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Reed Goodwin
24th of January 2007 (Wed), 13:41
Hi all,
I am looking at what backpack would be good for me to get, as well as a monopod and could use some help.

For the backpack, I want to at least be able to fit my 20D with the Sigma 100-300mm f4 attached, space for another small lens or two, batteries and other small items. Would the Lowepro Microtrekker 200 suite my needs or would I need somehting bigger. I don't want anything too expensive as I'm not loaded with money.

As for the monopod, I have found that hand-holding the 100-300mm can be difficult for long periods of time and it can be difficult to achieve a 1/500th of a second without raising the ISO a lot. My question has two parts: what kind of improvement can I expect in my shutter speeds and how big of a monopod will I need? I am about 6'3" give or take. I am looking at Manfrotto monopods, in particular the 679B. The only thing that worries me is that it's maximum height is a little over five feet. I also don't want to be spending an arm and a leg on a monopod, so something under $75 or so. Yeah, so any help here would be good. I think I will go with a simple tilt-head for now, but I may try a ball-head later in life when funds are available.

Thanks a lot,
Reed

Reed Goodwin
24th of January 2007 (Wed), 15:53
Okay, after reading some more reviews, I think the Lowepro Mini Trekker would be better for me. I have a feeling that I won't be getting many lenses in the future due to budget (college) so I think I'll be set with the 20D, 100-300mm, and the 28mm f1.8.
Reed

Reed Goodwin
28th of January 2007 (Sun), 08:46
Does anyone have any thoughts about what I should get? Anyone who's tall and has a monopod? Anyone have a MiniTrekker that wants to confirm/deny whether it'll fit what I have?
Thanks,
Reed

memorex88
28th of January 2007 (Sun), 09:22
I have the 681B and am very happy with it. It's rock solid and I use it as a walking stick on the trails for Nature shots. I opted for this pod for the quick release on it which is a great thing to have for fast install and removal of the camera in the bush.
I am 5'10" so it's quite tall for me (65.8") so I can stand erect for long periods of time.
If I where you, I'd go to a camera shop and try some out. You can't go wrong with Manfrotto.
Remember you can spread your legs a little to bring your eye down to the camera but you don't want to bend your back for long periods of time as the will take it's toll.

I'm still in search for a backpack myself.

Reed Goodwin
28th of January 2007 (Sun), 09:30
Thanks. It had actually not occurred to me to go to a camera shop:D Thanks for that.
Reed

memorex88
28th of January 2007 (Sun), 09:33
lol just be careful with the credit card because like most of us, we loose control at these wonderlands of joyful goodies! :lol:

chrisvl
29th of January 2007 (Mon), 09:41
I have a Lowepro Orion Trecker II and a Velbon Ultra Stick 50LX Monopod . I couldn't find one smaller. It fits in the top part of the Trecker backpack at an angle. I got the Velbon off ebay.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/classic/Orion_Trekker_II.aspx

HTH