[Cibirrigmavog]

Im pumped. Finally a decent bag to throw all my junk in and my own monopod (ive been borrowing the same from a friend for a while now.) Woot! Should all be here next week.

[Inenuedbabnor]

Could somebody explain me how to use that kind of monopod's, I received one but I don't see the use of it

I'm sure it must be usefull.

[cbUDaNFRu]

Could somebody explain me how to use that kind of monopod's, I received one but I don't see the use of it

I'm sure it must be usefull.

um the use of one is if to eliminate teh weight of say a telephoto lense when there is little light (minimizes movement) or when you are standing or will be shooting for a long time (minimizes tiredness). I've been using one with my 70-200 2.8L which combined with the camera and grip weighs a lot! The monopod keeps things steady for me where I would otherwise need a tripod but I cant. Think a mobile tripod, sorta.

[spacecrafty]

I have the very same monopod, and its great - although the Vanguard ballhead I bought is a bit crap.

As for how to use a monopod, there are several ways to use them, and having the thing at 90 degrees to the ground (vertical) is NOT one of them, as it gives you no stability.

I use mine by standing slightly side on - right foot infront of the left. I have the bottom of the monopod wedged against the inside of my left (back foot), with the monopod leaning forwards, so the camera is pivoted slightly backwards on the ballhead, keeping it level. This method allows you to "lean into" the camera/monopod assemly, and provides excellent stability. The alternative method is the other way round, with the foot of the monopod forwards, leaning back to you.

You can also brace the monopod acrossways, from left to right, or vice versa. Basically as long as its not straight up, because then you get no stability

[leadmoffer]

Thanks for the tips, I'll try them out today [thumbup]

[zoolissentesy]

quick update- The stuff didn't arrive yesterday as it could very well have (I am about an hour and a half away from BH's warehouse) so it will all arrive monday morning. I'll try to put some time aside and take picture and give a short review of each product.

[snova]

Everything arrived, sweet! The kata bag is awesome! It is extremely sturdy, and the design really is phenominal. I'll get some pics later, but in the mean time I'll do what I can to review it a little.

Construction is top notch- the ribbed material is fantastic it really does absorb shocks well- as does it stop water and what not. The heavy duty nylon materials used for the rest is also very durable, I would go so far as impermiable. There are many very clever features to teh design- firstly the raw capacity. There are so many well placed pockets, all with premium zippers and zipper placement. Ill talk about this design a bit later, but going back the entire backpack is designed to be useful. There are many circular fabric slots that act as shock absorbers, and also allow for the many included materials to attach to. There is a very nice tripod/monopod holder that can attach to a number of these latches and allow you to carry it with ease. The straps are comfortable and EXTREMELY LONG. Every part is designed for maximum use, all straps are atleast 2x as long as I would have thought, or most other manufacturers would have included. This allows for a lot of custom things to be done (eg: use one of the cords to wrap around the entire bag for added compression to contents or to use as a make-shift waste belt.

To the design, it is again spectacular. The interior is modular and made with a unique foam like cloth material that has velcro tabs allowing a completely customized environment for the goods. The pockets are well placed and well sized, and each's zipper really does the job. Here is where it all gets interesting. The zippers have HUGE thick material lips over them, to block against dust/water/etc... These are awesome! Not only do they make for a far more weather and elements resistant design but they keep nested zippers away from eachother. Near the top of the bag, near the primary zipper, for example, one can look for a lip that has 2 zipper accesses that you can use for additional storage. The zippers face the up direction because when you close the bag witht he primary zippers, they apply some force... so they are in the correct direction. Its hard to describe but suffice it to say that the engineering was well thought out.

The laptop compartment is cool too, my powernotebooks m56 fits perfectly, and on the back where your back goes there is ribbed padding for extra protection for both your back and the laptop/contents.

Another cool feature is the inclusion of two mesh bags with velcro attached, so you can stick em inside the padded area and keep little things together, like chargers/cords or battery covers/etc... This helps to keep everything together and accessable.

The bag is just a wonder- it is a tough, well designed, and feature rich backpack. I am sure I will find some issues eventually, but I have yet to find somethign that impresses this much upon first use.

The monopod is what I expected- a good deal. Construction is fine, as is the head. I have been borrowing a friend's so I was familiar with its operation and abilities.


Hope that helps a little. Ill take pictures at some point, but for now this will do.

[cut sifted ephedra sinica]

I have the very same monopod, and its great - although the Vanguard ballhead I bought is a bit crap.

As for how to use a monopod, there are several ways to use them, and having the thing at 90 degrees to the ground (vertical) is NOT one of them, as it gives you no stability.

I use mine by standing slightly side on - right foot infront of the left. I have the bottom of the monopod wedged against the inside of my left (back foot), with the monopod leaning forwards, so the camera is pivoted slightly backwards on the ballhead, keeping it level. This method allows you to "lean into" the camera/monopod assemly, and provides excellent stability. The alternative method is the other way round, with the foot of the monopod forwards, leaning back to you.

You can also brace the monopod acrossways, from left to right, or vice versa. Basically as long as its not straight up, because then you get no stability

Chris, are you left handed to be using it with your left foot as your back foot?

[LeaderBiz]

Chris, are you left handed to be using it with your left foot as your back foot?

I'm right handed - but it all depends on what works for you. Sometimes, depending on the ground, I will have my left foot at the back, and sometimes my right foot at the back. Its all about leaning into and bracing the monopod, in order to get maximum stability.

I think I need to get a better ball head for mine though, as that one I have now seems to either be really loose, or really tight, and not a lot inbetween.