Your choice of Monopod?

[hotled]

I have the RebXTand going to use a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, just wondering what an inexpensive but useful monopod is.
I looked on e-bay and there are hundreds to choose from anywhere from 15.00-125.00.

Ball mount , adjustable, etc... what specs and size do you prefer?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Typically, the monopods come without heads. Depending on how you plan on using the monopod will impact your choice. Example: Do you plan on hiking (moving a lot) ? Do you only use it at sporting events, plays (usually static at same spot)?

If you ever plan on shooting portrait with the pod (and without a bracket), you will need to purchase a head as well to allow you to swivel 90 degrees. Typically, this will add noticeable weight to the pod. I consider my monopod(s) as add-ons to the camera and weight is important to me. I chose a graphite rod. I do own a head for the pod and the weight difference is quite noticeable. When I use my bracket with the pod, I do not use the head (my bracket can do portrait/landscape shots).

My pod also works as a walking stick while doing landscape/animal photography.

[cc3chan]

I got the basic Manfrotto monopod (679). It's fairly light but quite strong. Carried it with my gear for 7.5 hours at the zoo and it felt fine. Actually felt like the lightest part of my kit. I use my 20D with 70-200 2.8 lens and there's no flexing of the monopod. Tried it with a borrowed 100-400L as well. Great quality for the price.:)

[hotled]

I will be using at indoor and outdoor sports and not in a static position. I may be shooting some race action soon to.

[Camo 757]

I have the 679 too. It's a bit short as I am 6 4" but other than that I love it.

[lostdoggy]

I also have the 679 w/ Action grip ball head and 390 RC2 pan & tilt head. I'm 5' 9" and I'm nowhere near the full extention of the pod, especially since the Action Grip adds another 7" to 8" to the pod. With the 20D and the 70-200 f/2.8, I would make sure the pod will support the combo. At minimum you'll need the Bogen MiDi RC2 ball head. The great thing about this pod is it is strong enough to be used as a walking stick. Oh, I don't recommend the action grip for long walk because it is heavy. For a lightweight combo the 3d Magnisium is a good choice at 0.6lb.

[Jack W.]

I use this Gitzo monopod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=170883&is=REG
With this ball head:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272449&is=REG

[arpi]

I got the Gitzo 1588 with the Manfrotto head 3229 (quick release)

the g1588 is built like a tank but it is not heavy. in a couple of occasions I found myself alone and with not defense weapon. with this monopod I feel safe! if an angry deer shows up, I am ready for a fight! :)

I use this Gitzo monopod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=170883&is=REG
With this ball head:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272449&is=REG

[gasrocks]

My old reliable monopod is a Bogen 3016. If you want to travel light, get the new Bogen Digi676B. Almost as tall, a lot lighter and compact. Very portable. The monopod to carry if you sometimes wish you had one along.

[Rob612]

Manfrotto 680 here. I like the smaller sections that build the things up so when folded is shorter.

[Danny Boy]

I have the Manfrotto 680B with the 3229 head. I don't really use the head much but the monopod is excellent. It's not too heavy and supports my 20D w/ 100-400L w/ no problem. I'd recommend it. It works especially well when I'm taking pictures of my kids playing sports and the larger lenses are required.

Dan

[jojiboy]

I have the Manfrotto 679B with the 3229 head. I'd recommend it also.

[hotled]

Silly question, but what are the thread size on the Rebel XT 1/4-20 ?

[lostdoggy]

All tripod mount on the camera side is female 1/4 20. The Bogen monopod has bothe 1/4 20 and 3/8 16. The 3/8 16 retracts to expose the 1/4 20 so you can mount the camera directly on the monopod. The problem with that is it is difficult to take portrait while mounted on the pod.

If you want to look really cool Feisol makes a carbon fiber monopod for $100:
http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo-cm1401.htm

But I personally like a metal Monopod especially when I need it as a baton:
http://www.adorama.com/BG679.html?searchinfo=bogen%20679&item_no=4

[JoshBowers]

I also use Manfrotto 676B Digi Monopod.

about $30 at newegg.com. Very light, but strong....

I actually broke it a few weeks ago, it reminded me tomuch of a telescoping lightsaber:o :rolleyes:

The latches all came apart... But I got it back together. Took about an hour to figure out how the thing worked, but it's fixed.

So... Just a tip.... It's not a lightsaber.

[blackviolet]

i use the 680b w/ QR head (all of my lenses have the qr tabs on them). i dislike ballheads on monopods. btw it comes with both the large (head) and small (camera/lens) thread posts.

[Mitcon]

Manfrotto 680b here also, with grip action head. Seems fine with my 350d & the bigma on it.

[Patrick 10D]

I got the Gitzo 1588 with the Manfrotto head 3229 (quick release)

I have a Manfrotto 684 monopod, and I ordered the 3229 head, sort based on reading this thread and a few others. Now I am wondering if I need the head.

Both of my long lenses have tripod/monopod collars, so is there any point for the head? Would the best idea be to attach the lens collar to the head?

Another question: I read that the maximum weight for the 3229 head is 5.5 lbs. My 20D + 70-200 lens weighs more than that. Any thoughts? :?:

[thomascanty]

I have the Manfrotto 680B also, with the Manfrotto 486 ball head.

[bolantej]

man 679b and 3229 head with qr. very nice, i think.

[lancea]

If you want to look really cool Feisol makes a carbon fiber monopod for $100:http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo-cm1401.htm
Looks good, but what is really amazing about this monopod is that it turns into a tripod! :eek: Just click on the "CM-1401 --> Features" link to see what I mean. :confused: