Monopod question

[Joytek]

I am in the market for a monopod. Can anyone recommend one. Weight is not a primary concern but durability and quality is.

thanks.

w.

[Vegas Poboy]

I carry a Bogen that I picked up from a local Wolf camera shop. It has a quick release on it so I can switch between monopod and tripod with no hassles. Just make sure when fully extended that the camera is a least eye level.

[ctgoldwing]

joytek wrote:
I am in the market for a monopod. Can anyone recommend one. Weight is not a primary concern but durability and quality is.

thanks.

w.

I also use a Manfrotto / Bogen that I picked up from B&H with a head included. It is very sturdy (survived a drop off my motorcycle in western Canada at 70kph). However when I started using it for sports photography with larger lenses - larger than my 70-200mm - like the 200 f1.8 or 300 f2.8 the head was not up to it. I just picked up a Gitzo G1276M on ebay for it.
btw it has the 3 tripod legs that reverse & store inside the body of the monopod. It doesn't make it a Gitzo tripod, lol, but it did allow me to take some shots out in the Canadian Rockies with me in the frame. The largest lens I used with these legs was a 24-70mm. It is NOT the most stable platform but it does work!

[CyberDyneSystems]

I may look into that Gitzo!

Joytek,

depending on how you use your monopod,. one function that I have found absoluteley neccesary is a pod with rapid height adjustment! I use the monopod primarily for hiking in the feild stalking wildlife (birds) and depending on where the bird is (below me in the water,. or overhead in a tree fro example) the camera will need to be at varying heights to use the pod comfotably..

It is for this reason that I got the Manfrotto 3245 "automatic" monopod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5523&is=REG

I could not live without the pistol grip and squeeze handle height adjustment.

I have mounted this tilt head;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5491&is=REG

...which also provides a quick release.

[clayk]

IMHO, a ballhead on a monopod is unnecessary. Just screw it right into the long lens tripod mount and shoot. This gives a sturdy connection.

I can see if you were try to shoot "hail mary's," a ballhead might be advantagous, but most people use them for sports and I have shot many overheads without the head.

I use the bogen, cheap and sturdy

[RedShoesGirl]

I use a Gitzo with quick release head - mostly for sports.

RSG

[Andy_T]

Check eBay for used ones ...

there should be a lot of Manfrotto's available for about 20 % of the initial price ...

Regards,
Andy