Monopod recomendation needed

[Olegis]

Hi all,
I would like to get myself a nice steady monopod with the following parameters :
1. Small when folded
2. Tall when extended (I'm 180cm tall)
3. Light (not carbon, as they are expensive)
4. Sturdy
5. Relatively cheap (about 50 $USD)

What woul you recommend ?

[Torcidas]

Did you look for manfroto monopods. Here in Europe they are one of the best ones, but i definitly don't know what is price at you. I buy my profesional monopod for less then 100 USD in Croatia and we are realy expensive in photo equipment. So probably they have some cheap model.

[sds4kst8]

I think I'm the only person who uses this monopod based on the fact that I seem to be the only one ever recommending it. Oh well...

I'm very pleased with my Giottos 5-section monopod. It's sturdy and can be purchased for about $65. The model number is MM9150.

Here's the link at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221100&is=REG

[cecilc]

I think I'm the only person who uses this monopod based on the fact that I seem to be the only one ever recommending it.

No, no ....

You are not the only one using it ...

I've got one too, and really like it (and can easily recommend it). Not only is it a sturdy and well-built monopod, but when it's collapsed it can double as a night stick ....

[CyberDyneSystems]

I am VERY partial to the Manfrotto/Bogen 'pod that is adjustable in height by squeezing the grip handle.. (can't remember model#) ...

I suppose it depends on application.. ie on the sidelines of a football field,. the ground is obviously even and the subject is pretty constant height wise.. so the immediate adjustablilty may be of no advantage..

...but on a nature hike.. I love being able to put the camera to my eye at any height and give the handle a squeeze.. the 'pod drops it's foot into the gorund no matter what awkward terrain there is.

Very Handy.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have the four-section Manfrotto (numbers with Manfrotto/Bogen are diabolical, so I can't recall), and the reason I chose it was because it packs small. I really like it, but I may move to carbon fiber to reduce the weight. Nonetheless, it has been working fine for me. I have the 484RC2 ball head, and I like that one, too.

The quick release ties me to Manfrotto, but that is not a bad thing. Think about that when you consider your monopod. If you like the concept of quick release, go with the same manufacturer for the heads (at least) of your monopod and tripod.

[sds4kst8]

I think I'm the only person who uses this monopod based on the fact that I seem to be the only one ever recommending it.

No, no ....

You are not the only one using it ...

I've got one too, and really like it (and can easily recommend it). Not only is it a sturdy and well-built monopod, but when it's collapsed it can double as a night stick ....

Cecil...nice to know of another Giottos monopod user! That thing is great, isn't it? Night stick is right, too!

CDS...great points. I use my 'pod for mainly sports, so it's right in line with what you said about shooting football. Maybe if I hiked I'd have looked for something besides the Giottos. I borrowed a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B and it felt so much thinner and cheaper than the Giottos.

[BoySpot]

I shall now disappoint all of those who love brand names but there is a store in the UK www.jessops.com that has a monopod with a tilt/pan head that is £16.99. It is really pretty light and I am very happy with it. The more discerning photographers may tell you why it isn't worth it but at that price, I think I got a bargain. Not sure how easy it is for you to get and shipping may make the whole thing pointless but if you know someone in the UK it could be worth a look.

[Olegis]

All the Giottos users - how about the twist locks ? Don't they wear more quickly and are less reliable than the flip levers on other tripods ?

[iwatkins]

I think I'm the only person who uses this monopod based on the fact that I seem to be the only one ever recommending it.

No, no ....

You are not the only one using it ...


No, no, no....

I'm also a Giottos user, but this sucker (http://www.giottos.com/eng_public/products_variation_detail.asp?ProductID=50&Variati onID=301).

Along with this I use Giottos tripods and heads and wouldn't buy anything else now. You can keep your over priced Manfrotto/Bogen stuff ;)

All the Giottos users - how about the twist locks ? Don't they wear more quickly and are less reliable than the flip levers on other tripods ?

I've not worn out the twist locks on my tripod or monopod yet. The tripod has been through hell and back, immersed in mud most of the winter etc. The locks still work fine and can be tightened with a quick twist, you don't need to go mad.

