One of very nifty equipment pieces that every photographer should have is the monopod – easy to transport, light and convenient. Surprisingly, many photographers use it for incorrect reasons. Photographer David Bergman from AdoramaTV explains the correct application of the monopod.
David Bergman explains: “The most common use of the monopod is by photographers at sporting events using a 600 mm lens being held up by a monopod. There are two advantages to it is that it adds some stability to a really long focal lengths. In those situations everything is amplified, and you don’t want to have your camera moving.”
“The second reason is that those lens are really heavy. I don’t care how strong you are but you are not going to handhold a 600 mm lens through the entire game – not going to happen.”
“So when would you use the monopod “incorrectly?” Among the way new photographers there is a misconception that a monopod is used to freeze action while shooting sport events. This is incorrect, as you will be shooting at a very shutter speed anyways, about 1/500 of a second, and there is no way to introduce the motion blur at that speed, even if ht scammer is handheld. So if you are shooting with a short lens, ditch that monopod as there is no use for it.”
*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com
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Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: