Monopod for 70-200 & 1DII

[Rodinal]

70-200/2.8L IS + 1DII, roughly 6 lbs together
What about the Manfrotto 680/4 with the 234RC head?

Good?
Bad?
Other suggestions?

[ben_r_]

I dont particularly like that head, but yes the combo is probably the most popular around here and would def work for your gear.

Here is what I recommend, though it is quite a bit higher in cost: LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=556818)

[Rodinal]

Thanks a lot!
Why not that head? Is it too flimsy for the job?

[4x4rock]

You can screw the lens collar directly to the monopod.

I use a 676b monopod for this combo and it works fine. Very cheap and light monopod. I also have plates and QR clamp.

[gryphonslair99]

70-200/2.8L IS + 1DII, roughly 6 lbs together
What about the Manfrotto 680/4 with the 234RC head?

Good?
Bad?
Other suggestions?

Depending on what you plan to shoot and your height you may want to look at the 681. I have both the 680 and the 681. The 680 sits now. When I got it I was mostly using it for Macro so I was used to it not being fully extended. Now that I have the 400 f2.8 for sports I have the 681 as the 680 was just a bit to short. I don't like bending over for several hours. The 681 however gives me the perfect height.

[jr_senator]

What about the Manfrotto 680/4 with the 234RC head?



What about the 681 with 486.

[RPCrowe]

What about the 681 with 486.

PRO:

It is a 3-eection pod and is therefore taller, lighter-in-weight and sturdier than a 4-section pod. It is in fact, taller, lighter-in-weight and as study as many carbon fiber models. It is certainly less expensive than CF pods.

I use a Manfrotto 393 (used to be called 3421) Gimbal Head for my 400mm f/5.6L and 40D combination. The total combination is close to 8-pounds and I would have no problem using the 681 or 681B ("B" stands for black instead of aluminum color) to support a far heavier package.

CON:

My only con about the 681(series) is that since it is a 3-section pod, it does not fold as compactly as the 4-section models.

General comments:

I don't like using a ball head with a monopod.

When I use a somewhat lighter camera/lens combination than the 400mm outfit I mentioned above; I will use the Kirk Enerprises MPA-1 monopod head which is the Manfrotto 234 Swivel Head with a Kirk Arca Compatible quick release system. I use this so I can support camera/lens combinations (which don't have tripod rings) using a Really Right Stuff L-Bracket. I absolutely LOVE the L-Bracket on either a tripod or monopod.

If you will only use a lens with a tripod ring - the 234 with RC2 quick release system will work.

Really Right Stuff also has two monopod heads; one based on the Manfrotto 234 and another which is a heavier duty model. Either of these models would also be good.

[ben_r_]

Thanks a lot!
Why not that head? Is it too flimsy for the job?
It just doesnt have a max load capacity high enough for me to feel comfortable putting my gear on it. I look at is this way: would I feel comfortable putting at any given time $3k+ worth of gear on a $25 head? My answer is no, never.

[Nick5]

I like the 681B from Manfrotto.
It is tall enough for me 5"11" with out a ball head. It is very sturdy.