Bogen/Manfrotto 694 Magfiber Monopod

[rfreschner]

I'm looking for a compact, lightweight monopod to carry while hiking and saw this one on B&H web site. Anyone have one of these and, if so, how do you like it? Also, was thinking of putting a mini ballhead on it.

[DaveG]

I'm looking for a compact, lightweight monopod to carry while hiking and saw this one on B&H web site. Anyone have one of these and, if so, how do you like it? Also, was thinking of putting a mini ballhead on it.

I've only used the medium sized Manfroto alumium monopods so I can't comment too much on the Fibre version. But with your lenses I don't think that you'd need the ball head.

First off with the 24-70 I would say that lens is either hand held or should be used on a tripod. And your 70-200 has a tripod collar. If you attach the monopod directly to the collar you will still be able to flip the lens vertically, and you haven't introduced another unstable "knee joint" into the proceedings.

That's the way that I use my 70-200 f2.8L. In any case I'd suggest trying it without the ball head for a while and see what you think.

[nosquare2003]

I don't undertstand:

The 694 Magfibre monopod, weighs 1.3lbs and it supports 11lbs with a price $149.95 (B&H)
The 679B monopod, also weighs 1.3lbs and it supports 22lbs with a price $37.20 (B&H)

So, why carbon fibre monopod?

[Volatile]

magfibre is sexier than plain old aluminum

[rfreschner]

But with your lenses I don't think that you'd need the ball head.
Dave - Thanks for the advise. I am hoping to add more lenses in the future, so I was trying to plan ahead. I certainly could start without it and add on if needed.

First off with the 24-70 I would say that lens is either hand held or should be used on a tripod.

Just curious, why would you suggest that the 24-70 be used on a tripod, but not a monopod?

[rfreschner]

So, why carbon fibre monopod?

4 sections vs. 3, 65" max. height vs. 61.5", 20.9" folded length (will fit in carry on) vs. 24.5".... The 680B might be something to look at, but the max. height is less and it weighs a bit more. And, there is a great difference in price as you pointed out between the aluminum and magfiber. Of course, I've spent a lot more money than that to shave a few grams off my racing bikes! :D

[rfreschner]

magfibre is sexier than plain old aluminum

There is that too!! ;)