Hiyas all,

I just wanted to ask if anyone has used or is using a monopod for macro work? As I find it extrememly difficult to use a tripod while chasing a butterfly or dragonflys. Has anyone tried taking macro photos with a monopod? Doesn't have to be very high magnification....probably like half life size to mebbe 1.5 life size? Just curious as to if anyone has tried this. maybe even a macro focusing rail on it as well....

Thanks for viewing this post.

Yes, I use a monopod or the tripod as a bipod when chasing butterflies. I use either the 80-200 2.3 AFS or 300 f/4 AFS with the TC20E extender. This allows me to be about 5 feet from the butterfly and have about a 1:1.7 ratio. I don't think the little critters hold still long enough for a focusing rail. I run the F100 + 300 on Continuous autofocus for this and the shots are usually quite good.

Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim! Coolies I only have a nikon F2 so no auto focus for me unfortunately. My longest lens is a 80mm-200mm. I've taken some photos with that and the nikon 2 element diopters 3T and 4T i've posted the photos in a gallery at
www.macrophotography.org

http://www.macrophotography.org/modules.php?name=Gallery

on page 5 under maktime

I was thinking bout getting a Nikon 300mm IF ED or a nikon 200mm micro lens with a TC-300/301 but i can't afford it and i wanna learn to use my gear and get better with it before i get anymore lenses.

Have you got any of your photos in a gallery Jim?

thanks for viewing this post again

I have some of my pictures posted on the Yahoo wildflowers website. http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wildflowerandnaturelore/lst
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wildflowerandnaturelore/vwp?.dir=/WF+Yellows&.src=gr&.dnm=Coreopsis+%26+Butterfly.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wildflowerandnaturelore/lst%3f%26.dir=/WF%2bYellows%26.src=gr%26.view=t is an American Lady butterfly on a coreopsis - 300mm f/4 AFS + TC20E
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wildflowerandnaturelore/vwp?.dir=/WF+Yellows&.src=gr&.dnm=Coreopsis+%26+Grey+Hairstreak.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/wildflowerandnaturelore/lst%3f%26.dir=/WF%2bYellows%26.src=gr%26.view=t is a Grey Hairstreak on a coreopsis - 80-200mm f/2.8 AFS + TC20E
If you click on the "List" view instead of the default "Thumbnail" view, the submittor is listed. I am JimPurdy1345.

Jim

Have you tried using the tirpod as a focus stabilizer. I've had good success with the 80-400 and the 80-200 and a ball head that is loose. You can then follow, for example, a butterfly, but the weight of the camera is borne by the tripod. You can keep your finger on the button and click "at will." I'd not thought of a monopod (or a duopod, I guess) but that should work. But, the ballhead, tripod, and no tightening can work pretty well.

A BAD DAY BEHIND A NIKON (OR NIKON-HYBRID DSLR) BEATS A GOOD DAY BEHIND A DESK - Bob Tomerlin

A BAD DAY BEHIND A NIKON BEATS A GOOD DAY BEHIND A DESK - Bob Tomerlin
My Nikonians Gallery

Those are nice photos Jimp I like them did u check out my photos at
www.macrophotography.org

hmm i haven't tried that drjimbob but give that a go next time.
Thanks for the idea