Need monopod recommendation for 7D2 + Sigma 150-600

Looking to pick up a 7D2 and pair it with a Sigma 150-600 Sports lens. Would like to pick up a monopod to make life easier on my left arm.
1) If it can fit into a standard size carry on, that would be a plus, but not absolutely necessary.
2) Would also like to keep the price under $200.
3) Does not need to come with a head, as I am not yet sure how I want to mount everything.
4) Last, the overall height would need to be close to 60". (I'm 6' tall)

I am currently looking at a couple different models

1) Giottos MM-8660 which is a 6 section and holds 15kg. It extends close to 60" and should fit in a carry on. Price is $160
2) Induro GIL304L 4 section monopod Will hold 18kg and extend to 62". It is a bit too long for a carry on, by about an inch or two. Price is $165
3) InduroCLM205 5 section with a capacity of 10kg and extends to 58". Will fit into a carry on. Pricse is $115

Wondering what your choice would be for what I am looking for. (or if you recommend something different) Doesn't necessarily need to be carbon fiber.

I occasionally use a Manfrotto 679B. Very solid and extends to 61". Paid less than £50 too.

I don't know how you are fixed, tax wise, for buying things from the EU but I would suggest the Sirui P324.

http://www.ebay.com …6ff65b:g:FNkAAO​SwLVZVm777

I have had it's bigger brother the P424 for a few years and it is an excellent mono pod. The quality and rigidity of these mono pods is nearly as good as the likes of Gitzo etc (all my other supports are Gitzo). The P324 will easily cope with your existing gear and allow for expansion to the bigger lenses should you ever choose to go there. There is a catch, there always is, namely it doesn't fold down very short which may be an issue for travel.

Just my 2p, but I would be wary of mono pods that have more than 4 sections as they get very bendy unless you are willing to pay for a large and expensive one - they take longer to set up as well.

Thanks for the recommendation. It appears on eBay at least that the least expensive option is the model you recommended with the stand at the base, which is removable. It definitely is longer than I would like, but it extends a good bit more than the others I am looking at. (which would be a plus for something like an air show) Will keep it in mind. Thanks!

I would be cautious about the model with the stand on the bottom. I have not used it myself but I do know someone who has one and it doesn't appear stable to me, it also makes the mono pod heavier.
If the link came through properly it should be the one without the stand. try this one:

http://www.ebay.com …6ff65b:g:FNkAAO​SwLVZVm777

P.S. these are really good mono pods, nearly as good as my Gitzo mono pod and made in a couple of configurations that Gitzo don't make.

I followed the first link but it was from Europe and I am in the states. I searched for that model and found the one shipping from New York with the stand. As far as being stable, I don't think it is supposed to be. I believe it is supposed to provide just enough stability so that you can pan and tilt the camera a limited amount without the base moving. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

I use a Manfrotto 680B Monopod with the Siuri L10 tilt head with my 7D MK II & 100-400mm II it was around $160 for both on Amazon together they make a pretty solid combo.
John

You are right that is what it is supposed to do - whether it does or not is a matter of opinion.......

The one that I wanted you to have a look at was from a French site - but I don't know if you get caught with extra taxes if you buy from the EU. See the second link.

Just wanted to give an update.

I wound up with two monopods, one that I had ordered and one because it was such a great deal used locally.

Ordered a Sirui P424 as I had seen it locally at a camera store. The one at the store had been shipped missing a part, otherwise I would have bought there. Anyway, it is plenty sturdy, light, and has super thick leg sections. There is a set screw so you can make sure whatever you screw on to the threads stays fastened, as long as the set screw actually hits something. i love the feel of the foam hand grip area as well as the rubbery texture of the twist locks. The spike at the bottom is an added bonus for stability in grass. The little carry case is an added bonus, but the carry strap needs to be able to be adjusted either much longer, or somewhat shorter.

The second one I picked up was the same day the Sirui came in. Manfrotto 681B 3 section monopod with the lever locks. It also came with an arca/swiss style clamp. I have the lever locks on my tripod and find that in certain situations they are better suited for my needs. So now I have a monopod with both styles of legs, and one being aluminim and one CF. The grip area of the 681B is much firmer and dense than the Sirui, but I'm not sure it isn't from age. I did scrub the grip with a brush and hot water which seemed to make the grip a bit more like a sticky rubbery surface so I'm guessing it was never a soft foam. (I've only bought Manfrotto products used, so I don't have a comparison.) like the Sirui, the 681B also has a set screw in the top plate to fasten to a plate or lens foot if everything lines up. Since it was so cheap this one will be my go to "beater" to use when weather may be an issue or I may be banging it around with where I go.

I really wish these two monopods came with the three set screws like tripods do as it would make me feel a lot more comfortable about slinging it over my shoulder. I guess I'm going to have to get used to checking for tightness every time I set up or move. Anyway, both have a big weight rating (both over 30lbs IIRC) and with a camer/lens sitting on top, they both are plenty tall enough for me not to have to bend at all to see the viewfinder. In fact they both are probably a couple inches longer than I need, which is a good thing.

Oh, one last thing... When Sirui places their weights and lengths on the box, the smaller weight number does not correspond with the rating when the monopod is fully extended. that is the weight of the unit itself. LOL (had seen several people say that the weigh limit goes down when extended)

Feisol CM-1471 - It's carbon fiber, very solid, and well under your price range. I've had mine for a long time and I shouldn't ever need to buy another monopod.

I travel and have used this one with the 7DMk2 with Canon grip and the Sigma 150-600 S.

http://www.benrousa.co​m/products/benro-mad49a.aspx

I use the Manfrotto head as I have a Manfrotto tripod.

mikeinctown wrote in post #18087061
Just wanted to give an update.

I wound up with two monopods, one that I had ordered and one because it was such a great deal used locally.

Ordered a Sirui P424 as I had seen it locally at a camera store. The one at the store had been shipped missing a part, otherwise I would have bought there. Anyway, it is plenty sturdy, light, and has super thick leg sections. There is a set screw so you can make sure whatever you screw on to the threads stays fastened, as long as the set screw actually hits something. i love the feel of the foam hand grip area as well as the rubbery texture of the twist locks. The spike at the bottom is an added bonus for stability in grass. The little carry case is an added bonus, but the carry strap needs to be able to be adjusted either much longer, or somewhat shorter.

The second one I picked up was the same day the Sirui came in. Manfrotto 681B 3 section monopod with the lever locks. It also came with an arca/swiss style clamp. I have the lever locks on my tripod and find that in certain situations they are better suited for my needs. So now I have a monopod with both styles of legs, and one being aluminim and one CF. The grip area of the 681B is much firmer and dense than the Sirui, but I'm not sure it isn't from age. I did scrub the grip with a brush and hot water which seemed to make the grip a bit more like a sticky rubbery surface so I'm guessing it was never a soft foam. (I've only bought Manfrotto products used, so I don't have a comparison.) like the Sirui, the 681B also has a set screw in the top plate to fasten to a plate or lens foot if everything lines up. Since it was so cheap this one will be my go to "beater" to use when weather may be an issue or I may be banging it around with where I go.

I really wish these two monopods came with the three set screws like tripods do as it would make me feel a lot more comfortable about slinging it over my shoulder. I guess I'm going to have to get used to checking for tightness every time I set up or move. Anyway, both have a big weight rating (both over 30lbs IIRC) and with a camer/lens sitting on top, they both are plenty tall enough for me not to have to bend at all to see the viewfinder. In fact they both are probably a couple inches longer than I need, which is a good thing.

Oh, one last thing... When Sirui places their weights and lengths on the box, the smaller weight number does not correspond with the rating when the monopod is fully extended. that is the weight of the unit itself. LOL (had seen several people say that the weigh limit goes down when extended)

Interested that you got the P424 - it is a great mono pod but more than I needed for my Canon 600 F4 and later 800 F5.6 L IS. Still it's not too heavy and VERY robust. I hadn't heard anything about the weight ratings reducing when extended - I don't believe weight ratings anyway!

My P424 is used as much as a walking staff/clambering tool as for camera work and I have full confidence in it's strength when supporting much of my 110 Kilo weight when clambering down waterfalls etc. It is a fine piece of kit - you will be happy you got it in the long run!

I use a Monfrotto 680B https://www.amazon.com …1&keywords=manf​rotto+680b with a Sirui L-10 Tilt Head https://www.amazon.com …s-including/dp/B006JZ7QZ​C
with my 7D MkII and Canon 100-400mm.
John

I'm pretty happy with my Sigma 150-600mm **C** on my 5dIII. If It were to be 2lbs heavier as the S is, I think I'd be looking for a sherpa and not a monopod

I was blasting away at some wildlife a few weeks ago and my arms got tired holding it up. The good news is that the OS did a great job at 1/100 - 1/125ish even a few minutes aftersunset. I'm curious if the additional armor weight of the S will allow you shoot as slow as that without blur.

I use a Dolica ... don't quite remember the exact model #. It's quite sturdy and light to carry esp. for air travel in had carry luggage.