Part 5 of a series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)

I have a sturdy Manfrotto MN055PROB Classic Tripod which allows the legs to be positioned individually so it can be set up on uneven ground or on an incline with no loss of stability and the adjustable angle legs also allow for low angle shots. I replaced the Manfrotto 128RC pan and tilt head with a Linhof Profii II ball head from Linhof Studios and I have to say it is the best purchase I ever made. Superb! It holds even the heaviest combination of 1D Mark II plus 300L with x2 Extender in place without the slightest creep, which was the problem with the 128RC, and still allows fluid panning which is essential for birds in flight.

Carrying a tripod around for any length of time is not much fun however and if I am not planning any macro or flight images I often use a Manfrotto MN681B Monopod  where a lot of walking is involved as I find it much more convenient to use. This Manfrotto monopod and ball head is strong enough to support the 300L yet light enough to carry around and provides some very unique means of support when wedged against trees, fence posts, large stones etc! It is also indespensible where tripods are not allowed or practical such as for events and sports.

Using the same quick release plate as the tripod, the monopod makes a very good and solid support when needed, especially with a remote release cable, and I can switch between it and the tripod easily. A strong monopod and head is essential - I destroyed a Star model as it was just not up to the job and the retaining screw snapped completely in half. The head I currently use is a Manfrotto 134RC which has a 90 degree angle of movement but can be locked into position when required.

A beanbag comes in very useful when doing low level work as well as for resting on gateposts and also on the roof of the car or an open car window. It is also useful for placing on the sill of a window in a hide, giving the lens somewhere to rest and to hold it steady by placing a hand on the top of the camera housing.

A fairly recent addition has been a Manfrotto sliding plate which mounts onto the tripod head and which provides a slow, accurate movement which is ideal for outdoor macro work or for still life images indoors. It is a bit too bulky for carrying around so I tend to use it either outdoors in the garden or indoors on my macro table. It is proving very useful.

Read more about my Digital Darkroom

Part 6 - Storage