Which Monopod?

[britt777]

I am using the 20D and I am looking for a good monopod to use with my 70-200 2.8L. Any suggestiong would be great. Thanks so much:)

[Todd Jacobsen]

Monopods are more wide open in selection than tripods.

I use the Velbon Carbon Neo Pod (6) model.

If you're big on the outdoors, suggest looking at ones with a cushioned hand grip so it can double as a walking stick.

Most, if not all, monopods do not come with a head. I didn't think this was important till someone mentioned the nice option to transition to portrait using a pod. I got the Manfrotto 3232 which comes without a QR so I can attach my brand (Velbon QR). It (head) does make the pod a little top heavy.

[britt777]

I have a 322RC2 can I use that head with the moopod?

[cmM]

i use a manfrotto 681b with a 1029 head (i think that's the right # :)) The head makes it easier to use and it's small, plus quick release is a great thing as well, especially since it uses the same QR plates as my tripod.

[Todd Jacobsen]

I have a 322RC2 can I use that head with the moopod?

The reason I could never understand "heads" on monopods before is my limitation of only to arms...

One arm holds/braces the pod
One arm/hand on shutter

How does one control a ball head - AND stabilize a one legged tripod, while attempting to shoot with the other hand?

If you keep the ball head ALWAYS locked, why do you need it?

Will your ball head allow you to go from horizontal to portrait? That is the only benefit I see to a head on a monopod.

[jimtfoto]

You may also want to check out Manfrotto's self-standing monopods. They have three retractable legs at the base, which may help with your juggling problems.

cheers,
jim

[IainB]

I've seen a MANFROTTO 681B monopod with 222 grip ballhead for sale by auction. Is anyone familiar with this model? As someone new to the world of monopods, I am very keen to be schooled in the "It's got to have.." features.

[MarkoPolo]

I second the Velbon Neo-pod 6 suggestion. Ihave the Neo-pod 7 and it is a little large unless you have a 500mm giant lens. Very well made and quite reasonably priced.

[jimsolt]

You may also want to check out Manfrotto's self-standing monopods. They have three retractable legs at the base, which may help with your juggling problems.

cheers,
jim

I know they have one and it's just as you say . . . but when do we ask the burning question, "If it has three legs, then isn't it a tripod?" Yeah, yeah I know, they are "retractable."

Jim

[dhbailey]

I know they have one and it's just as you say . . . but when do we ask the burning question, "If it has three legs, then isn't it a tripod?" Yeah, yeah I know, they are "retractable."

Jim

The three legs are merely to help steady the monopod, you should NEVER leave your camera on the monopod standing by itself, as the three legs aren't really large enough to properly hold up a heavy camera such as the 20D.

As for why anybody would want a head on a monopod, think of when you might be high up in a sports stadium and are angling the camera down to the playing field for some action shots -- with the monopod, you must hold the monopod out in front at an angle -- with a head (I have the simply up/down adjustable monopod head which locks the camera at the angle necessary to the situation while the monopod remains upright for better stability.

I have the Manfrotto 679B with the retractable legs. I almost never use the legs, and they are removable if I wish, but I find that having that extra weight at the base of the monopod actually helps stablilize it.