Monopods and Ballheads?

[drisley]

Well, I've finally decided that after the last bodybuilding show, I would like to get a monopod. Either that, or sell my new 70-200 in favour of the IS model.
Since the latter would cost me about $700, I think the monopod will do for the amount I will need it.

I think I've decided on the [/URL][URL="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=314122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search"]Manfrotto 676B Digi (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=314122&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) as it seems to be reasonably priced, and have what I need (unless somebody thinks I shouldn't get it ;))

Now I want to be able to swivel from landscape to portrait rather quickly and easily detach the camera. Oh, and nothing too expensive! :)

[rklepper]

I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 on my monopod. I really like it and I did not think it was too expensive.

[drisley]

Thanks alot RK.
That is one of the ballheads I was looking at buying too!

[Palladium]

I use the Velbon Neo Pod 6 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=322186&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Check Ebay for deals ;)

[AlexMa]

Hey there...........

I'd opt for the 680 or 681......

Both handle more weight and they are a bit more robust.

the 680 is four sections, so it's a little more compact

The 681 has 3 sections and handles about 4lbs more then the 680.

[JRJay]

I second the 486RC2 and the 680.

[AlexMa]

I'd look at the 488RC2.............also handles more weight than the 486 + has extra controls.........

[SkipD]

I'd look at the 488RC2.............also handles more weight than the 486 + has extra controls.........The 488RC2 is great for tripod use, but very much overkill for a monopod.

I use a 486RC2 on my 680B monopod and, except for going to a much more expensive carbon fiber monopod, don't think that I could find a much more useful combination.

[BearLeeAlive]

I use the 486RC2 on my Feisol monopod. Works fantastic for those shots where the monopod must be put at an awkward angle, like macro work.

[drisley]

Thanks guys. I will be shooting in portrait mode for about 90% of the stuff I do.

[AlexMa]

The 488RC2 is great for tripod use, but very much overkill for a monopod.

I use a 486RC2 on my 680B monopod and, except for going to a much more expensive carbon fiber monopod, don't think that I could find a much more useful combination.

The only reason I brought up the 488 was the weight.

The 680 handles 22lbs

ball heads

486 13.2lbs
488 17.6lbs

I use the 3229 on my 680, only handles 6lbs.

Works o k with 20d+grip and 70-200.

[mrclark321]

Hey Dris check out Hentrys ebay again as I got a 488RC2 and a Manfrotto 190 Pro for a great price.

Dan

[drisley]

Thanks MRC! ;)
Isn't that at TRIPOD though?

[Jon]

I (whatever the current tally is) the 680B and 486RC2 combo. Onlyu caution is that you don't accidently pull it out too far. Took me a fair while to get it back together aftewr one of the sections separated.

[AlexMa]

Don't those things have "stops" in them?

Mine do............

[Jon]

Yeah, sorta. That's what made getting it back together such a bear.