Monopods - Are they all the same?

[Billo78]

I'm currently in the market for a monopod, this may be a naive question but how different can one be from the next? I understand differences with tripods, issues like stability and what not, but with a monopod you're holding it the whole time so I wouldn't have thought that would be such an issue. Also the shutter speeds are never likely to be more that around 1/2 second (?) so it's not as though you'll see the stabilisation problems you find with a 10 second exposure on a cheap tripod.

Thoughts?

[bayoubooger]

When using a monopod, don't just stand it upright. You need need to make a tripod with your own body acting as two of the legs and the monopod as the third leg. It will be miuch more stable in this configuation.

The reason they jump all over on pricing is quality also, you get what you pay, I built my own out of a collapsable hiking stick.

[Stefan A]

I do not own a monopod, but I can surmise a few things. Differences between different models - weight, extended length, folded length, style of leg braces (flip lever...), number of leg sections, color, construction material, strength of leg braces. Probably other things.

Stefan

[elwood58]

Material, weight, length extended, length closed and head configuration, if any. I bought the $18.88 model from Walmart, and found it to be somewhat useless without a Ballhead. Ballhead cost $45.00. You get what you pay for. A reasonable carbon fiber, or aluminum, name brand with a tilt head isn't much more.

[TheHoff]

I like this Bogen-Manfrotto as it has 3 small legs in the bottom section that can extend and make a temporary tripod -- good for holding a remote flash or a camera w/ wide angle for a group portrait (including you). The same version without the legs is nice and cheaper if needed.

http://www.adorama.com/BG682B.html

Match w/ 3229 swivel head:

http://www.adorama.com/BG3229.html

[MT Stringer]

I use a Manfrotto 682B (I think) because the lens weighs 6 lbs by itself, not to mention the 20D with battery grip and 2 batteries. Plus I'm gettin' to be an old man! :-(
Mike

[SuzyView]

I have 2 monopods. I got one at REI that is a walking stick as well. I've used it a lot for hikes. I have a bad back.

[joeman]

I went for the Manfrotto 680B. I use it on a 70-200 f2.8; primarily for hockey games. Sometimes I shoot as low as 1/250 and the monopod helps. Is a good compromise on weight vs. strength. Cannot justify a CF mono, even though I love my Gitzo tripod.

Works great, no complaints. Highly recommended!

[snails]

I also own the 680B with Bogen's 3229RC2 (I think.) It's a great combo, very sturdy and quite light.

[tjrenegade]

I have the 680B with a 486rc2 Ball head....the head is a bit over kill but I had it already so figured I' just use it rather than buying something else....very sturdy, not t heavy. I had a smaller one that drove me nuts because it just wasn't sturdy enough.

[Kayaddict]

I have the Bogen Manfroto 3245 Automatic with a QR ball head and love it when using my white lenses. What makes this combo great is that while tracking with your eye in the viewfiender, you can adjust the angle and the height at the same time. Good advice eariler in this thread is to tilt the monopod but use a ball head to keep camera angle correct. The Automatic monopod has a squeeze "button" that releases a lock allowing you to change the height. The ball head as a knob to release the tilt a bit to adjust for moving targets. Try this with any other combo while looking in the viewfinder. Plus it holds all that weight... saves my neck and back. This monopod does not store well as it has only 3 long sections. The upper one is the one you use to fine tune the height you want. Leave your Image Stabilizer on when using a monopod... it will help with any lateral motion and the pod should eliminate any vertical movement.

[ed rader]

I'm currently in the market for a monopod, this may be a naive question but how different can one be from the next? I understand differences with tripods, issues like stability and what not, but with a monopod you're holding it the whole time so I wouldn't have thought that would be such an issue. Also the shutter speeds are never likely to be more that around 1/2 second (?) so it's not as though you'll see the stabilisation problems you find with a 10 second exposure on a cheap tripod.

Thoughts?


i use a $35 monopod. i prefer using a small, light monopod with my image stabilized lenses :D.

ed rader

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm currently in the market for a monopod, this may be a naive question but how different can one be from the next? I understand differences with tripods, issues like stability and what not, but with a monopod you're holding it the whole time so I wouldn't have thought that would be such an issue. Also the shutter speeds are never likely to be more that around 1/2 second (?) so it's not as though you'll see the stabilisation problems you find with a 10 second exposure on a cheap tripod.

Thoughts?

I think if you avoid the super cheap store brand ones and get something that simply looks well built then your fine. The reliability and life of the leg locks and strength to not fall apart when slung over the shoulder would be enough to suggest a solid one is a good idea, but they don't have to be pricey.

I'm using a Manfrotto 680B others have mentioned, and it's excellent solid well built, but for many it may be over kill. ie: the 680 is monopod enough for essentially anything you throw at it. I use it almost exclusively with my 1D and 500mm f/4L IS. This is a heavy combo!

If it weren't for that 500mm combo I could get away with a much smaller and lighter 'pod.

[TheHoff]

A monopod is your best defense against bag snatchers. I want a solid one that will crack a skull and not bend on impact.

[CyberDyneSystems]

A monopod is your best defense against bag snatchers. I want a solid one that will crack a skull and not bend on impact.

Note to Self: Don't hassle the...

Ahem, yes, the 680 would do damage a plenty.

[Kayaddict]

I was gonna mention that it makes a good ugly stick. Hit ya upside the head with it and it's gonna be ugly.

A monopod is your best defense against bag snatchers. I want a solid one that will crack a skull and not bend on impact.

[tgara]

I just ordered (1) a Gitzo GM2540 monopod, (2) Manfrotto 3232 swivel head, and (3) a RRS B2 Pro clamp. That whole setup cost about $350. The Gizo is made from carbon fiber, and the RRS clamp is what you would expect from RRS -- a very capable work of art, but expensive. Hopefully, its the last monopod I ever buy!

[SYS]

When my Manfrotto "automatic" died on me after having used it only for a couple of years, I wanted to get one that would last, hopefully, my life time. So I recently purchased the following Gitzo GM-3550:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=441790

By the way, not all carbon fiber monopods are same. The GM-3550 and GM-2540 mentioned above are made of six crossed layers of carbon fiber for greater rigidity and strength.

I had to order separately, but I just added a metal spike to go with my monopod for my frequent hiking purposes. It turns out to be a nice defensive weapon!

[tjrenegade]

I was gonna mention that it makes a good ugly stick. Hit ya upside the head with it and it's gonna be ugly.


Try a 680 with a 486 ball head on it...now you have war hammer....:lol:

[snails]

Try a 680 with a 486 ball head on it...now you have war hammer....:lol:

Why choose the smaller 486? Go with the 488RC2!