Excellence in Achievement Can be a Contest You Have With Just Yourself !

Woo Hoo! Thank yo, that is very kind but I am a very long ways away from having that level of expertise. But for sure I don't want a studio anyway. Over the summer , I hope to be able to visit some sites with some guaranteed great photo opportunities and I am no longer shy about going up to experienced photographers and ask for ideas and tips on improving my captures. There is also a very strong social network there and I was a bit timid about daring to want to be a part of that.  No longer, so much can be learned from these experienced professionals.

Hi Gayle, The monopod you asked about will work with any camera. It supports best a lighter weight camera. The monopod is a nice tool particularly with point and shoot camera and for times even using a heavier camera when a tripod is not possible. If you are investing in an Canon DSLR you will still want to obtain a good  tripod. The monopod works in places where a tripod is too cumbersome or in places with lots of people around and the tripod can't be set up. The monpod is also great for hiking trails and in rough areas that are stable for a tripod. I was not meaning this as advocacy for the monopod as a full substitute for a very good tripod.

Hi Lynn, I wouldn't say a " must have" but useful, especially for nature and animal shots. If you are into hiking in rough terrain, it might fall in to a "must have" category.

Hi Michael, I keep one in the trunk of car. They serve a number of good purposes. These "sticks" are often allowed where tripods might not be. For sure they are better than no tripod. When I purchased this, I was using a Pentax SLR which was very light weight for an SLR. I was actually surprised that my heavy Nikon does fine on it. The security clip to secure the magnet top seemed quite able to provide a steady balance. 

Hi Judy, Interesting that you ask, See my comment to Michael above. The short answer is yes, I use for the D-90. The D-7000 which I am considering as an additional camera, I would think is simply to heavy for this one. It is the head that is too small. A monopod with a larger ball head would be best. This Trek Tech is also great for my off camera speed flash so it will be re purposed when I upgrade again. But I sometimes carry a Lumix point and shoot and it is a nice steadying device for that as well in low light situations. 

Hi Bill, I still have lots and lots to learn but I am slowly but steadily getting there. Hope to do a great deal more over time and get so much better. When I look at the National Geographics photos, that is what I dream of. Being good enough to get the shot and smart enough in editing to know what to do with it. I think that call that vervana,LOL

Hi Al and Peggy, They are a pretty useful tool depending on your needs. But in situations like Yosemite , it was really put to the test. Ansel Adams used a tripod but then, there weren't a hundred people walking by tripping on it, LOL Besides for most shots that a tripod is positively needed for, the monopod is only a poor cousin and wouldn't help much. Think Fireworks, doubt if it would help at all since you couldn't hold it still enough. 

Hello Bridget, :-)

Sounds like your family is armed and ready to capture the world. Some of the equipment can be quite intimidating. I am delighted that Margaret is so excited and motivated to do more photo blogging posts. Pt some ideas together, we are getting ready at the end of April to announce our first ActiveRainPhotoblogger contest.

Hi Barbara, Thank you so much. I is a monopod and just Google  Trek Tech Pod II. There are actually a number of them available , this particular one opens at the bottom to be a lightweight tripod. 

Hi Roy, Wouldn't Margaret just love that place. I am guessing maybe a couple hundred miles. There is lots to see in that area. You should recommend the place to her. I doubt she would want to leave once she was there. 

Hi Mike, THank you so much. One of the ways I learn best in life to teach and share with others. It's my favorite way of learning.