Need Monopod Suggestions

I'm looking for a new Monopod that is fairly price reasonable. Anywhere up to about $200. Maybe I can afford to go a little over, but it can't be too much.

I bought a Manfrotto 680B Monopod last year and I like it a lot. It's fairly light, holds a lot of weight (22lbs) and feels nice and sturdy.

However, the one issue I have, which is huge to me, is the height. I'm roughly 6'2 and because the Monopod only goes up to 60" I find that after shooting sports for about an hour my lower back starts to hurt from having to bend over so much to shoot.

I recently bought a 400mm F/2.8 and with the weight I also am looking for a little thicker padding for my shoulder. The Mandrotto one isn't horrible, but more would feel better.

Another sports photographer had mentioned a Velbon, and his padding looked nicer than mine, but it appears they all only support 3-10lbs of weight which isn't going to be enough.

Can anyone recommend a monopod that fits what I need? For a breakdown:

Within the $200 range
Fairly lightweight
Can hold about 20+ pounds
Fairly thick padding
1/4" screw
Will allow camera to be eye level with me 6'2

Thanks!

I use an Induro CM34 CF monopod with my 1Dx/400-2.8 combo and it works great and costs about $150. It extends to 62" will that do it for you?

bpalermini wrote in post #17550068
I use an Induro CM34 CF monopod with my 1Dx/400-2.8 combo and it works great and costs about $150. It extends to 62" will that do it for you?

That looks just about perfect. Thanks!

I bought the 681B back in late 2013 and it works fine. It extends to 63.4" inches and will hold 26.4lbs.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=1428269&go​to=newpost

Might be too late for this amazing deal...

I bought this one - Benro A38FBS2 Aluminum Monopod with S2 Head - and it extends to 70"; so since I'm 6' I never have it at its full length. The current model is the A38TDS2 which has a max height of 67.5". I haven't tried any of the others, but I expect that they're probably all good. I recently bought a Sirui CF tripod, and based on the quality it shows I would certainly look at their monopods if I needed another one.

SierraHighPhoto wrote in post #17550041
However, the one issue I have, which is huge to me, is the height. I'm roughly 6'2 and because the Monopod only goes up to 60" I find that after shooting sports for about an hour my lower back starts to hurt from having to bend over so much to shoot.

I recently bought a 400mm F/2.8 and with the weight I also am looking for a little thicker padding for my shoulder. The Mandrotto one isn't horrible, but more would feel better.

Bending over? Any sports I shoot with a 400 2.8 I am on my knees the whole time.

Anyhoo, I am happy with my Benro carbon fibre unit. Not sure if they have one tall enough for you, but maybe check them out. I added a Canon monopod pad to mine. But have actually taken to carrying the 400 upside down with one hand instead of over the shoulder, so the pad is not really needed.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17550131
https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=1428269&go​to=newpost

Might be too late for this amazing deal...

Worked for me. Granted they didn't have the 34, but the 24. I can deal with the .4" loss, plus the camera on top should be more than enough. Thanks for the link!

rdalrt wrote in post #17550147
Bending over? Any sports I shoot with a 400 2.8 I am on my knees the whole time.

Anyhoo, I am happy with my Benro carbon fibre unit. Not sure if they have one tall enough for you, but maybe check them out. I added a Canon monopod pad to mine. But have actually taken to carrying the 400 upside down with one hand instead of over the shoulder, so the pad is not really needed.

I shoot from my knees, but I can't as long as most due to issues with them, which is where the standing comes in. I also do more than sports as well so it's kind of an in general thing.

Thanks for the info!

I recently purchased a Sirui P424s Monopod. I have not owned other monopods to compare to as a reference point, but the Sirui exceeds my expectations. The longest lens I have put on it is 70 to 200mm coupled with a 5DMk III. I tend to over spec most of the time, but when parking a few grand worth of glass and a decent body, it may not be prudent to go bargain shopping for support gear. There are multiple vendors with respectable offerings, and plenty of forum members with first hand experiences.

Hope this helps,

110yd

Have a look at rrs thread about 10 posts down the list by Allan B. Should help a lot
Hoof.

This is all very helpful information. Thanks.

I am with 110yd on this one.

I have had the Sirui P424 mono pod for about 4 years now and it is one of the best available (regardless of price) for large lenses. All my other support is Gitzo and I don't find the Sirui P424 lacking at all. Additionally is is quite tall, a 6'7" tall friend was quite happy with it's height.
I used to use mine with the Canon 600 F4 L IS and now use it with the Canon 800 F5.6 L IS and it is more than up to the job, I don't think the 400 F2.8 will be an issue!

SierraHighPhoto wrote in post #17550178
Worked for me. Granted they didn't have the 34, but the 24. I can deal with the .4" loss, plus the camera on top should be more than enough. Thanks for the link!

I have owned this monopod for several years, combined with a Manfrotto tilt head and Kirk Arca Swiss quick release clamp. It has been a nice, light weight combo. I am 5'9", but only extend the top section less than half way, so you should still be fine for height.

Feisol. I've had mine for a couple of years and it will hold anything, its CF, very light, and I suspect that I will never need to replace it.