Monopod Choice

[Suzuki63]

Would the Manfrotto 680b with Manfrotto 486RC2 head work be a good choice with my Canon 40d and 500mm f/4L lens?

[Jon]

500 f/4 on the 486RC2? I'd want something a bit sturdier on that. Like maybe a gimbal. At least in part because trying to adjust a ballhead with a 10 lb weight on it will be anything but pleasant.

[mikekelley]

I'd rather even just screw the monopod right into the foot on the lens instead of putting a ballhead there.

Unless you were to go tripod + gimbal.

Monopod + anything that moves = a nightmare to handle

[Rocktoe]

I'm about to get a monopod too, so I'd love to hear recommendations. What do you guys think of the 680B + 234RC combination for supporting XSi and a Bigmos?

[Lowner]

I use a 100-400L with a 1.4x added, on a 694 monopod using a 486 ballhead with no problems whatever.

However, the RC2 was removed and replaced with a Markins QR-60 clamp. Two main reasons behind that. First, I never completely trusted the RC2. Second, I have a long RRS plate which can be slid till it reaches a balance point.

The RC2 would carry the weight I'm sure, but it is not as easy or as secure as the A-S clamps/plates.

[Rocktoe]

Does anyone know the correct load capacity of the 681B?

BH says it's 2.7kg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/353315-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging__681B_Monopod_Black_wit h.html

Manfrotto says it's 12kg
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/bypass/pid/1799

Duh, I feel like a dummy... The 2.7kg refers to the swivel/til head, right?

[jhom]

Would the Manfrotto 680b with Manfrotto 486RC2 head work be a good choice with my Canon 40d and 500mm f/4L lens?

If you must have a head on a monopod, I would suggest you look into an RRS monopod head for the 500. The 486 is hardly capable for many lenses much smaller than the 500. Using it for the 500 is setting yourself up for a major tragedy. Personally, I would go with a full wimberley gimbal if I need a head on a monopod. Then, you will need to make sure your monopod is up to the task of holding all the weight.

[ed rader]

Would the Manfrotto 680b with Manfrotto 486RC2 head work be a good choice with my Canon 40d and 500mm f/4L lens?


this would be the only head i would use with a heavy set-up. i've owned it and it locks down as tight as a vault with little effort.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/04.html

ed rader

[ed rader]

I'm about to get a monopod too, so I'd love to hear recommendations. What do you guys think of the 680B + 234RC combination for supporting XSi and a Bigmos?


i use the 234 w/ RRS flip lever QR for my 100-400L and 1d body and it works perfectly for me :D.

in africa last year i used the 234RC with the same lens and camera and it worked very well.

ed rader

[Suzuki63]

Thanks for all your comments. Will try to find something sturdier.

[buddy4344]

I have used this combo. The 486 will hold things, but definitely not as firm and steady. I ended up getting a knock off of the sidekick (made in India). there is a thread by Condyk somewhere on this product.

[Suzuki63]

500 f/4 on the 486RC2? I'd want something a bit sturdier on that. Like maybe a gimbal. At least in part because trying to adjust a ballhead with a 10 lb weight on it will be anything but pleasant.

OK, I'm looking on Amazon but don't see a gimbal. Is there anything from Manfrotto that will work with the 680 and support the 500mm lens and 40d?

[JohnJ80]

Why do you think you need a ballhead on the monopod?

J.

[mikekelley]

I agree John.


Try it without the ballhead first.

[82NoMe]

I'd rather even just screw the monopod right into the foot on the lens instead of putting a ballhead there.

Unless you were to go tripod + gimbal.

Monopod + anything that moves = a nightmare to handle

x2...

[Headshotzx]

I'd rather even just screw the monopod right into the foot on the lens instead of putting a ballhead there.

Unless you were to go tripod + gimbal.

Monopod + anything that moves = a nightmare to handle

Agreed.

[Lowner]

A monopod is certainly something that you need to practise using, like a lot of other photo kit. But to say it's a nightmare is not true. And certainly when panning motorsports shots, it helps to have the monopod foot between your feet, not in front of you.

It's all to do with how you swing with the shot, and how the monopod swings through the arc. Hence the need for a ballhead, because the 'pod is not vertical. And see how popular you'd be at a track trying to use a tripod! And you'd then have to swing the viewfinder around the fixed base, with your eye and the rest of your body. Now that's going to be difficult.

Other sports, or birds might have other requirements of course.

[yorkiemom]

I have a 40D and I have the Manfrotto 685B NeoTec and I love it! It locks in position at any point, no screws, knobs or whatever to loosen. Had a foot you step on and just pull upward. To reduce height or close, you just squeeze a trigger handle.It's so easy.

I have the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head/Quick Rlease ball head (3229) ...love that too!

[Suzuki63]

OK will try without a ballhead as many have suggested and see how it feels.

[LostShootingStar]

I have a 40D and I have the Manfrotto 685B NeoTec and I love it! It locks in position at any point, no screws, knobs or whatever to loosen. Had a foot you step on and just pull upward. To reduce height or close, you just squeeze a trigger handle.It's so easy.

I have the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head/Quick Rlease ball head (3229) ...love that too!

The 685B is a great tripod, I have one myself http://www.entertainment-place.info/smile/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif
http://www.entertainment-place.info/smile/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif