Monopod or Tripod

[tekguy22]

Ok I have another question for all of your big brains.

I have a shoot coming up where I'm going to be shooting a band performing at a cd release party. I want to be able to take pictures in potentially low light, but want to be able to move around easily, quickly with minimal bother..

so what is better for this in your opinions...monopod or tripod?

[tegan]

I would say monopod. However given the fact that the band is probably moving anyway, it is probably irrelevant. You need a fast lens, high ISO and timing to get any decent shots when movement is somewhat limited.

Tegan

[Travis]

^-- what he said

[AcadieLibre]

Neither actually, I shoot mostly bands and found both completely useless. As was mentioned you need a very fast lens and a camera capable of high ISO with low noise. I just upgraded to Canon 50D and shoot with two lens 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70 - 200mm f/2.8 and my next purchase will be a 16 - 35m 2.8.

The first two lenses with my now back up Canon 40D are more than capable. I have not shot any bands with my new Camera but I am expecting even better results. A mono or tripod will just be a nuisance. If your shooting with anything less than a 2.8 your going to have a few problems with shooting the bands if it is in normal concert conditions.

I have faster lenses but rarely use them because they are Prime lenses and to get a good shot you need to move around a lot and prime lenses are not the best idea for the results I want and expect. I have used them but prefer zoom lenses for bands. You need to time your shots with the lighting, bring lots of memory and shoot like mad if it is your just starting shooting bands. I can time the shots now to the light and have a knack for predicting jumps or other unique moments.

Shoot a fast lens, the highest ISO you can get away with and the fastest shutter speed. In low light concert conditions it can be difficult to shoot. Photographing bands is one of the harder aspects of photography IMHO. If you want more info just ask, what are you shooting and what lenses do you plan on using?

I am just talking from my experience and these are just my opinions, I am sure people may see if different.

[tegan]

I would add however that fast medium and long lenses tend to be heavy and a monopod gives you more mobility than a tripod and yet some stability against camera movement.

Tegan

[Travis]

Neither actually, I shoot mostly bands and found both completely useless. As was mentioned you need a very fast lens and a camera capable of high ISO with low noise. I just upgraded to Canon 50D and shoot with two lens 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70 - 200mm f/2.8 and my next purchase will be a 16 - 35m 2.8.

The first two lenses with my now back up Canon 40D are more than capable. I have not shot any bands with my new Camera but I am expecting even better results. A mono or tripod will just be a nuisance. If your shooting with anything less than a 2.8 your going to have a few problems with shooting the bands if it is in normal concert conditions.

I have faster lenses but rarely use them because they are Prime lenses and to get a good shot you need to move around a lot and prime lenses are not the best idea for the results I want and expect. I have used them but prefer zoom lenses for bands. You need to time your shots with the lighting, bring lots of memory and shoot like mad if it is your just starting shooting bands. I can time the shots now to the light and have a knack for predicting jumps or other unique moments.

Shoot a fast lens, the highest ISO you can get away with and the fastest shutter speed. In low light concert conditions it can be difficult to shoot. Photographing bands is one of the harder aspects of photography IMHO. If you want more info just ask, what are you shooting and what lenses do you plan on using?

I am just talking from my experience and these are just my opinions, I am sure people may see if different.

good post.... i noticed a lot of wedding photographers are enjoying the 85mm 1.4 ... and they have to move around a lot in low light.... ever try a 85 1.4 acadie?

[Marko]

Good post A.L. - I mostly agree.
I have shot bands as well and never used either. That said, many times I have seen photogs with MONOPODS (never tripods) at these things. Depending on the light levels at your particular event, and how steady you are...imo there are occasional times when a monopod will come in handy..and they fold up pretty small

[AcadieLibre]

When I bought my camera the 40D I got a great deal on a monopod thinking it would come in handy, I think I have used it once for concerts or anything else for that matter, I had it out for minutes and put it away I have not used it since. So like others said if your going to pick I would also say a monopod but a fast lens is the most important thing.

I have an 85mm 1.8 and I like it and have got some very good photos with it, but like I said I am not crazy about prime lenses for shooting bands. I like the ability to frame the musicians in varying ways and prime lenses cuts down on the different perspective you can get. In clubs I can put my 24 - 70mm 2.8 and use it most of the evening if not all of it. Depends on my access and distance to the band what lens I use and the lighting conditions. If I go to a venue I have not been to previously I bring two zooms I mentioned and 3 faster primes so I have choices, it usually takes no more than two songs to know what I will use for the rest of the set. I would love to get my hands on the Canon 85mm 1.2 just to see what it can do, it is on my list of lenses but I want the Canon L f/2.8 16 - 35 mm first, then I might consider the 85mm 1.2 but is is very expensive. I am sure I will end up with one, just think to have a 1.2 lens would be a fabulous lens to own.

[Travis]

i was just thinking if your shooting a band the vibrations from the floor will most likely introduce shake on the monopod anyways....

[aophoto]

I have made my self a shoulder brace which works like if you were holding a rifle.

Attached is a photograph of one but it is not the one I have, but something to give you an idea.

Maybe it will help.