapped around the bottom of the monopod leg and held with velcro) to help the monopod function as a stabiliser.
3. a support, which goes on my bumbag strap, which the monopod foot sits on and allows the monopod to be used easily as a crane.

Jeff,

Glad the 561 worked out for you. It's incredibly flexible, it just takes a good bit of concentration to use. Like you said, you have to really concentrate on being still. You also have to be careful to tilt with the head instead of tilting the pod off vertical. If you do tilt the pod, then start a pan, everything is slanted and it looks like a goofy episode of the original Batman TV series.