Help me make a decision!!! (Tripod & Monopod)

[mark.timms]

Hi guys and girls,

This is my first post on the forum although have been reading them for about a year!!

I am in a position where I need to purchase a sturdy monopod and head for sports use, and also a tripod and head for use for landscapes.

My head is spinning with all the options and cannot make a decision as to what I should get.

I should mention that they need to be able to support a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM (http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Zoom_Lenses/EF100_400mm_f4.5-5.6L_IS_USM/index.asp) lens attached for sports use, and normally an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM (http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Zoom_Lenses/EF_2470mm_f28L_USM/index.asp) lens for landscapes until I can purchase moer lenses.

So the reason I post this is to seek your advice as to my options.

p.s. Price range about £400 for monopod and similar for tripod.

Cheers,

Mark.

[nutsnbolts]

They both have their purpose and technically I think everyone should have both! Hahaha.. But if you need to decide one over the other first, tripod first then monopod.

[mark.timms]

Sorry nutsnbolts, maybe my post isn't that clear. I'm looking to get both but just cannot decide on what model of mono or tri to get and then the choice of heads for both!!!!

My heads going loopy.

[snatiep]

Hey Mark!

I just bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead last weekend. It is an extremely stable setup. My 30D and 70-200 f/4L are very secure on the setup.

This combination is highly recommended here on this forum.

[nutsnbolts]

Sorry nutsnbolts, maybe my post isn't that clear. I'm looking to get both but just cannot decide on what model of mono or tri to get and then the choice of heads for both!!!!

My heads going loopy.

This is simple.

055XPROB Tripod with 488RC2

Manfrotto/Bogen 680B monopod w/ 486RC2 BallHead

If uhave tons of cash You can get L release plates like Really Right Stuff, Arch Swiss, etc. as your ball heads.

[JohnJ80]

I believe you will need something that is more stable than the 055's recommended here for the 100-400 @ 400. You will need something that is on the par with a 3540LS from Gitzo. Gitzo recommends the 3540LS for up to 400mm. The Series 2 (3540LS is Series 3) is recommended to a MAX of 300mm. So that is too small and the Series 2 is going to be more stable than the 055.

Focal length is much more important than the relatively useless load rating specs. The magnification of long focal length magnifies the effect of vibration as the magnification goes up.

Recommended for this for the tripod would be the Gitzo 3540LS and a Markins M20 ballhead or equivalent.

Recommended for the monopod, would be at least a Gitzo 2540 monopod with an RRS clamp mounted to the top. Then get an L plate for your body and you will be in great shape.

J.