BARBARA H : Because of physical reasons I have to use my camera with my left hand. So I want to make sure that I am not getting any movement burr. which would you buy monopod or a tripod?
Also for a quick release would I need any thing else to go with it or does it come with something for that?RICHARD C : I would buy a tripod for the best stability in most situations. Many quick-release systems require a plate to be screwed onto the bottom of the camera. Whether it comes with the ball head or not might depend on the brand and model. The specifications information, or a "what's in the box" list may tell you. If not, then you would have to call to find out.BARRY E : A tripod is steadier but not as portable. I travel with a monopod and it serves the purpose well, but go online to learn how to hold the monopod correctly (braced against your leg) for stability.The Manfrotto 680B Compact 4-Section Monopod is very sturdy, but it does not come with any head at all. you need some sort of head. The 234 Swivel Tilt Head is very study and has a quick release but it is very heavy, so i switched it for the Mini Ball Head 494 which it not a quick release but is more useful.JOHN S : Since most cameras are made with the shutter release on the the right side, including all that I've owned, I always used my right index finger while holding the camera. I do the same when the camera is attached to a monopod. When the camera is on a tripod, I always use some sort of remote release device, if available, or the self-timer release. You might consider using a remote shutter release for all shooting.
You didn't mention the functionality of your right hand, but monopods work best if they are stabilized with both hands, while tripods will keep the camera stationary with no additional support if they are on a stable surface. The advantage of the monopod is that it is easier to carry around and set up than a tripod.
WILLIAM T : One solution to your problem might be the following:
Manfrotto 682B Self-Standing Pro Monopod, Black Anodized with with 234 Quick Release Swivel Tilt Head.
Good luck.EDWARD S : A tripod would be much more stable and more appropriate with one-hand shooting. The monopod does not come with a quick release, but most tripods, even the inexpensive ones, do. I bought the monopod for travel, but haven't used it much yet. On the other hand, I have several tripods, and have used them several times. The carbon fiber one is wonderfully light, and the Manfrotto ones are very nice, in every respect.DEB D : I like the monopod for portability. I shoot a lot of march band competitions and have to use a long zoom lens. The monopod allows me to have a bit more stability. I usually just shorten the leg when I don't need to use it and leave it attached. It does have a quick release head that was sent separately though. If you need something portable and easy to maneuver I would say get the monopod. I also have a tripod for portraits.MINERVA L : Barbara, I have both a tripod and a monopod. I have to say that, I like the monopod better. It is easy to carry around not as heavy as the tripod. If you need it to stand still there is also a stand you can purchase for it. The quick release for me is not bad at all.DAVID N : Hi, if you would like to use monopod , especially for travel and convenient purpose, you may need to use both hands to hold the camera and tight the screw of the monopod to your camera and some hand's maneuvers to adjust the camera angle for your pictures. It may need some both hands working, I don't have experience to adjust monopod with one hand, it may be do-able but need time and skill. you buy mono or tripod as depend on your travel and purpose of your pictures, of course tripod would be more stable to be set up and more adaptable to one hand....sincerely. DNSTEVEN O : Hi, barbara h... as I am right handed, I am not quite sure how the logistics of shooting left handed and using a monopod would result in minimizing blur. Let me say, I have both the Manfrotto monopod you reference above as well as Manfrotto tripod. I find for most of my photography, I will opt for the tripod 90% of the time. Used in conjunction with my remote shutter cable, I can minimize any camera shake/movement with great confidence.
Per your second question if you want a quick release set-up, get the following as it is an integrated assembly... Manfrotto 234RC Swivel Tilt Monopod Head with Quick Release - Supports 5.6 lb (#3229).
Hope this helps.BRUCE H : I love my monopod for portability and ease of use. I am not sure how you are triggering the shutter, or of the capability to hold the camera - - but I would think the monpod would be a good solution for you to shoot candid shots - I thnk a Tripod would work better for portrait or studio situations. Good luck.
Shopper : Will a QR plate or system work with this mono pod?...if so which one?WILLIAM T : Try the 243RC from ManfrottoSTEVEN O : Yes, a quick release plate system will work with the Manfrotto monopod. I have used the Manfrotto 234RC swivel tilt head. However, I have gone back to just the 234 swivel tilt head (w/out qr feature). Takes a little more time to remove camera from monopod but gives me more sense of security & safety for my camera.
Shopper : Will this work with my Sony a65x?KENNETH R : I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Any camera which can mount to a regular tripod (just about all of them) will work fine with this setup.JOAN M : hi- this is a very good monopod. I do not no anything about the sony a65x camera but I would compare the weight of your camera to the spects listed in the monopod for max weight held. I was not crazy about the head since it has to be manually screwed to the camera and awarked for vertical shots. I later bought a 496rc2 head for it but found that to be too heavy for my comfort--but I am not a very strong person. I later bought the 234rc head with the quick releas plate--have'nt tried it yet but I think it will fit my needs better since with the qr plate you can easily change the camera positions to vertical use and changes different cameras easier. The 234 and 234rc head basically moves back and forth but not sideways to 90 degrees for vertical shots. By adjusting the camera position on the head will enable a vert shot but the rc plate makes it more convient. Hopes this helps.RICK S : All Cameras and Camcorders have the same 1/4 x 20 thread for mounting on a tripod or monopod. The only issue is weight which will be just fine with your camera. Hope this helps.DOUGLAS M : I don't know about the sony, I use a cannon 40d. This is a very sturdy and well made monopod. I have been very please with mine.STEVEN O : The Manfrotto 680B Compact 4-Section Monopod is equipped with a unique dual "spring loaded" thread system which embeds a smaller diameter thread within the larger thread. To activate, you would merely set your camera as if you were screwing it onto the larger thread. The larger thread would push down and the smaller thread would take over.
I do not know the size thread of your Sony camera. You may want to check the specs on the Manfrotto site and compare with the Sony thread specs. I can tell you both my Canon G12 & Canon 50D work as expected with the Manfrotto 680B.
Hope this helps.MIKE M : I use mine on a Canon 40D and it's a ROCK SOLID unit. It should work on your Sony since the mounting screw is standard for most SLRSANDREW R : Yes, this monopod should work with most DSLR/SLRs.