Mono pod - What to look for?!?!

I am looking for a mono pod for my camera. I have been looking at this one: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Classic_Carbon_​Fiber.html

Can someone tell me if this is good choice? I also don't want to break the bank.

Seems reasonable. I use a ballhead with mine which makes it simpler to use, in fact its the ballhead I rejected for tripod use so it cost me nothing more.

I can understand spending that much on a tripod, but on a monopod? i got mine at WalMart for around $20 bucks and it has not failed me yet. I use it as a hiking pole as i walk also.

I just want a good one. I am looking into buying a Sigma 50-500 and I want to be sure the mono pod can handle it. I would hate for it to fail.....

Lowner wrote in post #15934495
Seems reasonable. I use a ballhead with mine which makes it simpler to use, in fact its the ballhead I rejected for tripod use so it cost me nothing more.

What kind of ball head? Could you post a link?

This Monopod + This Head is what I use with my 100-400 on Zoo Trips... Its been abused plenty and has held up well for over a year now... The stud at the top of the monopod is reversible for either 1/4" or 3/8" so you can use with any standard head or just thread it directly into your camera / lens foot.

Mjasinski wrote in post #15934561
What kind of ball head? Could you post a link?

I use a very basic Manfrotto 486, nothing expensive or fancy. I removed it from the tripod as I found the camera drooping after I had carefully lined up shots. This is not something I need to fret about with a monopod. I have fitted it with an Arca-Swiss screw clamp.

The benefit of a flexible joint of some kind between the camera and the monopod is that its not life or death that the 'pod be kept upright. I often have it between my legs or reaching out in front of me.

A really sturdy monopod which is fairly inexpensive yet relatively light in weight is the Manfrotto 681B. It weighs just .4 pounds (6.4 oz) more than the Benro model.

The 4-section 680B is a bit heavier and a little more expensive. However it will collapse into a shorter package than the 681B. I had a 681B and liked it. However, I switched to a Calumet 4-section Carbon Fiber monopod which is lighter in weight than any of the above mentioned monpods but, is no longer stocked by Calumet. My reason for switching was that I could not fit the Manfrotto in my checked aboard suitcase for air travel and they often would not allow the carrying of a monopod aboard the plane. They sometimes call it a "weapon-like instrument"...

I believe that Calumet replaced my monopod with the Induro:
http://www.calumetphot​o.com …carbon_8x_monop​od/id42242
I have heard good things about this monopod and it is on sale right now at Calumet...

I do not like attaching the camera/lens directly to the monopod since I want my monopod perpindicular to the ground for a more steady support. At least, it is more steady for me. But, I don't like ball heads for monopod use and prefer instead monopod tilt heads. I use a Kirk MPA-1 which is a Manfrotto head with an Arca Compatible quick release system...

Calumet also has a tilt-head which is very much like the Manfrotto/Kirk MPA-1. However, it doesn't seem to have an Arca Compatible QR clamp...

If you need a heavier duty tilt head, look at the:

Kirk MPA-2 http://www.kirkphoto.c​om/Monopod-Heads.html

or the:

Really Right Stuff MH-01 http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …Head-with-B2-40-LR&key=it

Thr RRS tilt head is a bit more expensive than the Kirk MPA-2...

I use Arca Compatible clamps on my tripods and monopods. I have L-brackets on my cameras and arca compatible plates on my lenses which have tripod rings...

I will carry a camera + long lens attached to the monopod and resting on my shoulder; like carrying a rifle. It makes it easy to move around with a camera + long lens...

Arca Compatible gear is usually fairly expensive but, once you use it, you will never return to the standard quick release systems like the Manfrotto RC-2...

The other very good tilt head was already linked to above.
The Sirui that Ghost68 uses is what I have as well.

The RRS and Kirk are amazing, and the Sirui is a very well made copy of the idea.

I like the look and price of that Induro CF.

I just bought a Feisol 1471 and a Kirk mpa-2 to use with my gripped 60d and 100-400. I've been very happy with it. The monopod extends longer than I need on flat ground (I'm 6'2") and is very solid. The Kirk head is terrific. The only downside is the combination is quite long when collapsed and doesn't fit in my bag.

What I like about the mono pod i posted is the: "flip lever lock design" can anyone tell me anything about that?

Many here seem to prefer a twist lock design, but I'm a firm believer in the flip lock style myself. The difference is as described, levers are simple flip release and flip to lock, the twist design is rotated around the leg to lock or unlock.

I get that I am just wondering the pros and cons. To me the lever design is quicker to adjust if needed.

Just fyi the Sirui monopod has anti rotation legs so you can release them all at the same time with a quarter turn, extend the legs and then lock them down very quickly. I imagine the flip locks are a little faster BUT they weigh more and its just something to break or snag on something in the field...

My problem with that particular Sirui is the number of sections. I am happier with 3 or 4 sections, but then, it won't fold as small, so it depends on your own taste.

As for twist Vs Flip.

I used to prefer flip levers, but the twist locks are so much better now than they used to be.
I still have some of each, and use them all. My main tripod and my tiny tripod are both twist lock now (Gitzo and Induro)
My medium back up tripod and my Monopod are both Manfrotto flip locks.

It's all good.

On a monopod, I think I do prefer the flip lock, once extended, I like to be able to quickly adjust height with the top lock,. and the flip lock makes this quicker. But I'd get along with twist lock if that's what I had.