Cyclocross outing for my Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod
I wanted to test out my new Christmas present, a Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod, and what better place to experiment than Todmorden Cyclocross race.
As a videographer that enjoys that enjoys using DSLR’s I wanted a light weight, low fuss, support solution when filming. I haven’t been completely sold on the various shoulder mount options made by the likes of Zacuto and others because whilst they do get some good reviews they are ridiculously expensive and cumbersome. They seem to over compensate for DSLR’s not being standard video cameras and forget about the unique features of DSLR’s themselves. So after a little research on the internet I bought the Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod and I am chuffed with my decision.
When closed the Manfrotto 561BHDV Monopod is 76.50cm in length and weighs in at 1.91kg which for some people may seem a little heavy but it’s so much lighter than my current tripod and felt so sturdy that I am more than happy. Maybe Manfrotto will release a carbon fibre version in the future but that will most certainly bump the price up considerably.
The real bonus of the 561BHDVis how useful and easy it is to shoot video quickly and smoothly whilst out and about. My first outing with the 561BHDV Monopod was at the Cyclocross event. The race only lasts 45 minutes so having a monopod that can be set up so quickly and easily was a big bonus as opposed to lugging around and setting up a tripod.
The 561BHDV is a 4-section aluminum fluid monopod with a maximum working height of 200 cm which is great for getting unusual high angles. It also has a fluid cartridge incorporated into the base which provides a very useful panning functionality when filming. The pan-bar isn’t perfect but does allow for quite smooth panning and tilting movements.
This particular monopod also has three retractable feet which if on a very flat level are self supporting. If, however, I had a pricey camera attached to the top I would resist letting it stand unguarded when other people are around to knock it over. When filming footage however the retractable feet definitely add an extra level of support and stopped the monopod slipping.
I also like to use a glidetrack camera slider which I often attach to my tripod in the central position but I’m looking forward to testing my glidetrack out now using two secure points with the tripod at one end and the monopod providing support at the other.
The event was on the 2nd January 2011 and a bunch of our friends were entering as part of the team ‘Here Come the Belgians‘. It was an all new experience for me watching a cyclocross race and this particular one includes an infamous cobbled climb! Check out the video to see how I got on.
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