Cheers

Ian

[Olegis]

How about the maximum height of this Giottos MM 9150 5-Section Monopod ? According to the B&H site it's only 151cm high ...

[CoolToolGuy]

How about the maximum height of this Giottos MM 9150 5-Section Monopod ? According to the B&H site it's only 151cm high ...

If you are going to use a ballhead, add the height of that - I looked at two of the Giottos on B&H, and they were 7 and 10 cm - and then consider the eyepoint of the camera, and the fact that your eye is not at 180 cm - and come up with a height that you need.

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

Have Fun

[sds4kst8]

How about the maximum height of this Giottos MM 9150 5-Section Monopod ? According to the B&H site it's only 151cm high ...

I just measured my Giottos 9150 (it's five sections) and it is right at 70 inches, which according to my calculations is 177.8 cm. Either way, I can tell you that 70 inches is WAY more monopod than I'll ever use and I'm 6'2" tall.

And wobble? I'm going to venture a guess that this thing is as sturdy as any monopod you'll find, especially in this price range.

[Olegis]

A ball head ? How about the swivel tilt heads like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=product.jsp&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=5498&is=REG) ? After all the monopod is meant to perform very basic function which is to support the camera and to eliminate the vertical shake - do I need complicated ball heads for this ?

[CoolToolGuy]

A ball head ? How about the swivel tilt heads like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=product.jsp&A=kitInfo&Q=&sku=5498&is=REG) ? After all the monopod is meant to perform very basic function which is to support the camera and to eliminate the vertical shake - do I need complicated ball heads for this ?

I think you'll find that that type of head is usually used on video, where you don't usually tilt from side to side, just up and down and panning. You could use it, but I think you will find that sooner or later you will want the ball head.

An example: I used my monopod to steady the camera in a theater, while I was sitting in a seat (the monopod was not vertical, and I propped the base with my feet). While I had the head mostly rigid, if I wanted to change a position, the two-way head would be very restrictive.

[Olegis]

OK, thanks for the info - I didn't think about this situation ...
Are these ball-heads stiff enough to hold my 10D with the 70-200 f/2.8L (non-IS) at various angles ? Do you have any recomendations regarding these ball heads ? I can see quite a collection here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=search&Q=&ci=140) at B&H ... How about this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=156564&is=REG) ?
Can it be used on a tripod also ?

[cecilc]

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

OK....if you "don't know", then why start the "wobbling" thing ..... ? C'mon ....

I'm with sds4kst8 on this one - this monopod does not wobble. I've had my 10D with the big-ed on it with the 100-400 IS lens on it and the only time it shakes, wobbles, lists, etc. is when I move it myself .....

I've had tripods that weren't this sturdy .....

[Olegis]

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

OK....if you "don't know", then why start the "wobbling" thing ..... ? C'mon ....



I didn't write that ...

[CoolToolGuy]

Look at the load capacity - that one is listed at 8 lbs. Think about what combinations you want to put on it and go from there.

Personally, I do not prefer a ball head for a tripod, but you can put it on one, and there are folks who like them better than a 3-way head. If you consider that, however, you may want a more substantial model than you would put on a monopod because on a monopod you are usually holding the camera at all times, and on a tripod you may be leaving it for periods of time. The point being you could probably have a large lens setup work out fine on a monopod with a smaller ballhead but perform horribly when set up on a tripod because it can't handle the weight without sagging.

[cecilc]

I didn't write that ...

No, you sure didn't ....

My heartfelt apologies ....

I edited out the wrong name ..... (that's what you get for being in a hurry!)

Again, apologies offered .....

[CoolToolGuy]

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

OK....if you "don't know", then why start the "wobbling" thing ..... ? C'mon ....

I'm with sds4kst8 on this one - this monopod does not wobble. I've had my 10D with the big-ed on it with the 100-400 IS lens on it and the only time it shakes, wobbles, lists, etc. is when I move it myself .....

I've had tripods that weren't this sturdy .....

Please, don't get too defensive, I said I was not familiar with that brand and it is a fact of physics that the more joints you have, the more propensity there is for wobble to be a factor. Look at any of the tripods from any of the major suppliers, and I think you will see that the more sections, the lower the weight limit.

