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So - got a subscription to Practical Photography from my dad for Xmas; it came with a free gift of a monopod. Yay.

The question now occurs to me - what sort of shutter speed should I be able to get away with using it? Amoung other lenses, I've a 70-300 f4-5.6, and I'm hoping that by combining it with the monopod I might be able to get some slower shutter speeds/smaller apertures. The normal rule of thumb would suggest a slowest shutter speed of around 450-500th sec, what should I be able to go down to using the 'pod?

I know the answer is to get off my bum and try it out, but it's only just occured to me and it's pitch dark and freezing, so I ain't going out!

Pete I don't know that it is possioble to answer this question. A lot would depend on your technique. My hands are somewhat unsteady so it helps me avoid any camera shake. It does not help me to use slower shutter speeds.

It also depends on your subject matter. I use a monopod mostly for fast paced sports, so shutter speed is dictated by the subject. At a guess I would imagine you could trim a stop off your speeds though.

As Oneputt said, it will come down to your technique and steady hands. With practise you will be able to get away with slower shutter speeds but at first don't rely on the monopod.

The best way to use a monopod is not straight up and down, but point it outwards and forwards until the monopod and your legs create a basic tripod arrangement. This will give you a very steady position..

Also another tip is to hold your breath the moment before you press the shutter. (Same technique as used for shooting a rifle.)

Hi Pete
I assume when you are talking about the "rule of thumb" 1/400 to 1/500sec. shutter speed, you mean at a focal length of 300mm on your 70-300 ??

The monopod will assist you with the "vertical" camera shake, however you will still need to contend with the horizontal camera shake.

Depending on what you are shooting, which direction the subject is moving (eg. parallel to you, to you/away from you, or not at all) will have different affects, and your technique will add to this as well.

I wouldn't look at the monopod as some sort of physical "VR", giving you the ability to shoot at "vastly" lower shutter speeds. In some circumstances, it will help you, but possibly not as much as you'd like it to.

I'm sure once you have a play around with it, you'll see what "you" are capable of doing with it.

Have a read of http://www.outdooreyes.com/photo5.php3 for some handling techniques. Somewhere between 1 and 3 stops is the usual benefit out of a monopod.

I have also buried a monopod in sand and tied them to tree stumps and fence posts for long exposures.


Hand held probably 1/2 second if conditions are good depending on the user and the result required.

Also another tip is to hold your breath the moment before you press the shutter. (Same technique as used for shooting a rifle.)

It is better to exhale slowly then take your shot than breathe in and hold your breath. Your body is more relaxed after breathing out and has less tension from holding in a lung full of air.

If you are excited or anxious you will over breathe.

Take a few slow deep breaths, then, breathe out slowly and squeeze off the shot Rifle or Camera it works the same

You are better off pressing the trigger/shutter without any air in your lungs. But don't forget to fill them again straight afterwards I use this technique to great effect on the rifle range.

If you are breathing out at the time of shooting, you may still be moving slightly. But that may not matter too much at 300mm.

Thanks for the info folks; now all I have to do is get out there and try it out. I always shoot on the end of a slow exhale if I'm trying to be extra steady - worked for me when I used to own an air pistol!

Killakoala wrote: Also another tip is to hold your breath the moment before you press the shutter. (Same technique as used for shooting a rifle.)

I didn't think the Navy had rifles, just 'canons'.....