Tripod or Monopod for macro

[Prajwal J Ullal]

Well April month just marched in and with roughly 2 months from the the core monsoon season (hopefully) and the lovely, live macro subjects blooming all around...I am trying to understand what is a good aid for stability in macro photography, a Tripod or a Monopod.
I own and have used a Tripod(decent one), but with macro, especially with insects(alerts ones), it becomes a bit cumbersome to spontaneously setting it up and getting the right location and angle for the shot. I wanted to know from the experts and regular macro specialists if Monopod is any better and if it is which one would be a good option for Canon 550D with Canon 100mm F/2.8(Non IS) lens.

[Abhishek Jamalabad]

If you are really looking for a stable setup for macro work, then a tripod with a pivoting central column is the thing to choose. You could go for the more expensive, sturdier ones, or settle for lighter, less expensive ones including Manfrotto which has a few good models. These are large tripods that are geared towards regular use as well, but they can be set up for macro shots in most scenarios and do a great job.

Macro rails for the tripod head are another thing to consider. This could even be combined with the first option for even more precise positioning.

Personally I lack the patience to use any kind of camera support system for macro work. :P If I really want a low speed shot, I make do with my gorillapod, as it can be set up on most surfaces, even clinging on to surfaces, close enough to the subject. It still takes time though and I prefer to not use any such setups.

I would not specifically recommend the gorillapod or a monopod for macro work. Are you considering investing in better lighting systems, such as lens-mounted dual flashes or ring lights?

[Prajwal J Ullal]

I do own a gorillapod, not the costly/Original ones from Joby or other big brands, but generally whatever I try to capture would be in the height range of 3-4ft, gorillapod seems a tad too small, and the problem with tripod, that I own or borrowed from friends, is that it disturbs the surrounding of the subject, making it alert and fleeing the place, due to the three stability feet. Was curious if with Monopod, i.e. a single base, if it would be easier to handle the situation and less intrusive on the subjects' surroundings.
I dont own any ring flash or Dual flash set up, seems really costly and unjustifiable affair for just a hobby activity, though I surely am trying to experiment with the external flash with different forms of diffuser options to increase the effective lighting area and comparatively softer light output.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

In macro shooting one ought to be patient to get a great shot. However, if you are walking in a group in a trail, then others won't have the same amount of time and patience to get that shot. Sot it would be mostly hit and run. Placing tripods and at times rails etc is meant to get serious quality at the expense of time. The current facebook generation values number of shots ie quantity vs quality. So you may also get ridiculed if you are using tripods. Having said that, tripod is your best bet as macro subjects invariably are in shade and/or low light conditions.

The second best option is the monopod. If you use proper technique, then you can get steady shots with monopod as it is able to arrest motion atleast in one side. If you can stop the up/down motion, then your quality increases significantly. If you use a pose to emulate the "tripod" then it can even become better. In the worst case scenario, the monopod is better than pure handheld. Also it has got other uses. The monopod helps well as a walking stick or chasing away an aggressive monkey.

The other day I was doing a timelapse on top of a hill in Delhi and an aggressive monkey was ready to jump on my tripod. This was the third and most determined attempt and I was forced to break the timelapse and lift the light tripod to scare it away. An extra monopod would have been handy. :) I have never needed a weapon against an animal. This is the first time the monkey kept on attempting to jump on me from a rock with aggressive snarls. It shows that some species have realised the vulnerability of man and can continue with their charge.

Gorilla pod is low height. So it can help in certain situations. It just doesn't take the weight of my camera. Nevertheless I have one for certain situations.

I prefer a tripod than a flash as in dappled lighting conditions, it is better to have a stable tripod and operate the camera at higher ISO than an uncontrolled flash. If you are ready to spend time with the subject then you can try using reflectors.

Since these days I am primarily into filming, I use tripods and other support systems with it.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Prajwal J Ullal]

Thanks for the detailed ,thoughtful and valuable comments/views about the Tripod-Monopod debate. I guess I should go for a better tripod with probably a lens holder adapter(http://www.amazon.in/dp/B011ECHC8A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=7567I88QN44M&coliid=I1Q1S1SEQDU1GY) for my Canon 100mm f/2.8 (non IS) lens for best results. Ofcourse Patience is the key, 2015 had been about exploring new places, now I guess 2016 I shall concentrate on the selected explored areas for better frames and interesting monsoon finds... :)
For a defensive equipment, earlier during my trekking days, I used to carry a decently strong stick with me to get away from any form of dangers or for better stability, shall try to continue the same practice for photography too :)