Geez, I try to put out a little help, and provide full disclosure, and I get accused of slamming someone's favorite toy. Please, READ the post before you flame me.

[SoCal69]

I am VERY partial to the Manfrotto/Bogen 'pod that is adjustable in height by squeezing the grip handle.. (can't remember model#) ...

I suppose it depends on application.. ie on the sidelines of a football field,. the ground is obviously even and the subject is pretty constant height wise.. so the immediate adjustablilty may be of no advantage..

...but on a nature hike.. I love being able to put the camera to my eye at any height and give the handle a squeeze.. the 'pod drops it's foot into the gorund no matter what awkward terrain there is.

Very Handy.

The model number is 3245 and I bought this one as well, specifically for the quick height adjustment. It's about $80.00 from B&H and has a weight capacity of about 17 lbs. It must be popular, as B&H recently raised the price on it slightly.

[CoolToolGuy]

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

OK....if you "don't know", then why start the "wobbling" thing ..... ? C'mon ....

I'm with sds4kst8 on this one - this monopod does not wobble. I've had my 10D with the big-ed on it with the 100-400 IS lens on it and the only time it shakes, wobbles, lists, etc. is when I move it myself .....

I've had tripods that weren't this sturdy .....

Say, don't I know you? Do you have a cousin named Bayford? There's a remarkable resemblance...

[Olegis]

I didn't write that ...

No, you sure didn't ....

My heartfelt apologies ....

I edited out the wrong name ..... (that's what you get for being in a hurry!)

Again, apologies offered .....

Apology surely accepted :wink: Happens to the best of us, doesn't it ?

[Olegis]

I don't know Giottos, but also consider that the more sections you have, the more likelihood of wobbling.

OK....if you "don't know", then why start the "wobbling" thing ..... ? C'mon ....

I'm with sds4kst8 on this one - this monopod does not wobble. I've had my 10D with the big-ed on it with the 100-400 IS lens on it and the only time it shakes, wobbles, lists, etc. is when I move it myself .....

I've had tripods that weren't this sturdy .....

Please, don't get too defensive, I said I was not familiar with that brand and it is a fact of physics that the more joints you have, the more propensity there is for wobble to be a factor. Look at any of the tripods from any of the major suppliers, and I think you will see that the more sections, the lower the weight limit.

Geez, I try to put out a little help, and provide full disclosure, and I get accused of slamming someone's favorite toy. Please, READ the post before you flame me.

Guys, please take it easy - it's just a forum. You're both are very helpful and provide great info - let's just keep it that way :wink:

[Olegis]

SoCal69, the 3245 is a bit out of my budget. $80 + S&H of about $40 + customs becomes a little expensive for monopod ...
The 3249 looks nice, but it's kinda short for me, only 152cm. I believe that my eyepoint is at appx. 177cm, so I need at least 170cm of monopod height. I guess that it can be acheived with a ball head of some kind and shorter monopod.

[nosquare2003]

Can you go to a local camera shop and try to mount your 200mm zoom on several monopods?

[Olegis]

I guess I can, but the assortment here is rather low ... That's the reason I want to order it from B&H.

[cecilc]

Say, don't I know you? Do you have a cousin named Bayford? There's a remarkable resemblance...

Poor Mr. Bayford ....

The guy makes 3 posts and he's apparently branded for life and lumped in with the other dregs of society ( .... I guess to keep me company!).

My apologies to you, too, Rick .... possibly there was more read into my post than what I thought was there when I composed it .....

[drisley]

An example: I used my monopod to steady the camera in a theater, while I was sitting in a seat (the monopod was not vertical, and I propped the base with my feet). While I had the head mostly rigid, if I wanted to change a position, the two-way head would be very restrictive.

I was wondering if a monopod could be used in a theatre while seated!
Kewl!

Is there any way to mount the camera vertically on a monopod?

[drisley]

BTW, anyone ever try one of these shoulder mounts?


http://bushhawk.shopol.com/bushhawk/images/itemslarge/BH-230.jpg


http://www.bushhawk.com

[CoolToolGuy]

An example: I used my monopod to steady the camera in a theater, while I was sitting in a seat (the monopod was not vertical, and I propped the base with my feet). While I had the head mostly rigid, if I wanted to change a position, the two-way head would be very restrictive.

I was wondering if a monopod could be used in a theatre while seated!
Kewl!

Is there any way to mount the camera vertically on a monopod?

I have the Manfrotto 484RC2, and it has 2 cutouts that allow the camera to be positioned vertically. Most of the Manfrottos have this, other brands may handle it differently.

[CoolToolGuy]

Say, don't I know you? Do you have a cousin named Bayford? There's a remarkable resemblance...

Poor Mr. Bayford ....

The guy makes 3 posts and he's apparently branded for life and lumped in with the other dregs of society ( .... I guess to keep me company!).

My apologies to you, too, Rick .... possibly there was more read into my post than what I thought was there when I composed it .....

I must have been mistaken - Thanks, Cecil

[merlyn9]

BTW, anyone ever try one of these shoulder mounts?


http://bushhawk.shopol.com/bushhawk/images/itemslarge/BH-230.jpg


http://www.bushhawk.com

There's a guy from Ohio who swears by this setup! and you should see all he has on the thing... 10D/100-400/550. He shoots wildlife down there including stuff that fly's. I too found that amazing alone... in Ohio!

But I want to give one of these shoulder stock's a try... I'm just not sure I'd get it into the race track without any problems... let alone any theater?
And what theater let's anyone sneak in a monopod lets alone a whole camera?

[drisley]

And what theater let's anyone sneak in a monopod lets alone a whole camera?

We mean live theatre, not movie.
It also depends on the event.

[merlyn9]

And what theater let's anyone sneak in a monopod lets alone a whole camera?

We mean live theatre, not movie.
It also depends on the event.

That I did understand... But still, MOST live performance Theater I attend frown heavily on cameras?
<i>)Opera, sword swashbukling show, plays???)</i>
Just my observations...
Although, I did manage to sneak my P&S into the Swashbuckling spectactular on New Years Eve.....

[drisley]

Oh, really? I wasn't aware of that. Good to know.
I've only taken mine to a bodybuilding show at a theatre, and I would say every other person there had a camera.
:)

[CoolToolGuy]

And what theater let's anyone sneak in a monopod lets alone a whole camera?

We mean live theatre, not movie.
It also depends on the event.

Quite true that it depends on the event. When I speak of a theater or theater environment I am speaking of the lighting. Most recently this includes plays, concerts, dance recitals, and other auditorium events at a school level, where they had better allow cameras, or they would have a fairly unruly audience. I reserved the monopod for the event at which I was the 'official' photographer, shooting the images that ultimately went onto a CD for each participant.

The lighting is the hurdle - you can get some decent shots with the right equipment. A monopod can be part of it.

[Olegis]

I want to thank everybody for being very informative about this area of the photo equipment that before that was complete mistery for me - monopods. Yesterday I went to the local shop and tried about 5 or 6 kinds of monopods. Finally I picked the Manfrotto 276 (http://db.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=14&itemid=298) (Bogen code 3006) 4-section monopod, it's very light and compact unit, but very (and I mean - VERY) sturdy when extended.
http://db.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0000958.gif

In addition I bought the Manfrotto 342 ball head which adds to the overall height of the monopod and allowes me to use the camera at any angle I want.

Thank you all again !

[Conk]

I am VERY partial to the Manfrotto/Bogen 'pod that is adjustable in height by squeezing the grip handle.. (can't remember model#) ...

I suppose it depends on application.. ie on the sidelines of a football field,. the ground is obviously even and the subject is pretty constant height wise.. so the immediate adjustablilty may be of no advantage..

...but on a nature hike.. I love being able to put the camera to my eye at any height and give the handle a squeeze.. the 'pod drops it's foot into the gorund no matter what awkward terrain there is.

Very Handy.

CDS,
Is this the one you have? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5523&is=REG
I really like the idea of having a quick release. I just can't stand having to flip levers all the time. It would be nice to get the quick release option with a mono-pod that is very compact. Maybe there is something but I've yet to find it.
Some places frown upon visitors with tripods and such and something that can be taken from the bag, attached and a shot taken in a reasonably short amount of time is exactly what I'd like.