What monopod?

[karusel]

I have been searching for such topics - there's just too many hits but no right one... Besides, in the topic about 100-400L some people have said they're using monopods with it. As I am soon-to-be 100-400L owner (but not just because of that) I'm interested in buying a _good_ monopod. Sorry if I mislooked a topic.

Um.. how do I put this... if monopod I was looking for was a lens it would not be a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS USM, nor would it be a Phoenix 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6, it would be something like... Canon 70-200 f/4.0. In other words, I want it to be really good and worth every single penny, but I don't need it to be the ultimate monopod that also has an integrated cellular phone, can play chess and can cook you dinner. :D

[aam1234]

Two words: Auto monopod.

More than two words: with auto monopod you can adjust the height by squeezing a thing (not sure what is it called in English, maybe a handle) then you lift the camera, that's it. No need to adjust the legs or anything. To lower it, squeeze the thing again and gravity will lower it. Very handy.

[slin100]

There are several considerations to keep in mind when selecting a monopod. IMO, these are the most important, in no particular order:
Flip, twist or grip lock: How quickly can you adjust it?
Weight: How long can you carry it?
Load capacity: How much can it support?
Closed length: How portable is it?
Maximum length: Is it tall enough for me?
Thread size: Do I only need 1/4-20 to mount a camera or lens tripod collar or will I need 3/8-16 for a tripod head?
Number of sections: More sections means shorter closed length. Too many sections can slow you down, though.
Construction material: Impacts weight and durability.


Spend a few hours in the monopod section http://bhphoto.com. You should be able to find something that suits your needs.

As for me, I chose the Gitzo 1564. It might qualify as the kind of mid-range monopod you're looking for. However, you've got to like twist locks, which many do not. I happen to dislike the loud snap caused by flip locks.

[Pekka]

I really like my Manfrotto Carbon One.

[aam1234]

slin100 you are making it sounds more complicated than it is. At the end, a monopod is basically a stick.

IMO, the way the legs extend/contract and the head is more important than weight (since its a light & small item anyway)

[slin100]

No offense taken or offered, but to each their own. As I mentioned, the considerations I listed were not in any order of importance, but I think most will find a few of them worth thinking about. Weight may not be important to you, but to the hiker, the difference between 1 and 3 lbs might matter on a long journey.

[aam1234]

but to the hiker, the difference between 1 and 3 lbs might matter on a long journey.

I never hiked before, so pardon my ignorance about weight & hiking.

[CoolToolGuy]

I got a Manfrotto 680 (4 section) and it worked fine for several months. Then I went to my first race with all my equipment and lugged everything all over the course. No longer the spring chicken that I used to be, I decided to make everything lighter. To lighten up the monopod, I got the Manfrotto Carbon One. Both are fine monopods.

Have Fun,

[Scottes]

I love my Manfrotto 3245.

[Harry Settle]

Bogen 682B with a 3232 tilt head. Monopod has legs inside the lower section, flip levers. I use it for sporting events with my video cameras and with my 10D. Light is ok for hiking, but I like the added weight to help steady things when it isn't planted on the ground. When the legs are attached I can, momentarily at least, take my hands off of my camera to do something else.

[aam1234]

I don't know what no. means what.

If you ask me, get what CDS has. You won't regret it.

[cmM]

I have a manfrotto 681b w/ 3229 head. It's a not the lightest, but it's quite steady. I like it (I haven't used it much though).

[Cadwell]

Check the maximum load. Many monopods aren't rated to handle the weight of a 100-400L + Camera (and battery grip?) and don't forget to add a little weight for "lean on factor".

If your pod isn't up to it, it will start to flex and that adds unwanted instability to the set-up which defeats the whole point of getting one in the first place.

I also have a quick release adaptor fitted to the pod which I find very useful.

[FrenchAmateur]

I really like my Manfrotto Carbon One.

I have the same one.
Fully satisfied.
I use it with my 4,5 500 mm most of the time.

[Bytes U]

I'd have to vote for the Manfrotto Carbon One too. Light, quick latch, and tall enough to suit me. I have a quick release plate mounted on top without a swivel (I just use the lens collar for verticals)

[MediaMagic]

I use an old bogen 3016 that I first used to photograph Moses on the mount. It's extremely solid, simple, and you can get them dirt cheap. I paid about $35.00 new a gazillion years ago.

I never have to adjust mine rapidly at all though, so speed of adjustment is of little value to me. In fact, I have three settings/lengths that I marked on the side. One is for standing ring mount, another for standing camera mount, and the last is for use with a back support belt using a monopod "belt pocket" (this is great for walking around at an indoor event with camera and flash bracket).

I never have a need for any other lengths. I'm sure there are reasons why some would need a rapid adjustment, but for me, I could have three sticks cut at those lengths with mounting screws and be good to go.

I am considering a gitzo 1564L though (because it's an L monopod to go with the L lenses, I'll paint a red stripe on it) and one of the accessories you can get for it is a 4.7 inch spike in case I ever get attacked by ninja's during a photo shoot, or need to do some spear fishing for survival.

[karusel]

I am considering a gitzo 1564L though (because it's an L monopod to go with the L lenses, I'll paint a red stripe on it) and one of the accessories you can get for it is a 4.7 inch spike in case I ever get attacked by ninja's during a photo shoot, or need to do some spear fishing for survival.

Yeah, damn those pesky ninjas. I like the 1564 Gitzo, it looks right, the price is right, and you sure as hell can't beat the super spike. I'll check it out in a local store and while I'll be at it, I'll roll an eyeball or two in the general direction of the B/M carbon one, thanx for reccomendations. 8)