Monopods -questions and purchasing advice

I used to laugh at monopods. Then I got a Bigma. Now I'm looking at purchasing one, but, I'm not sure what features I need/want...

Uses:
Basically, it just needs to hold my Bigma up while I'm shooting at the racetrack (cars) mostly, but I may use it for nature photography as well. If I find it works well, there's a possibility I may use it with my other lenses as well for general walk-around slow SS shots, etc. We'll have to see how it actually does at stabilizing the camera first, though.

About Me:
My budget is around $100. I can't see spending any more for a stick with a camera attachment on it. I'm not one of those people that must have the best brand, model, or features -I just want something that works.

Features I like: clip locks rather than twist and anything that helps speed up setup and breakdown -I tend to move around the track alot (I move too much w/ nature shots too), so I'm constantly packing up/unpacking my stuff. Anything that helps with that -fewer sections, quick release, etc will be considered a plus.

Selection Questions:
I've searched through the archives and found that Bogen / Manfrotto is recommended most, but others have had good experiences with Gitzo and a few others. I'll lean towards those based on several discussions I've read. The Bogen / Manfrotto 680B (3249B) is actually sitting in a cart on B&H right now (I'm willing to change that, though.)

The real question comes down to the head. First, do I need one? -If the monopod will really only be used to support the camera, maybe not? But since I've never used a monopod before, I don't know what features I'd use...

One thing that bugs me about my current $25 tripod is the fact that I'm stuck with the horizontal (landscape) orientation. I'd love the ability to turn the camera 90* to portrait. Now, the Bigma has the ability to change the orientation on the lens support, which really seems like a better way to go IMO -rather than having the head support all that weight off to one side, but I've never used a tilt or ball head tripod or monopod, so I'd appreciate any feedback on this that you may have.

Another question I have is whether the monopod is useful for panned shots? I do a lot of panned shots and I have a feeling that even with a head that will rotate ("pan"), I'll probably still opt to pick the camera up to pan because the pan motion is more of an arc than a circular rotation. -Is this what you guys have found? Is a "pan" option non a monopod head useful at all?

If it turns out I want a head, which one? Ball? Tilt? The 484 Mini Ball Head from Bogen / Manfrotto says it supports up to 8.8lbs. My 30D + the Bigma is about 7 or 8lbs I think. That's a little closer to the "max weight" than I'd like, but it sounds like it'd work. The tilt heads they offer only support 5 - 6lbs, so that may answer the question right there... Unless you'd recommend another head -maybe just with quick release???

I know that's a lot of info/questions, but I'm hoping you guys can help me make a good decision here. So, please give me any advice you can on this monopod stuff 'cause it's all very new to me. -Perhaps I don't even know enough to ask the right questions?

Thanks in advance,
-Erica

You won't need a ballhead for shooting sports IMO. You will use the lens collar anyways.
Just attach a quick release clamp to the monopod.
The manfrottos are fine. I have a 449. Gitzo has twist locks (which I prefer, but you don't), so no need to look there...

Manfrotto 680B + 486RC2 = $117 from B&H.

I just got mine and am really happy. Should also fit all of your needs including the ability to shoot portrait.

See sig below for mine. It's "automatic" feature allows you to quickly adjust the height of the monopod with a simple trigger motion. I use this feature all the time.

Thanks for the replies! So far, I think René is right and all I need is a quick release head. One problem -it doesn't seem to be listed as an opion on B&H's website. Can I use one from another manufacturer? Or could I just get the "3229 Swivel Tilt Head with Quick Release" even though it is only rated for 6lbs? -I assume that if I just don't tilt it when using the heavy lens, it'd be fine(?). Otherwise, the ball head is an option, although I don't know if I'd need/use it and I think I'd rather have the quick release functionality.

Would you agree that the 3229 head would hold up just fine as long as I don't tilt it?

-Erica

I use a head since I'm not using my monopod for things on the straight and level. A ball head allows you to use the monopod at other angles than straight upright, handy if you're on not-so-level hard surfaces. You don't need a pan-type function on a head for a monopod; you can turn the whole monopod. But I suggest the 486RC2, not the 484 - it's heftier and the Bigma will appreciate that. Manfrotto/Bogen does make a simple quick-release. 3299's the old number.

Personally I don't use head on monopod. It's not really comfortable for me, and I don't have any need for it anyway. I use it only for long lenses (300/2.8 and 400/2.8 ) only, so I can easily survive just with attaching monopod on lens collar. I also don't have need for "disconnecting" monopod from lens all that fast, so I don't have any quick release either. But all this is personal preference only, so it can easily be different for someone else

I use the Manfrotto 680B with 486 CR2 ball head and am very happy with the combination. I tried to go without the ball head at first but the versatility provided by the ball head is worth every penny.

I use a Manfrotto 681B. I am one of the users that does not use a head. It is really personal preference. I am going to put a quick release on the monopod though. I purchased the monopod without a head, figuring I can add a head if I want it. I use a tripod most the time, the monopod is for some hiking. Most the lenses I will use on the monopod will have a tripod collar, so I can use the collar to rotate the camera. Disclaimer: I am not using the monopod for sports/action photography. I can see where a ballhead could be very useful for those subjects.

-Ryan