ATC with a monopod - Does it work? (1 Viewer)

[BlackRedstar]

Hi,
I've been using for two years a Kowa TSN-501 (a mini telescope) on a monopod and now I am thinking about upgrading to the Swarovski ATC.
I doubt if, while getting a bird in focus, does the telescope tremble too much? Being the focuser in the center of the telescope, I am not sure if focusing will make it shake.
Using a monopod, at which magnification do you still think the ATC is still usable?
I am planning to use it directly attached to the monopod. I am already quite skilled using the Kowa this way!

With the Kowa, at x30, the field of view is too narrow and the image is only clear in the very center, and for me it is not usable. But at x20, the image is very clear and I am very satisfied with it.

Thanks in advance for your answers!
Marta - From Barcelona

 

[looksharp65]

Hi Marta!
I've used the Nikon ED50A/Wide MC 27x with a monopod for ages, but not like you describe. At the lower end, I put a bracket perpendicular to the leg. It is in fact a barend made for the handlebar on a bike. At the upper end I have a reasonably sturdy ballhead that won't let the lightweight scope turn down from its own weight.
When I use it, I place my foot on the bracket so the leg+bracket combo don't turn. All horisontal and vertical movement is done with the ballhead and I can use one or both hands to turn the scope. When it's two hands, I let my non-dominant hand grasp the anterior part of the scope.

I briefly tried an ATC on my monopod because I wanted to know if the ballhead could keep it still, and also see how the ergonomics worked.
Although I generally like collar focus the best, I find the ED50A's top knob better with my monopod, but I'd probably learn.
I would however not want to use any scope on a monopod only screwed into the scope's foot. At minimum, some vertical movement must be allowed but a proper ballhead would be the best.
And I don't think you'd enjoy all the ATC can do unless you choose a better method for stabilisation. This is my opinion, and yours may differ. I know nobody else using a monopod the way I do, at least not around here so I respect your ability to stabilise your Kowa on your monopod the way you do.
Whatever your choice, good luck!

//L

 

[4John]

Hi,
I've been using for two years a Kowa TSN-501 (a mini telescope) on a monopod and now I am thinking about upgrading to the Swarovski ATC.
I doubt if, while getting a bird in focus, does the telescope tremble too much? Being the focuser in the center of the telescope, I am not sure if focusing will make it shake.
Using a monopod, at which magnification do you still think the ATC is still usable?
I am planning to use it directly attached to the monopod. I am already quite skilled using the Kowa this way!

With the Kowa, at x30, the field of view is too narrow and the image is only clear in the very center, and for me it is not usable. But at x20, the image is very clear and I am very satisfied with it.

Thanks in advance for your answers!
Marta - From Barcelona

Marta,

I have been using a Nikon ED50 with a 13-40X zoom on a monopod for 10+ years. In my experience whether the scope "trembles" at any time, not just when focussing, has much more to do with the magnification and whether the monopod has something to stop it twisting than whether it has a focussing knob or a ring. For very approximately 13-25X magnification the friction of the foot of the monopod on the ground is often enough to stop it trembling. For more than approximately 25X you will need something like a fold down foot to stop the monopod twisting. Looksharp65 in the previous post has a similar solution in principle. I then find I can use up to the 40X maximum magnification of the zoom if light and atmospheric conditions allow with no "trembling". I find I have no need of any type of head between the scope and the monopod, or any need to adjust the height. I just lean the monopod forwards or backwards, or rotate wherever it needs to go to get the scope on the bird. Everyone will find their own technique.

I recommend you take your monopod to a Swarovski dealer and try it out with an ATX and see what you think. I would however underline Looksharp65's point that you will need something to stop it twisting to get the best out of any scope on monopod.

 

[4John]

Hi Marta!
I've used the Nikon ED50A/Wide MC 27x with a monopod for ages, but not like you describe. At the lower end, I put a bracket perpendicular to the leg. It is in fact a barend made for the handlebar on a bike. At the upper end I have a reasonably sturdy ballhead that won't let the lightweight scope turn down from its own weight.
When I use it, I place my foot on the bracket so the leg+bracket combo don't turn. All horisontal and vertical movement is done with the ballhead and I can use one or both hands to turn the scope. When it's two hands, I let my non-dominant hand grasp the anterior part of the scope.

