Looking for a better monopod

I bought the Manfrotto 680B 4 years ago and it worked fine at the time. I haven't used it in over a year or so. I've been hand holding an Alien Bees ABR800 ring flash with a 70-200, sometimes tripod'ing it. Then I remembered I had the monopod and tried my setup on it and the monopod doesn't really support it (segments start to compress if you put any extra pressure downwards). The 5D Mark II + BG-E6 + 70-200 + ABR800 is under 11lbs (weighed it on a shipping scale), and the 680B is spec'ed to handle 22lbs. Apparently that's not the case.

Anyway, I'm looking for a monopod with more strength, or perhaps one that actually handles the load it's rated for.

Have you tightened the clamps? My Manfrotto monopod came with a tool for doing this.

Good point. No. I'll give that a whirl when I get home.

That's a good monopod you've got. Tighten it up and it should be fine.

mrrikki wrote in post #13796051
Have you tightened the clamps? My Manfrotto monopod came with a tool for doing this.

Where were you six months ago?

My 680B was taking a dive when I had my 50D + Sigma 120-300 mounted on it-which caused me to spend money on another monopod!

(quickly tightens 680B)
(mounts 50D + 120-300 + 486RC2 on monopod)

It WORKS!

:headdesk:

This will learn me...

If you ever do go looking for an upgrade. Check out the thread below.
I started off with a Manfrotto which worked ok with lots of maintenance to keep my gear from sliding finally had to replace clamp that broke. In the mean time upgrade to a Gitzo expensive but worth every penny.

https://photography-on-the.net …95&highlight=Gi​tzo&page=2

DeaconG wrote in post #13800922
Where were you six months ago?

My 680B was taking a dive when I had my 50D + Sigma 120-300 mounted on it-which caused me to spend money on another monopod!

(quickly tightens 680B)
(mounts 50D + 120-300 + 486RC2 on monopod)

It WORKS!

:headdesk:

This will learn me...

Well you have a spare monopod now so its all cool lol

If you can't find the tool that came with monopod a 5/16 socket will work

mrrikki wrote in post #13796051
Have you tightened the clamps? My Manfrotto monopod came with a tool for doing this.

Thanks. That was it. A tiny turn on each one to snug it up just a little and I can actually lean on the monopod with no issues.

ocabj wrote in post #13803686
Thanks. That was it. A tiny turn on each one to snug it up just a little and I can actually lean on the monopod with no issues.

Good result and saved you having to buy a new one