Quote Originally Posted by scott-devon
...I notice few of you use a tripod and I can understand the bulk and weight being a large factor but I am seldom without mine. I've got a good monopod with a Manfroto head but found carrying it wasn't much more convenient than carrying a tripod other than weight. I've been shopping around for a carbon fiber tripod though as my present one is heavy and carrying both it and the sigma makes for a real workout...
For me it's not the bulk and weight of carrying the tripod that is the issue (although I have a carbon fiber monopod which is extremely sturdy and light). Rather it is the set up time and the ability to shoot multiple targets in rapid succession.

With my monopod extended and attached to the 500mm, the whole thing balances, with a slight angle, on my right shoulder. If I see something worthwhile while walking, I can have it on the ground and shooting in about 2 seconds. When I was out with other birders shooting warblers, most were using Wimberley heads on tripods and I outshot them all. OK so they probably got some really sharp ones, but I know I got more varieties and more looks and more chances and more frames than anyone I was around - and I don't think my quality suffered enough to change tactics, yet

But I admit that if I shot other types of subjects, I would probably use the tripod more. And I still use the tripod occasionally for macros.