I briefly tried an ATC on my monopod because I wanted to know if the ballhead could keep it still, and also see how the ergonomics worked.
Although I generally like collar focus the best, I find the ED50A's top knob better with my monopod, but I'd probably learn.
I would however not want to use any scope on a monopod only screwed into the scope's foot. At minimum, some vertical movement must be allowed but a proper ballhead would be the best.
And I don't think you'd enjoy all the ATC can do unless you choose a better method for stabilisation. This is my opinion, and yours may differ. I know nobody else using a monopod the way I do, at least not around here so I respect your ability to stabilise your Kowa on your monopod the way you do.
Whatever your choice, good luck!

//L

looksharp65,

There's now at least three of us . Hermann uses a fluid friction foot to stop twisting. I can't remember the brand name right now, but it's unfortunately no longer available.

 

[looksharp65]

looksharp65,

There's now at least three of us . Hermann uses a fluid friction foot to stop twisting. I can't remember the brand name right now, but it's unfortunately no longer available.

It's Monostat, right?
Until recently, I think I was the only Swede to use a monopod for a scope, I mean I hadn't seen anyone else but then a friend of mine got himself lightweight stuff and a monopod.
But no anti-rotational bracket.

//L

 

[Hermann]

It's Monostat, right?

That's right. The foot makes quite a difference. It dampens the rotation of the monopod by friction. Works very well. Unfortunately Monostat went out of business years ago when their customer base started using stabilized telephoto lenses. In the old times virtually all sports photographers used Monostats to support their long telephotos.

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

I've been using for two years a Kowa TSN-501 (a mini telescope) on a monopod and now I am thinking about upgrading to the Swarovski ATC.

The ATC is undoubtedly an excellent scope. But did you also look at the Kowa TSN-55A? It has also got some excellent reviews, and it uses the same focuser you're used to from your TSN-501. I may switch scopes sometime later this year (my Nikon zooms have got a narrow FOV and don't work very well with eyeglasses), and I'm not yet sure whether I'll go for the ATC or the TSN-55A. I like them both.

I doubt if, while getting a bird in focus, does the telescope tremble too much? Being the focuser in the center of the telescope, I am not sure if focusing will make it shake.

I've been using monopods with different scopes for years, mainly with the Nikon ED50 (which has got a focuser similar to your TSN-501) and the Nikon EDIIA and EDIIIA (which have got a helical focuser like the ATC). No problems with either scope. Switching to a different focuser takes some time, of course, but I find both systems work equally well with a monopod - once you get used to them.

Using a monopod, at which magnification do you still think the ATC is still usable?

Depends on the monopod ... With my Monostats I can use up to 35x quite comfortably, but 40x also works. Going above 40x is a bit more difficult.

To give you one data point: My mother has been using a monopod with her (straight) Nikon EDII with a fixed 30x WA eyepiece for ~20 years. She still does, and she's 89 now. Works for her ...

With the Kowa, at x30, the field of view is too narrow and the image is only clear in the very center, and for me it is not usable. But at x20, the image is very clear and I am very satisfied with it.

You should still keep the small Kowa IMO. I think it's an ideal scope whenever you want to (or need to) keep the weight down as much as possible.

Hermann

 

[BlackRedstar]

Hi Marta!
I've used the Nikon ED50A/Wide MC 27x with a monopod for ages, but not like you describe. At the lower end, I put a bracket perpendicular to the leg. It is in fact a barend made for the handlebar on a bike. At the upper end I have a reasonably sturdy ballhead that won't let the lightweight scope turn down from its own weight.
When I use it, I place my foot on the bracket so the leg+bracket combo don't turn. All horisontal and vertical movement is done with the ballhead and I can use one or both hands to turn the scope. When it's two hands, I let my non-dominant hand grasp the anterior part of the scope.

I briefly tried an ATC on my monopod because I wanted to know if the ballhead could keep it still, and also see how the ergonomics worked.
Although I generally like collar focus the best, I find the ED50A's top knob better with my monopod, but I'd probably learn.
I would however not want to use any scope on a monopod only screwed into the scope's foot. At minimum, some vertical movement must be allowed but a proper ballhead would be the best.
And I don't think you'd enjoy all the ATC can do unless you choose a better method for stabilisation. This is my opinion, and yours may differ. I know nobody else using a monopod the way I do, at least not around here so I respect your ability to stabilise your Kowa on your monopod the way you do.
Whatever your choice, good luck!

//L

I really like your idea of adding a bracket perpendicular to the monopod leg. I’ll have a look around the hardware store to find something that could work for me—I'm intrigued by the idea of using a handlebar! Does it fold, or is it always fixed perpendicular to the end of the monopod?


