Manfrotto Monopods...whats the difference?

[pinoyplaya]

I would like to purchase a good reliable monopod at a valued price. Currently I am looking at the following monopods which are Manfrotto brand.

Manfrotto 679B ($47.90) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6FV/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_t3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1VYYFPPFD9R9PH3WCM0C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)
Product Features

Quick action leg lock system; Sure rubber grip
Maximum height: 63.39 in / 161.01 cm; Minimum height:25.59 in / 64.99 cm; Load capacity: 22.05 lbs / 10.00 kg; Weight: 1.32 lbs / 598.74 g;
Attachment: 1/4" and retractable 3/8" screw attachment type; Color: black color; leg cross-section: round; leg sections: 3; legs tube diameter: 29.4 x 25 x 20 mm;


Manfrotto 680B ($60.90) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6GE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1VYYFPPFD9R9PH3WCM0C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)
Product Features

Quick action leg lock system
Sure rubber grip
Four section Monopod featuring sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45° run, large 60 mm camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4” - 3/8” camera fixing screw. This replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 680.



Manfrotto 681B ($60.00) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000WKYU4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_t4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1VYYFPPFD9R9PH3WCM0C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)
Product Features

Robust three-section black anodized aluminum monopod
Sure rubber grip with wrist carrying strap
Quick-action lever leg lock system with 45-degree flip
Large 2.3-inch camera/head platform with plastic cover
26.4-pound maximum load, 63.4-inches maximum height
The Bogen Manfrotto 681B is a robust three-section black anodized aluminum monopod featuring sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45-degree flip, large 2.3-inch camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4-20"-3/8" camera screw.
Robust three section Monopod featuring sure rubber grip, wrist carrying strap, quick action lever leg lock system with 45° run, large 60mm camera/head platform with plastic cover and dual 1/4 - 3/8 camera fixing screw.



There's a variation in price. I don't know which one is best for me. I will be using it with my 70-200 lens for sports photography and will be used with a lens collar for the lens. Pls help me decide.

[lannes]

With monopods the main differences are

- maximum extension height,
- carrying capacity
- weight
- stiffness
- price

It depends what your priorities are eg. if you were worried about weight then you would not consider the Man 680B, I've lugged my 1.5kg unit (with Man mono pod head) around for 6 months and it's too heavy even before you add the camera, battery grip and lens. But as a combination it is extremely stiff and stable.

My current mono pod is the Slik Pro Pod 381 CF, it is lighter (1/3 of the 680B), just as stiff, has half the carrying capacity (but more than enough to handle my current kit), but is more expensive. I find this a better balance in performance.

[yourdoinitwrong]

I about drove myself nuts trying to find the "right" monopod (and tripod too). I went to the store and looked at the 679 and 681. The 679 was lighter and with my gear mounted to it felt very sturdy. The load capacity seemed higher than I would ever need as well. Ended up buying the 679 and have had no problems with it. I'm not punishing on my equipment and mainly use the monopod just for baseball so I didn't see much need for the 681.

[SkipD]

The 680B was my choice. I have never found a reason to "upgrade" to any other model.

[pinoyplaya]

Thank you guys. The 680B is a good choice should I need to go lower and closer to the ground, the 679B is lighter while the 681B seems to have a much better build than the 679B and 680B. I might have to go with the 681B

[Headshotzx]

680B for my 1D2N + 70-200 (and 200mm f/2L IS when it was loaned to me). Never had a problem. Shorter monopods are great because they're easier to keep.

[gpeet]

680B

[2mnycars]

I just looked and bought...679

One difference...number of sections. How do you pack a monopod for travelling? For some a shorter stowed monopod might be better.

I kept looking at Gitzo's and finally bought the 679. I'm glad I finally made a decision and bought. ;)

DaveL

[John Hudson]

I use the 681 with a 70-200 f2.8 IS & Sigma 50-500 for motorsports.

I've been perfectly happy with it. It's a solid piece of kit.

John.

[Lowner]

Manfrottos monopod range is bewildering, much like Gitzo's tripod range. Fewer models with clearer distinctions would make it easier for an outsider to understand the differences.

I use a Manfrotto 694 4 section carbon fibre 'pod on which I've fitted an old 486 ballhead that was unwanted elsewhere and a Markins QR-60 clamp. I've used it with a 500 f/4 and 1.4 converter on one occasion and it handled that well, normally I use a 100-400 with or without converter.

[bobbyz]

I have 679B, no problem using my 500mm f4 with 1dmk2.

