Monopod For Canon 300mm F2.8L

[canoncad]

Please recommend what kind of monopod is good for this heavy lens.
And also let me know if head is necessary or not.
Thanks in advance. :eek:

[FlyingPhotog]

I have a Manfroto/Bogen 3216 that I'm very happy with. Its a three section monopod with a nice, broad top plate. Has a hand strap and a padded grip.

As for using a head, some folks use one so they can angle the monopod away from themselves slightly but stil be able to have the camera level...personal choice really. At my dizzying height of 5'8", I find this monopod to be tall enough without a head...YMMV.

[canoncad]

I see some monopod which professional sports photographers usually using and has big diameter, seems like 1.5 inches, of monopod. Any opinion on this issue ?
Thanks

[Eagle Eye]

If you find one of those Cancad post it so I can see it!!!

[Ultimate CC]

feisol...

[Rumjungle]

I think you're talking about the Gitzo 1588 or GM-5540...big tube and carries a ton of weight. I don't use it with a head, but it's can be a very useful addition for those that need it.

edit: dug up an article on Monopod Heads (http://www.nikonians.org/monopods/what_monopod_2.html)

[namasste]

I am using a Promaster SystemPro NS and find it's extremely capable wit larger lenses (recently used it with Sigma 120-300). I think it's actually a private label Gitzo as it seems to be an exact replica. I was leary of the name at first but after looking around, I couldn't find anything I would rather have had. Even the salesperson was surprised. They thought it was a Gitz and even commented that they had never seen anything like this out of PM.

As for a head, I struggled with this recently and posted here about my concerns. In the end, I went with the head for two reasons. 1) Flexibility of positioning for sports and for orientation for non sports and 2) the head is much stronger than my smallest telescoping mono section. Using the head, allowed me to use less of the weakest part of the pod to achieve the same height.

[Emjay]

I use the Manfrotto 685B ... bought it 2 yrs ago. I use it with my 300mm 2.8 ... i chose it because it operates like a dream ... one hand operation, it has a squeeze handle on the grip to collapse it, which only squeezes in if you hold the trigger under it simultaneously with the little finger. Pulling up is just a matter of putting your toe on the lever at the bottom & pulling up ... opens & collapses seamlessly. Most convenient one i've ever had. And the top is 2" in diameter, which has never presented a problem supporting the lens. The ONLY drawback is it doesn't collapse really short ... when collapsed it's still 30 inches long.

[Tim Snow]

With a 300 f/2.8, I use an old Manfrotto 079 with a Manfrotto 234RC quick release head and the combo works wonderfully. When I'm using a 400 f/2.8, I ditch the head as I am afraid I will put too much strain on it. Hand holding a 300 is possible, I have done it myself, but make sure its not for a full football game or something, you will feel it the next morning for sure.

[gymell]

I use a Gitzo 5540 with my 500 f/4, no head, just a Really Right Stuff B2-Pro/L clamp and it works fine.

[Tapeman]

Gitzo 1558 works well for me. No head necessary as the top plate tips forward & back about 45 degrees.

They are hard to find.

[M24]

I use the Monostat out of Switzerland:

http://monostat.us/catalog.html

Don't let the funny-sounding name put you off, I know it sounds like "monistat" but it's a German name. I think they are the best monopods money can buy. Everyone I've shown mine to wants one. The soft rubber cup-shaped tip really works, it doesn't slip. Because Monostats tilt up to 60 degrees, I haven't needed a ball or tilt head.

Also, they have 30 pound capacities, not too many monopods out there can handle that much load.

Because, I'm 6'2", I got the RS16SL X-Long.

I love it!

Best,

Michael