I also tried using a ball head with the Kowa, but I found I was actually faster just raising or lowering the monopod, depending on the bird’s height. And I totally get what you mean by saying, “I know nobody else using a monopod the way I do.” When my friends try to use my telescope on a monopod, nobody seems to like it!

 

[BlackRedstar]

The ATC is undoubtedly an excellent scope. But did you also look at the Kowa TSN-55A? It has also got some excellent reviews, and it uses the same focuser you're used to from your TSN-501. I may switch scopes sometime later this year (my Nikon zooms have got a narrow FOV and don't work very well with eyeglasses), and I'm not yet sure whether I'll go for the ATC or the TSN-55A. I like them both.

I've been using monopods with different scopes for years, mainly with the Nikon ED50 (which has got a focuser similar to your TSN-501) and the Nikon EDIIA and EDIIIA (which have got a helical focuser like the ATC). No problems with either scope. Switching to a different focuser takes some time, of course, but I find both systems work equally well with a monopod - once you get used to them.

Depends on the monopod ... With my Monostats I can use up to 35x quite comfortably, but 40x also works. Going above 40x is a bit more difficult.

To give you one data point: My mother has been using a monopod with her (straight) Nikon EDII with a fixed 30x WA eyepiece for ~20 years. She still does, and she's 89 now. Works for her ...

You should still keep the small Kowa IMO. I think it's an ideal scope whenever you want to (or need to) keep the weight down as much as possible.

Hermann

Thanks for your answers! That was really useful.
I'll try to find something similar to that "monostat" to give it a try.

I have read some reviews about the Kowa TSN-55A, and it is tempting. There is no substantial price difference with the Swarovski ATC, but the ATC looks sturdier to me. I also tried the ATC at a bird fair just for a few minutes and I just got caught by the aparent FOV...

The Kowa will be kept, of course! The price/quality relation is unbeatable!

I am an immediate fan of your mother!!

 

[looksharp65]

I really like your idea of adding a bracket perpendicular to the monopod leg. I’ll have a look around the hardware store to find something that could work for me—I'm intrigued by the idea of using a handlebar! Does it fold, or is it always fixed perpendicular to the end of the monopod?


I also tried using a ball head with the Kowa, but I found I was actually faster just raising or lowering the monopod, depending on the bird’s height. And I totally get what you mean by saying, “I know nobody else using a monopod the way I do.” When my friends try to use my telescope on a monopod, nobody seems to like it!

It is fixed and cannot be folded parallel to the leg, but other solutions should work equally well. It's also fixed wrt rotation so that all intentional pan movement takes place in the ballhead. Consider that a bracket stopping involuntary rotation also will be a hindrance for panning if you don't release your foot from it.
Although the ballhead theoretically is slower than for example the video head on a tripod, I never felt it slowed me down in reality. And the monopod is quicker to set up than a tripod. But since the scope is 'connected' to my head when I lean against the eyepiece, there is backward/up and forward/down rotation due to my body swaying in the wind. Because of this I like to lean the monopod against something fixed especially if it's windy.

//L

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

The concept of a 'bracket perpendicular to the leg' is good because you get a more stable view. After all, horizontal rotation is your enemy when using a scope on a monopod.

The drawback: added weight. With a pan-tilt or videohead you get something heavy at the top of the monopod.

Besides, hiking/cycling gets more difficult (balance issues), unless you take it off every time.

My setup, scope directly mounted on monopod, gives me 35 magnification so it's perfect for the STC or ATC (maximum is 40x).

For heavier spotting scopes (with higher magnifications) the 'perpendicular bracket system' is better.

 

[PatR]

Hi,
I've been using for two years a Kowa TSN-501 (a mini telescope) on a monopod and now I am thinking about upgrading to the Swarovski ATC.
I doubt if, while getting a bird in focus, does the telescope tremble too much? Being the focuser in the center of the telescope, I am not sure if focusing will make it shake.
Using a monopod, at which magnification do you still think the ATC is still usable?
I am planning to use it directly attached to the monopod. I am already quite skilled using the Kowa this way!

With the Kowa, at x30, the field of view is too narrow and the image is only clear in the very center, and for me it is not usable. But at x20, the image is very clear and I am very satisfied with it.

Thanks in advance for your answers!
Marta - From Barcelona

Hi Marta

I use my ATC on a monopod all the time and at all mag levels and so far it has been perfect. I do use the wrist strap that is attached to the monopod to provide downward force if needed.