[pinoyplaya]

Thanks guys. I just purchased the 6801B from Amazon. All I am hoping now is that the current ball head I have from my Dolica ProLine Tripod will fit on the monopod as it is removable. The input (female) size is a little bit bigger than the ones seen on the back of our DSLRs.

I just measured it and its 3/10 of an inch :(

[82NoMe]

I got the 681B very happy. Very stout.

[pinoyplaya]

I got the 681B very happy. Very stout.

Awesome. I tried looking for pictures for them just so I can compare the diameter sizes and etc, I saw a video of the 680B on youtube being unboxed and it seemed very rugged and reliable, so I thought the 681B would be a better build and got that one instead since its the same price. Though its only 2 sections, which is all I really need. I won't have a bag for it unless it will fit on my dolica tripod bag.

Can you please post some pictures of your monopod :) thanks.

[Jon]

Thanks guys. I just purchased the 6801B from Amazon. All I am hoping now is that the current ball head I have from my Dolica ProLine Tripod will fit on the monopod as it is removable. The input (female) size is a little bit bigger than the ones seen on the back of our DSLRs.

I just measured it and its 3/10 of an inch :(
I think you'll find it's actually 3/8"-16 pitch, which is quite common for tripod heads. You can get a reducing bushing from 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 pitch, which our cameras use, at virtually any good camera store.

[bobbyz]

Thanks guys. I just purchased the 6801B from Amazon. All I am hoping now is that the current ball head I have from my Dolica ProLine Tripod will fit on the monopod as it is removable. The input (female) size is a little bit bigger than the ones seen on the back of our DSLRs.

I just measured it and its 3/10 of an inch :(

Ball head on monopod for sports using 70-200mm f4? Just HH that thing.

[lannes]

The 680B has a 1/4" and retractable 3/8" screw to attach a ball head to, so you can use either fitting.

Here is a 680B, with Manfrotto 234 RC head (allows you to go vertical quickly) and the Manfrotto universal folding base (legs fit inside the monopod for carrying). The legs are great when you need extra stability or a tripod, as you can see they can support a gripped 5dm2 with the 24-105 lens quite easily. The only issue with this configuration is its weight, a total of 1.4kg.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7917.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7915.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7919.jpg

[pinoyplaya]

Ball head on monopod for sports using 70-200mm f4? Just HH that thing.

No IS. And having a monopod would help a lot

[bobbyz]

No IS. And having a monopod would help a lot

I disagree. You don't need no IS for field sports. And monopod on something like 70-200mm is hindrance. Main reason folk use monopods is when using longer heavier glass to support it. I will prefer to HH my 300mm f2.8 if only using one body. Only when using two bodies (2nd with 70-200mm f2.8) I would use monopod on the 300mm f2.8 IS. With 500mmf4 IS, I definitely use monopod as I can't HH it for more than a minute or so. But both have IS off when shooting sports. 70-200mm f4 is such a light lens that is why canon doesn't even include tripod collar with it. But I guess each to his own. If it helps, go ahead.

[pinoyplaya]

Damn! I just received by Manfrotto 681B today and man, this thing is amazing. I am glad that I purchased a Manfrotto brand. Now I am kind of regretting that I purchased a non-Manfrotto tripod. The monopod is built like a tank and its very light! It weights practically nothing! Not only that, I was surprised by how wide the base was (the top part that supports the camera). This monopod could definitely hold anything I put on it. After taking several test shots, I am impressed how a monopod actually helps and acts as if it was an Image Stabilization. I can't wait to shoot sports activities. I am very much looking forward to going outside and shooting without having to support a 5 lbs equipment with my bare hands.

Will definitely be looking for a Manfrotto tripod in the future to replace my Dolica cheapass tripod. hehe

[joonrhee]

The 680B has a 1/4" and retractable 3/8" screw to attach a ball head to, so you can use either fitting.

Here is a 680B, with Manfrotto 234 RC head (allows you to go vertical quickly) and the Manfrotto universal folding base (legs fit inside the monopod for carrying). The legs are great when you need extra stability or a tripod, as you can see they can support a gripped 5dm2 with the 24-105 lens quite easily. The only issue with this configuration is its weight, a total of 1.4kg.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7917.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7915.jpghttp://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/IMG_7919.jpg

Thanks for sharing the picture. How do you like the universal base? Would it also hold the 5dmkii and 70-200 2.8L IS without tipping over?

[SkipD]

Thanks for sharing the picture. How do you like the universal base? Would it also hold the 5dmkii and 70-200 2.8L IS without tipping over?Don't even think of using the dinky little legs on a monopod to do what you should be using a tripod for. What's shown in the photo is anything but stable.

