Time to get a monopod

[bohdank]

Ok, I am going to need a monopod in a few months so I am starting my research early.

I am looking for light weight (carbon), 4 section, and can easily support a 5DII/grip/300 f4 IS. Not a real heavy combo so I imagine there are a lot of pods that would fit the bill.

I have the Feisol CM-1401 and the Benro MC-68-m8 on the shortlist. Both are the same price.

I have a Feisol 3442 so I am familiar with Feisol.

I also need a tilt and maybe pan head that takes Arca Swiss plates. I have a Markins Q48 clamp that I can use for that.

Of course, price is always a consideration so no Gitzos ;-)

Forgot, twist locks, no levers.

[rklepper]

I had the Feisol and it is a great monopod at a great price. I used a Sigma 150-500 in it with no issues so the 300 will be a snap for it. I used a Kirk ballhead also.

[RPCrowe]

I use a Calumet 8103 four section carbon fiber monopod.


Max Extended Height: 63.6" (162cm)
Min Height: 20.25" (51cm)
Leg Sections: 4
Weight: .95 lbs. (.43kg)
Max Load: 30 lbs. (13.6kg)
Mounts: 1/4" and 3/8"I live near a Calumet store and I fell in love with this pod. It is replacing my Manfrotto 681 which is heavier and will not collapse short enough.

It is a very nice pod that is considerably less expensive ($139 and occasionally on sale) than the Gitzo models. Calumet has a five year warranty.

I don't have any problems using a Kirk MPA-1 tilt head with my 300mm f/4L IS lens but, I have corresponded with some people who say that they feel the Kirk is not stable enough. That could possibly be due to a difference in technique.

The RRS Heavy Duty tilt head would definitely support the 300mm f/4L IS + camera with just about any technique.

[hollis_f]

I had the Feisol CM-1401 for a day. Was fine with my 300 2.8 but I couldn't bear the lack of ALR, so I returned it and got a Gitzo. But, apart from that (and the price) the Feisol and Gitzo were very similar.

[bohdank]

The lack of ALR is a non issue to me.

There seems to be very little choice in tilt heads. Manfrotto or a modified one from Kirk or the RRS one, for $150 without clamp. The latter overkill I think for me.

[one moment]

MC14 Induro Carbon 8X carbon fiber monopod. The MC14 is 18. 1 inches collapsed and extends to 56. 9 inches, twist locks - $75

[Jdmhood]

The Feisol 1401 seems like a solid choice. I went overboard and got the 1471. Once locked down, even putting my full body weight on the monopod.. the legs stay locked tight.

Very well built. 1401 seems like a solid choice.

[Keesbeest]

I have the Feisol CM-1401 with the Kirk MPA-1. It's a very lightweight, well built and solid monopod. I use this monopod for my 100-400.

[bohdank]

Based on the specs it seems to be similar to one leg from the 3442.

The 1471 from the 3472.

I think I'll just go with the Feisol.

It's the head that I am uncertain of. Any issues with the Kirk ?

[Jdmhood]

Heres a picture of my CT-3442 next to my CM-1471 if you need a rough comparison.

The legs on the 1471 is quite abit thicker then the 3442 legs.

Also, something you should know about the 1471 legs. I'm not sure how it is with the 1401 version. But the 1471 legs feels like a "hydraulic" leg. It's not like the 3442 where you can push it in and it goes it. You'll have to force the air out of the 1471 legs before it collapses completely.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/Jdmhoodz/Tripod/IMG_2162.jpg

edit for typo and adding info.

[bohdank]

I have the 3442, also so I have something to compare to. That monopod is damn big :-)

[Jdmhood]

I have the 3442, also so I have somethin to compare to. That monopod is damn big :-)

It's huge.. but very well built. Thing will serve as a self-defense weapon :D

If you haven't already, check my edit on the previous post. Also wanted to add that twist locks are alot bigger on the 1471 then the 3442.

P.S- Do you have any problems with your 3442 locks? The rubber grip on the locks leaves a dark residue on my hands after using it.. I've try washing it with mild soap and warm water several times and it just doesn't help any. :(

[int2str]

The Feisol looks interesting.

Stupid question time:
I am shooting with a cheap (~$40) Calumet aluminum monopod right now and have considered upgrading. However, comparing the specs of the Feisol and the Calumet one I have, both monopods weigh essentially the same and the Calumet is actually rated for slightly more weight.

So why go for Carbon in a monopod when aluminum is the same weight and can actually handle more weight?
Also, why screw-lock over lever? Just personal preference or is there any other consideration?

I don't know much about monopods so any insight would be appreciated.

[Keesbeest]

No problems with the Kirk MPA-1, exellent arca-head! Almost an overkill for my gripped 40D and 100-400.