I have also mounted a small ballhead on the monopod but much preferred the lighter, and more convenient, direct to monopod combination

I tried both the Kowa and the Swarovski side by side before purchasing. Absolutely no difference in IQ....I just prefered the looks and the armour of the Swaro and its integrated focus ring which, for the places I go, minimised the risk of it catching on low branches which I felt the exposed focus wheels of the Kowa would.

But both are really lovely scopes and the Arca Swiss foot adapter that Swarovski sent FOC is the answer to what I considered to be the only weak spot of the ATC.

Good luck in your choice, there is very little to choose between them apart from appearance and (possibly perceived) robustness.

 

[looksharp65]

The drawback: added weight. With a pan-tilt or videohead you get something heavy at the top of the monopod.

Besides, hiking/cycling gets more difficult (balance issues), unless you take it off every time.

Not sure what you mean. Obviously, the metal bracket adds some weight but that is negligible.
I always ride the bike, and bring a tripod mounted on the luggage carrier when it's the big scope I bring. The monopod hangs on the handlebar if I use the small scope instead.
Enhanced monopod

//L

 

[Hermann]

The concept of a 'bracket perpendicular to the leg' is good because you get a more stable view. After all, horizontal rotation is your enemy when using a scope on a monopod.

Horizontal rotation is indeed the big problem. However, there may be more elegant solution than a bracket, so instance a rubber foot similar to the ones Monostat made. Such feet are available, e.g. from Leofoto: SC-70 - Leofoto.

I don't know the Leofoto foot myself, and I don't know if it's as good as the Monostat foot, but if I wanted to upgrade a monopod I'd sure have a close look at such feet. Giottos also had such a foot some years ago, and that one worked quite well.

Hermann

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Not sure what you mean. Obviously, the metal bracket adds some weight but that is negligible.
I always ride the bike, and bring a tripod mounted on the luggage carrier when it's the big scope I bring. The monopod hangs on the handlebar if I use the small scope instead.
Enhanced monopod

//L

With a metal bracket you need a video or pan/tilt head because the monopod cannot move or is not fast enough for flying subjects.

Even a lighweight head may have half the weight of a heavy monopod.

The whole idea of a monopod is: small, lightweight, fast setup, moving around. Ideal for larger binoculars and small compact scopes like the Swarovski ATC/STC. My backpack is always at the limit, too many times I have to leave my landscape lens at home, too heavy.

The metal bracket solution is interesting since I pack a larger scope sometimes with higher magnification.

 

[looksharp65]

With a metal bracket you need a video or pan/tilt head because the monopod cannot move or is not fast enough for flying subjects.

Even a lighweight head may have half the weight of a heavy monopod.

The whole idea of a monopod is: small, lightweight, fast setup, moving around.

Well what do I know, I've only been using this for 14 years 😏.
For me, a medium-sized ballhead works like a charm, and I have no problems with panning although I may encounter the physical limit from the oblique, not quite vertical leg, meaning I need to lift everything and twist the leg so the sideways bracket points in the right direction again.

And I reluctantly admit that a ballhead with a heavier scope than the ED50 or a Hummingbird/clone may present some problems with the scope falling to its side. However when I briefly tried it with an ATC, I didn't notice any such tendency.
With a straight Fieldscope II it didn't work due to its weight, but then it's also a very back-heavy scope.

//L

 

[BlackRedstar]

View attachment 1641487

Hi Marta

I use my ATC on a monopod all the time and at all mag levels and so far it has been perfect. I do use the wrist strap that is attached to the monopod to provide downward force if needed.

I have also mounted a small ballhead on the monopod but much preferred the lighter, and more convenient, direct to monopod combination

I tried both the Kowa and the Swarovski side by side before purchasing. Absolutely no difference in IQ....I just prefered the looks and the armour of the Swaro and its integrated focus ring which, for the places I go, minimised the risk of it catching on low branches which I felt the exposed focus wheels of the Kowa would.

But both are really lovely scopes and the Arca Swiss foot adapter that Swarovski sent FOC is the answer to what I considered to be the only weak spot of the ATC.

Good luck in your choice, there is very little to choose between them apart from appearance and (possibly perceived) robustness.

Thanks for your comments! That was really useful. I am really glad to read that just the monopod and the ATC could be convinient and lightweight combination. I am already convinced that this will be my next move, and let's see if that is right or if I need any extra adjustment.

Horizontal rotation is indeed the big problem. However, there may be more elegant solution than a bracket, so instance a rubber foot similar to the ones Monostat made. Such feet are available, e.g. from Leofoto: SC-70 - Leofoto.

Thanks for the idea! I'll look for something similar to give it a try.