picking between two carbon fiber monopods

[deone]

I am looking into a monopod for use on hikes when I don't want to carry a tripod. My main requirement is that the monopod should be (i) light as possible but no lighter ;-) and (ii) it should be sturdy enough to help stabilize my lens. The longest lens I use is 70-200 F4 on a rebel XT. In the future I may get a body upgrade to a heavier body (e.g., 30D), but it is very unlikely that I'll get heavier lenses.
I'm considering two monopods Gitzo 1568 and Bogen 694 Magfiber. The Gitzo is lighter but I'm worried that it may be less sturdy. Unfortunately, no local shop carries the Gitzo so I cannot compare the two side by side except by specifications. If you have any insights into how these two compare I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks!

[volleybrad]

I don't think you'd ever have to worry about anything by Gitzo not being sturdy.

[kster]

I have the Gitzo 1568; it feels well built and isn't too heavy to carry around. But with a monopod, it's really important how you brace it when taking pictures, this makes a big difference.

[René Damkot]

I think the biggest difference between the Gitzo and the Manfrotto is the style of the leg locks. I have a Manfrotto 449 myself, but don't like the lever locks. If I buy another monopod, it will probabely be a Gitzo...

[Todd Jacobsen]

I am looking into a monopod for use on hikes when I don't want to carry a tripod. My main requirement is that the monopod should be (i) light as possible but no lighter ;-) and (ii) it should be sturdy enough to help stabilize my lens. The longest lens I use is 70-200 F4 on a rebel XT. In the future I may get a body upgrade to a heavier body (e.g., 30D), but it is very unlikely that I'll get heavier lenses.
I'm considering two monopods Gitzo 1568 and Bogen 694 Magfiber. The Gitzo is lighter but I'm worried that it may be less sturdy. Unfortunately, no local shop carries the Gitzo so I cannot compare the two side by side except by specifications. If you have any insights into how these two compare I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks!

Sturdiness is more related tripods than monopods. Monopods, by nature, are not sturdy. You, the photographer, provide the sturdiness. I would be surprised if there was a concern with the leg pieces coming apart.

[gcogger]

I'd say to buy whichever is lighter. I use a Velbon UP-40, which is lighter than most CF monopods despite being made of metal. That suggests it would be flimsy, but it works fine with my 400D and a Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX (which is twice the weight of your 70-200). I really don't see the point of a heavy monopod.

[DC9]

Weighing in at just 11 oz and a backpack friendly 14.3 inches tall is the Gitzo GM-2560T.

[JohnJ80]

I am looking into a monopod for use on hikes when I don't want to carry a tripod. My main requirement is that the monopod should be (i) light as possible but no lighter ;-) and (ii) it should be sturdy enough to help stabilize my lens. The longest lens I use is 70-200 F4 on a rebel XT. In the future I may get a body upgrade to a heavier body (e.g., 30D), but it is very unlikely that I'll get heavier lenses.
I'm considering two monopods Gitzo 1568 and Bogen 694 Magfiber. The Gitzo is lighter but I'm worried that it may be less sturdy. Unfortunately, no local shop carries the Gitzo so I cannot compare the two side by side except by specifications. If you have any insights into how these two compare I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Thanks!

I have a Gitzo tripod, a Gitzo 2940 Basalt monopod and a Manfrotto 695 monopod. I shoot a lot from a monopod.

The Gitzo will be rock solid - they tend to rate their stuff very conservatively.

The 695 I have (which has one more section than yours) I find to be wobbly and it tends to bow a bit even when not using the last leg section (the thinnest one). I only use it when I need its 18" collapsed length. Otherwise, it will be an ebay candidate shortly.

The Gitzo monopod that I have, while it has a similar weight rating (even less, IIRC) than the 695, it is and feels much more stable.

In addition, I find the flip latches distracting, especially on a monopod. I find it much harder to loosen one while shooting and slightly change the height of the monopod. Seems it won't move or drops - hard to find that spot in between where it slides with some friction. The Gitzo, on the other hand, seems to be much easier to adjust. This, of course, rises to the level of holy war with those who like the flip locks and it is very much personal preference. Me? I detest that da** flip locks - just hate them.

The 1568 is a super monopod - light, portable and rigid. There is a new 6X monopod coming out in Jan/Feb that will replace this. It will have the new ALR legs (anti rotating legs - worth it) and has an increased load rating. Personally, I'd wait for that. Here is the link to the new product website: Gitzo SA | le choix des professionels (http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/3402)

The new monopod is the 2540, and it has an increased load rating plus it is lighter. Here are the CF new monopods from Gitzo:

http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765?actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT:AAA1:2CAT:BB34:3CA T:CC49:4CAT:D464&curMarketId=MARKET:MKT1&curBrandId=BGI&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productList&isCleanList=true

I'm in for the new 2540 as soon as it is available.

J.