[bohdank]

Thanks. I'm still undecided whether I can benefit from a head that also pans. It will be for shooting concerts/shows. etc. where the camera will often be moving or panning while taking the shot or I will be panning just prior to taking the shot.

[bohdank]

P.S- Do you have any problems with your 3442 locks? The rubber grip on the locks leaves a dark residue on my hands after using it.. I've try washing it with mild soap and warm water several times and it just doesn't help any. :(

No, none. Clean hands :-)

[bohdank]

The Feisol looks interesting.

Stupid question time:
I am shooting with a cheap (~$40) Calumet aluminum monopod right now and have considered upgrading. However, comparing the specs of the Feisol and the Calumet one I have, both monopods weigh essentially the same and the Calumet is actually rated for slightly more weight.

So why go for Carbon in a monopod when aluminum is the same weight and can actually handle more weight?
Also, why screw-lock over lever? Just personal preference or is there any other consideration?

I don't know much about monopods so any insight would be appreciated.

Don't know anything about the Calumet so cannot comment.

I prefer twist to lever. Takes up less space, less of a chance to snag on anything, and easier to use with gloves.

[Jon]

On a monopod you can usually just turn the whole monopod, so you don't need a pan head.

[bohdank]

Maybe I am overestimating the amount of drag/friction/resistance I will experience spinning the monopod to pan. I need it to be precise and smooth.

Maybe I'll try an experiment with my tripod (extend only 1 leg) and try it on different surfaces.

[RPCrowe]

Here are my answers to some of your questions.

The Feisol looks interesting.

Stupid question time:
I am shooting with a cheap (~$40) Calumet aluminum monopod right now and have considered upgrading. However, comparing the specs of the Feisol and the Calumet one I have, both monopods weigh essentially the same and the Calumet is actually rated for slightly more weight.

Actually my older Manfrotto 681 monopod had better specifications (weight, payload, height and of course - price) than several of the top line CF monopods.

So why go for Carbon in a monopod when aluminum is the same weight and can actually handle more weight?

You have got a point there but, have you compared Calumet Aluminum against Calumet Carbon Fiber? This is not a trick question, I have not made the comparison. What about the heights of the monopods.

I compared the two Feisol models with the Calumet 8103

Feisol 1471
weight 1.52 lb
payload 24.25 lb
height 66.93
price $99

Feisol 1401
weight .79 lb
payload 15.45 lb
height 64.17
price $85

Calumet 8103
weight .95 lb
payload 30 lb
height 63.76
price $139

WEIGHT:
There is a lot of difference between .95 pounds of the Calumet 8103 and 1.52 pounds of the Feisol 1471. There is not a significant different between .95 pounds of the 8103 and .79 pounds of the 1401.

PAYLOAD:
I usually cut the manufacturer's recommended maximum payload in half since I assume that the measurements are made in the most advantageous situations for the pod.

HEIGHT:
I am 6'1" and the 8103 with the MPA-1 puts the viewfinder of my 40D at a comfortable eye level for me. In fact, I don't usually use it extended all the way out. I don't need a monopod as tall as I am. The MPA-1 tilt adds approximately 3-4 inches, the camera viewfinder is about 3-4 inches from the base of the camera and my eyes are about 3-4 inches from the top of my head. Therefore, I can make do very well with a pod somewhere from 9 to 12 inches shorter than my height.

PRICE:
There isn't a lot of difference between $85 or $99 and $139 if you amortize the difference over five to ten years which should be the lifetime of the pod. Calumet warrants their 8103 for five years.


Other than weight, the primary advantage of CF over aluminum is that CF doesn't transmit vibrations as much as do aluminum pods.

Also, why screw-lock over lever? Just personal preference or is there any other consideration?

As I mentioned when I referred to Scott Sewell's U-Tube sports videos, for Scott's purposes, the level locks are better. On the other hand, you can withdraw a screw-lock monopod from a case and replace it easier. For me, it is six of one and a half-dozen of the other. If the Calumet had lever locks, I would be just as happy with it as with its screw locks.

I don't know much about monopods so any insight would be appreciated.

[hollis_f]

I am shooting with a cheap (~$40) Calumet aluminum monopod right now and have considered upgrading. However, comparing the specs of the Feisol and the Calumet one I have, both monopods weigh essentially the same and the Calumet is actually rated for slightly more weight.

There's no standard for measuring the load limits for tripods or monopods. It's highly likely that Feisol and Calumet have non-comparable ratings for their gear. I always take such ratings with a very large pinch of salt.

So why go for Carbon in a monopod when aluminum is the same weight and can actually handle more weight?
Also, why screw-lock over lever? Just personal preference or is there any other consideration?

Carbon fibre is less likely to bend than aluminium. It feels warmer on bare hands in the winter. And it looks cool.

Lever locks will open in the boot of the car and attempt to eat any straps they can find. Well, that's the only explanation for the mess I find when I open the boot. Twist locks don't snag.