Which monopod should I buy?

[burkdog]

I bought a 300D and I want to do some sports photography. I've read that I will need a monopod. I hear everyone talking about Manfrotto. I looked and they make many different models. Which one should I get, and will I need other accessories to go with the monopod, like some kind head kit?? Let's assume for the sake of discussion that expense is not the primary consideration.

Thanks,
Greg

[burkdog]

I also need to find and buy a nice protective case for the camera itself. CAn anyone point me in the right direction there, as well??

Thanks,
Greg
:P

[Nolz]

ive got a manfrotto 680B (i think thats what it is...its in my car so i cant check) and ontop of it ive attached a manfrotto ball head with a quick release mount! 486rc2.

its very durable and if you have big hands it feels great to use when bushwalking and trekking. very sturdy!....dont think i would have spent the money on any other one. the ball head and quick release makes it very versatile and convenient. i can quickly take the cam off the monopod and snap it straight into my manfrotto tripod with the same quick release adaptor plate!

as far a case for your cam!...depends on what u want it for....check out
www.lowepro.com

ive got the orion bum bag style one for day trips or goign out, and i hope to purchase the NOVA 5 aw, for just storign all my gear in :)

[dal451]

I tried several before finding the 'right' one for me. I started with the Adorama monopod, @$90.00, which was based on a european design, no longer made, and is very light and small. It telescopes, and locks into place at one height only, and when I used it for my 10d and 100-400 or 70-200, it would slowly collapse and lose its height.

I then tried the Manfrotto and found it to be not quite substantial enough for me.

As you said that money, for the sake of this discussion, is not an option, I would suggest the Bogen Carbon One. You can see it here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=186293&is=REG

This is very sturdy, can be locked into place at any height, including over my head and I am 6'3" tall. I have really started using the monopod more since I got it and I think it is very much worth the $$.

Dale

[Andy_T]

Though money is not the prime objective, I've seen a lot of monopods (especially Manfrotto) offered on eBay for very nice prices.

A good monopod being an item not very much influenced by wear&tear, that might be an alternative.

Regards,
Andy

PS: If you have a tripod head with QR, why not get a monopod head with the same system? I find that helpful with my Manfrotto combo.

[Belmondo]

PS: If you have a tripod head with QR, why not get a monopod head with the same system? I find that helpful with my Manfrotto combo.

That's exactly what I did. I have the Bogen 488RC2 head on my Gitzo tripod, and the 486RC2 on my monopod. They both use the same quick release plates. It's very convenient----the QR plates generally stays on the camera and the big lenses with tripod rings. It's just one less thing to fiddle with in the field.

Thos.

[toglenn]

It's important to get a monopod that will provide you with eye-level support. I'm 6' 2" and find the Gitzo G1564L gives me the height I need. Many others don't extend that high.

I use it with a 1000mm lens with no problems when strapped mid-height to my hip pack to stop sway.

toglenn

[where1]

I use a Manfrotto 3245 pod. It is a two piece system with a quick release lever. I make my initial adjustment to height, then with the squeeze of a lever, it gets long for shooting. Just as easily, it gets short for moving about.
I have it topped with a Manfrotto 3265 ball head. Again, with just a squeeze of a lever I adjust, then let go to lock. Everything is quick.
I can also put the ball head on my old Bogen tripod, and on my mini monopod that clamps to the tripod leg for those low shots.

[SnJPhoto]

I second the 3245 with a ball head. I picked up a ball head at a camera expo for $20 (no name but plenty strong). I love the quick height adjustment capabilities and even without the ball head I would use this monopod.


As tip on this model, wrap a few bands of gaffers tape around the bottom section to get a bettr hand hold. The bottom section is locked in place with a twist and the gaffers tape makes for a better grip than the slick aluminum.

Scott

[where1]

Good Idea Scott, I wear cloth gloves in the cold, and that initial adjustment can't be made with my glove on. And that aluminum does get cold.

[CyberDyneSystems]

IMHO

The 3245 is the ONLY monopod!

Once you do the intitial adjustment,. with a squeeze of the handle the 'pod is extended to what ever height you need..

I bring the camera to eyelevel and squeeze,. instant support preceisely fine tuned to my eyes height no matter what the terrain.

I can't imagine working with a monopod without the auto extending leg.

A ballhead may be over kill,.. panning is handled simply by twisting the whole pod.. I did get a tilt only head with the RC2 plate system which matches the ball head on my tripod.. same plates on all my lens mounts and on the 10D itself.. :)

[SnJPhoto]

Ya... the ball head is a bit of overkill. I looked at the tilt only heads, but got a killer deal on these generic balls (with QR as well) so I couldn't help my self. If anyone is near the Buena Park Camera Expo (SoCal) they can find the heads there once in awhile.

I can honestly say that the 3245 does take a lot of abuse even though it has some rudimentary "automation" in its design. I've used mine in the sand on the beach and in the desert hills as a walking stick in between pictures.

[ChrisNardone]

Wal-Mart monopod. $20. It also doubles as a decent machete for knocking down brush. Seriously.