Looking for a light and small monopod...

[aia21]

Hi,

I am looking for a light and small (and preferably cheap ) monopod...

I am currently considering the Manfrotto 676B monopod (Specs: 49cm-155cm, 0.38kg weight, max load 4.5kg, 4 leg sections) plus either the Manfrotto 234RC Monood QR tilt top (Specs: 6cm high, 0.27kg wight, max load 2.5kg) or the Manfrotto Ball head 484RC2 with RC2 quick release (Specs: 9.5cm high, 0.32kg wight, max load 4kg).

You can see my gear list in my sig. I do not intend to buy heavier lenses than I already have or at least not any time soon so a low max load does not worry me, I prefer the monopod to be as light and small as possible so I actually take it with me rather than it gathering dust at home like the tripod tends to do...

Which monopod would you recommend? And why?

If you have or have had a look at the Manfrotto 676B what is it like?

Thanks a lot in advance for your input!

Best regards,

Anton

[Rudy M.]

This is the one I have and I have not regretted it one bit. I also have the small ball head to fit on it or my tripod, but hardley have used it with the monopod. I also saw a nice Canon monopod at a store for around $40.00 but it was really flimsy compared to this one. You won't go wrong with this monopod and QR tilt head.

[Rudy M.]

Looks like the link didn't take--go to B&H and do a search for the 681B monopod with the head you have in your post.

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by aia21

Hi,

I am looking for a light and small (and preferably cheap ) monopod...

I am currently considering the Manfrotto 676B monopod (Specs: 49cm-155cm, 0.38kg weight, max load 4.5kg, 4 leg sections) plus either the Manfrotto 234RC Monood QR tilt top (Specs: 6cm high, 0.27kg wight, max load 2.5kg) or the Manfrotto Ball head 484RC2 with RC2 quick release (Specs: 9.5cm high, 0.32kg wight, max load 4kg).

You can see my gear list in my sig. I do not intend to buy heavier lenses than I already have or at least not any time soon so a low max load does not worry me, I prefer the monopod to be as light and small as possible so I actually take it with me rather than it gathering dust at home like the tripod tends to do...

Which monopod would you recommend? And why?

If you have or have had a look at the Manfrotto 676B what is it like?

Thanks a lot in advance for your input!

Best regards,

Anton

that's what i use with my 100-400L with a tilt head and i love it.

ed rader

[SoundsGood]

Is a tilt head needed with a monopod? If so, how is it helpful? (and which one works well with the 676b ?

[tjrenegade]

I use a Bogen 680B and 486RC2 head...its not the lightest but its fairly compact and its very sturdy.....plus it makes a nice defensive weapon

I'll add I had alight weight (rated) and I didn't like it since I tended to lean a bit on it when I used it.....I am much happier with the heavier setup...just something to consider before you go to light.

[Nick Pro]

I use the bogen Digi monpod. $30 at B&H.

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by tjrenegade

I use a Bogen 680B and 486RC2 head...its not the lightest but its fairly compact and its very sturdy.....plus it makes a nice defensive weapon

I'll add I had alight weight (rated) and I didn't like it since I tended to lean a bit on it when I used it.....I am much happier with the heavier setup...just something to consider before you go to light.

heavier means it won't be with me when i need it. my monopod and tilt head weighs about a pound and fits in the back pocket of my f-802.

ed rader

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

Is a tilt head needed with a monopod? If so, how is it helpful? (and which one works well with the 676b ?

a tilt head allows you to quickly place your camera in portrait orientation with lenses that don't have tripod mounts ... e.g. 24-70L. it also has the RC2 quick release just like both of my tripods.

i use the basic manfrotto tilt head....i think it's the 3229 or something like that .

ed rader

[SoundsGood]

Originally Posted by ed rader

a tilt head allows you to quickly place your camera in portrait orientation with lenses that don't have tripod mounts ... e.g. 24-70L. it also has the RC2 quick release just like both of my tripods.

i use the basic manfrotto tilt head....i think it's the 3229 or something like that .

Thanks!

Is this it?

[tjrenegade]

Originally Posted by ed rader

heavier means it won't be with me when i need it. my monopod and tilt head weighs about a pound and fits in the back pocket of my f-802.

ed rader

Heavy is a realtive word.. I don't think the 680B is that heavy...but it sure is stable. 680 fits nicely strapped to the side of my backpack...doubles as walking stick when needed.

I guess it all depends on what your planning to do with it.

[SoundsGood]

Originally Posted by tjrenegade

Heavy is a realtive word.

True... I've got a relative who is pretty heavy.


Sorry, couldn't resist!

[tjrenegade]

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

True... I've got a relative who is pretty heavy.


Sorry, couldn't resist!

Yeah I got a few that few that description...

[aia21]

Great, thanks for all your comments! I definitely am with Ed Rader on the weight issue!

Ed, thanks: if it works well with your 100-400 then it will definitely work great with all my kit.

I shall be placing an order for the 676B + 234RC QR tilt head very soon!

Best regards,

Anton

[ed rader]

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

Thanks!

Is this it?

that's it .

ed rader