Monopod advice

[csabot]

Hi - I'm looking to purchase a monopod for use with a 7d and 70-200mm lens. I have exhausted my budget and was looking at the cheap manfrotto 790B.

Do you think this will provide enough support - I will be shooting ski races and need to be highly mobile/compact as I will be moving around frequently?

What about a quick release head?

Thanks!

[crn3371]

I'd spend a few dollars more and get something like the 679,680, or 681. If you want a quick release head I'd go for the Manfrotto 234 swivel head but I'd recommend that you get an Arca-Swiss quick release system rather than the Manfrotto proprietary quick release. You can either buy the head and quick release clamp separately, or buy a complete setup from somebody like Kirk for about $100. I use the 679B with the swivel head on my 100-400 and am quite happy with the combo.

[jhom]

I also agree that you should consider the 679, 680 or 681. They are inexpensive and will provide you with a durable and stable support for you gear. Personally, I would not go less. You can always go more.

[LBaldwin]

The one area you do not want to skimp on is support systems for your camera. Cheap or badly built tripods and monpods can get to real expensive should your gear take an unexpected tumble.

Especially when you start shooting sports with longer glass. No need to buy twice if you get the right one to start with. Mine is prob 20 years old, and it's still works great.

[yourdoinitwrong]

I use the 679B with the 234RC head and it works great. Before I bought some new gear I used it with a 50D and the 100-400L and it was plenty sturdy for that setup.

[NicolasRubio]

I think I'll be getting either a Benro MC-91EX or an MC-96EX for my 7D + 400mm f/5.6L or 70-200mm f/4L IS.

Check those out! The only difference between those two is 4 inches in height and 12 bucks. One is U$D 128 and the other one U$D 140.

[csabot]

Thanks for the advice!

Why do you recommend staying away from the manfrotto quick release head? Quality? Compatibility?

[SkipD]

Hi - I'm looking to purchase a monopod for use with a 7d and 70-200mm lens.Which 70-200mm lens? The question is really to find out whether or not you have a tripod mount ring on the lens.

I use the Manfotto 680B monopod with Manfrotto's 486RC2 ball head on it. The reason for the ball head is so that I can have total freedom in choosing the angle between the monopod shaft and the centerline of the lens. I use my monopod in a variety of ways, not merely standing it vertically with the lens axis horizontal.

The single-axis tilt heads would only work reasonably well for me if all my lenses had a tripod ring mounted to them. Only one of my three lenses fits that description.

[Nick5]

681B and the 234 swivel for me.
Works great for a 7D and 100-400 L.

[CalPiker]

I have the Manfrotto 680B and 234rc quick release head. The quick release adapter stays connected to my 70-200 collar, so I can just pop it on whenever I need it. This combo can be found for less than $100 on Amazon.

[bobbyz]

I got the 680B. No problem with 1dmk2 and 500mm f4 IS. No need to spend more than $50-$60 on a monopod, IMHO.

[82NoMe]

i am happpy with the 681B/234 combo

[ed rader]

Hi - I'm looking to purchase a monopod for use with a 7d and 70-200mm lens. I have exhausted my budget and was looking at the cheap manfrotto 790B.

Do you think this will provide enough support - I will be shooting ski races and need to be highly mobile/compact as I will be moving around frequently?

What about a quick release head?

Thanks!


it'll be plenty of support. a monopod isn't meant to be a tripod ... i use the lightest most compact monopod that i can. i also use a manfrotto tilt head.

ed rader

[Chris_R]

I think, like for tripod, it's better to save a lil more and get one good monopod.
It's what i did and choosed a GITZO GM2541.

[johneo]

I recently got the Bogen-Manfrotto #3218 (681B) (Thanks Santa! ;) ) and while I haven't used it much, I felt very comfortable when I did have the 7D w/grip and the 24-70 on it as I tried it out. It's a little more than you want to spend but it's a very strong monopod and well worth the cost in my opinion!

[hairy_moth]

I agree, don't give in to the desire to go cheap. Every time I think a cheap alternative will do, I end up disappointed. The last time for me was a cable release; I bought one of the cheap ones from amazon, about $15. Worked great for the first two outings, then the contacts started to get flaky, now I am about to purchase the RS-80N3 or even the TC-80N3.

[bobbyz]

I think, like for tripod, it's better to save a lil more and get one good monopod.
It's what i did and choosed a GITZO GM2541.

Actually not. I do agree that Gitzo CF tripods are worth every penny for bigger glass. But as far as monopods go, you don't save anything weight wise by going with expensive CF monopods. Bogen all metal $50-$60 weight the same and are used routiney by all working sports pros with their heavy 1 series bodies and superteles. Actually my AS clamp and plates cost probbaly twice than my monopod.

And justto be cealr, I am not talking about buying $30-$40 monopod from wallmart.

[ed rader]

Actually not. I do agree that Gitzo CF tripods are worth every penny for bigger glass. But as far as monopods go, you don't save anything weight wise by going with expensive CF monopods. Bogen all metal $50-$60 weight the same and are used routiney by all working sports pros with their heavy 1 series bodies and superteles. Actually my AS clamp and plates cost probbaly twice than my monopod.

And justto be cealr, I am not talking about buying $30-$40 monopod from wallmart.

true. that's the monopod i mostly see at events.

ed rader

[silvermaxd]

I like my Manfrotto 682B MONOPOD w/DETACH LEGS I use it with the 70-200 2.8 attached and it's pretty steady. Best thing I've bought besides the RRS ball head. This was really worth the $110 I paid for it.