What is automatic monopod...

[aam1234]

and can a mono do vertical (shooting down) or you need a special head for that.

Thanks

[Scottes]

An automatic monopod, like the Bogen 3245, has a section that extends when you squeeze a handle or something. Squeezing releases the grip on that section which allows that section to move freely. With the right tension set gravity will allow it to extend, or light pressure will push the section in and thus retract.

They'll also have another section or two which is user set - usually by twisting the section to release pressure, pulling the sections apart by hand, then twisting back to lock them. Most (all other?) monopods are like this, which means you need two hands and a few seconds to adjust the height. With the automatic the height adjustment is one-handed and very quick.

I love the automatic feature of my Bogen 3245.

The general choice for a monopod is a swivel tilt head like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5491&is=REG), though you can put almost any head on one. "The swivel tilt head with quick-release features a one-axis movement which allows the positioning of the camera for a vertical format with the Monopod in the upright stance. "

You might not be able to shoot straight down with the monopod straight up, but you can then just tilt the monopod a bit and then you can.

[sGu]

u don't need a special head, u can turn the camera body if u want, but not very convenient to shoot, it's better to rotate lens while lens ring hold its position, i assume when u say monopod, u use long telephoto glasses.

[aam1234]

Thank you Scottes. I had a rough idea about the auto but needed conformation befor ordering it. Guess I'll order the head you recommended with it too.

Thanks sGu. I have some old zooms (anybody remember the 70-210?) but in the process of upgrading to L's.


Thank you guys again

[aam1234]

Come to think of it, do you really need swivel tilt head with a mono, you can just rotate it (is that what you are saying sGu).

[aam1234]

Ignore my last post, I got it now:

"The swivel tilt head with quick-release features a one-axis movement which allows the positioning of the camera for a vertical format with the Monopod in the upright stance. "

[petiot]

Ignore my last post, I got it now:

"The swivel tilt head with quick-release features a one-axis movement which allows the positioning of the camera for a vertical format with the Monopod in the upright stance. "

LOL LOL i couldnt stop laughing after i read your two posts. .. brillant. thanks.

[Scottes]

Be aware you can use just about any head on the monopod. I use a monster 2.5 lb Bogen 490-RC4 ball head on mine - I didn't know about swivel heads when I ordered the monopod....

[aam1234]

Thank you Scottes & sGu, just placed an order for Bogen 3245 with 3229 Swivel Tilt head.

[Scottes]

Just to let you know... On the squeeze grip of the 3245 there's a little hole with a screw inside. A tiny screwdriver is needed, but turning the screw will let you adjust tension for how easily the "automatic" section releases.

Don't ask me how I know this. :-)

And when you get it, could you check through the manual - like the one I threw away - and see if this tension screw is mentioned? I'm just curious, as I *never* thought I'd need a manual for a monopod.... Again, don't ask.

[aam1234]

as I *never* thought I'd need a manual for a monopod

Nobody can blame you for that.

I can scan & email the manual if you like.

[Scottes]

Thanks, but after dis-assembling it I'm pretty darn sure I know everything about it now. :)

I'm just curious to see if the manual would have saved me from the wanton destruction and subsequent reconstruction of the monopod.