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Sports photography - part 7 of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

by Mike McNamee Published 01/08/2011

Some photographers like to add an articulated support to the end of the monopod but this adds a level of flexibility which is unwelcome with very heavy lenses. Generally the longer lens is used at such a range that a limited movement is required at the camera end and the camera support can be screwed directly to the monopod. The monopod itself should be as sturdy as possible with a large bearing area at the camera end, the combination is most usually carried over the shoulder.

Height adjustment should be fast and secure and make sure that it operates when soaking wet, your editor once tumbled into a lake then a friction clamp became ineffective due to water ingress - monopods often double as walking poles! The top of the monopod should be coated in some form of rubber insulation so that the heat is not sucked out of your hands in cold weather. Carbon fibre is employed for the higher-end monopods to great effect but they are more vulnerable when used for crowd control.

Tripods are useful if the action is very concentrated, always in the same spot and if there is a long, unpredictable time before the action kicks in. Cricket fits into this category and has the additional burden of very long lenses. Tripods are cumbersome but there is no point in using one that is too flimsy. For an 800mm lens something like the Manfotto M350 is ideal.

Such are the difficulties of holding big lenses that we use a tripod for the lens and a stabilising monopod for the camera body when making cityscapes at 800mm - hardly a flexible sports rig, but it sure keeps things steady!


If you have to move or pan a long lens (more than 400mm) a gimbal head is ideal; it gives a feather-light touch and smooth movement although you have to align things very well if you need to keep a level horizon in the distance.

The two we have the most experience with are the Wimberley Gimbal and the Mongoose 3.5. The ability to lock the controls rapidly gives the benefit of stability after you have made a smooth and rapid translation to the field of view you require.

When it comes to support for the camera 'not in use' you cannot always leave it on the ground alongside you. It might be wet, sandy or at risk of theft.

The latest generation of sling straps, typified by the Sun Sniper, are unrivalled for comfort and ease of use for everything up to your 70-200mm zoom.

Finally, bean bags have a place in your support options. Many locations which cater for photographers have special 'pits' for the photographers and these have solid surrounds which fit a bean-bag well. Most professional dealers will have beanbags. Choice is very personal and all situations are catered for.


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1st Published 01/08/2011
last update 18/07/2022 16:35:44

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Updated 18/07/2022 16:35:44 Last Modified: Tuesday, 08 November 2022