If you want to break the 70-200 and the camera, go ahead and try it. :rolleyes:

[RandyS]

Biggest problem I know of with the Manfrotto monopods, is that they bloody last forever. Some day you might want to upgrade for whatever reason, but you'll still have this perfectly good Manfrotto sitting there.

[Freddie Alessio]

Man 679B with 70-200 non-IS. Simple, light, and lovely. Forget the ball head, the tripod ring works phenomenally well.

[lannes]

Thanks for sharing the picture. How do you like the universal base? Would it also hold the 5dmkii and 70-200 2.8L IS without tipping over?

If your hanging onto to it, the univesal base just adds stability to the whole set-up. You would still use the monopod how it is designed. Obviously you would have the monopod connected to the tripod ring on the 70-200. A battery grip would also balance the lens.

[lannes]

Don't even think of using the dinky little legs on a monopod to do what you should be using a tripod for. What's shown in the photo is anything but stable.

If you want to break the 70-200 and the camera, go ahead and try it. :rolleyes:

I don't think anybody would use a monopod with the universal base as a stand alone tripod. I was highlighting the extra stability the univeral base adds to the monopod equation, you would still have to hang onto to it as you would normally.

[SkipD]

I was highlighting the extra stability the univeral base adds to the monopod equation, you would still have to hang onto to it as you would normally.I agree with you fully about having to hang on to the monopod.

Your photographs with the camera supported with nobody holding the monopod, however, can easily fool a newbie into thinking that you can get away with that rig as a tripod. We've had questions about that very idea here before, and that's why I commented as I did. It seems that some people actually do equate three little legs as being a "tripod".

[joonrhee]

May I ask couple more question?

I currently have a 055XPROB tripod with 322RC2 grip head and 501HDV video head. As cumbersome as it is to move around the big tripod to shoot sports, I wanted to explore the mobility of using a monopod.

If weight is not such a big issue (as it will already be alot lighter than tripod), which Man monopod would you recommend? I am leaning towards the 681B... Also, would I need another head to use with monopod or is 322RC3 grip head acceptable to use with a monopod?

Thanks in advance.

[yourdoinitwrong]

May I ask couple more question?

I currently have a 055XPROB tripod with 322RC2 grip head and 501HDV video head. As cumbersome as it is to move around the big tripod to shoot sports, I wanted to explore the mobility of using a monopod.

If weight is not such a big issue (as it will already be alot lighter than tripod), which Man monopod would you recommend? I am leaning towards the 681B... Also, would I need another head to use with monopod or is 322RC3 grip head acceptable to use with a monopod?

Thanks in advance.

I have your same tripod and head setup (minus the video head) and I use a 679B monopod. With the monopod I use the 234RC head. Just to try it out I put the 322 on the monopod and it was a bit of a disaster. The effort it takes to squeeze the trigger and move it with the body and lens attached makes the monopod want to move around a lot. The effort spent trying to stabilize the whole thing was a distraction to actually taking the shot. Most of the time I use the monopod in situations where I will primarily be panning with little up and down movement. For those instances the 322 isn't much of a help.

[joonrhee]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I'll be needing the 234RC as well...

[yourdoinitwrong]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I'll be needing the 234RC as well...

Luckily they are fairly inexpensive. Unlike just about everything else I have purchased for this little "hobby" of mine..............:rolleyes:

[DANATTHEROCK]

Great! Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I'll be needing the 234RC as well...


Yep, looks like the perfect addition to a monopod. Picking up one myself soon, not sure what monopod. B&H sells all this if you want to look there.

[Gatornole]

Hey guys---good topic----I am going to purchase a monopod and it seems all 3 of the ones discussed are about the same.
All can come fitted with the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head.

I have a 7D with a 100x400MM lens and shoot birds exclusively----What you recommend the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head set up with the MP we're talking about-----Thanks

[yourdoinitwrong]

Hey guys---good topic----I am going to purchase a monopod and it seems all 3 of the ones discussed are about the same.
All can come fitted with the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head.

I have a 7D with a 100x400MM lens and shoot birds exclusively----What you recommend the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head set up with the MP we're talking about-----Thanks

I used a 50D with the 100-400L on my 234RC head for shooting baseball and it worked just fine. With the tripod ring I felt it was well balanced and my old 50D is about the same weight as the 7D (which I now have) so I would think it should work for you as well.

[krb]

I have a 7D with a 100x400MM lens and shoot birds exclusively----What you recommend the 234RC Swivel Tilt Head set up with the MP we're talking about-----Thanks
The 234 head on the 690B monopod is what I use with my 7D and 100-400. A great combination for birding.

[ayee007]

great thread