Manfrotto 3245 Automatic Monopod

Does anyone have any experience of this tripod (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation)

I'm thinking of buying one and I would like to get some opinions from those who have used them. It would be used with a 30D plus a 70-200f/4L IS. Thanks for your help folks.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #2954316
Does anyone have any experience of this tripod (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation)

I'm thinking of buying one and I would like to get some opinions from those who have used them. It would be used with a 30D plus a 70-200f/4L IS. Thanks for your help folks.

First off, that's a monopod and not a tripod. Too bad you can't edit the thread title.....

I tried one out in a store and felt that the automatic feature was not something that I wanted to mess with. Besides, the 3245 monopod is not only 4 inches longer collapsed than the 680B that I wound up choosing, but it is a lot pricier.

I use Bogen's 681, which is a 3 section monopod as is the 3245.

SkipD wrote in post #2954350
First off, that's a monopod and not a tripod. Too bad you can't edit the thread title.....

I tried one out in a store and felt that the automatic feature was not something that I wanted to mess with. Besides, the 3245 monopod is not only 4 inches longer collapsed than the 680B that I wound up choosing, but it is a lot pricier.

Oops! Thanks, Skip - I did mean monopod - how do I change the thread title? So it seems that you would recommend the 680B over the 3245 with its quick adjustment. Do you find the 680 quick to adjust?

I use a Manfrotto 694 Magfibre 4 Section Monopod as I wanted something I could use standing as well as close to the ground. Very nice 'pod, with secure locking. Works fine with a 300 f4 IS + either TC which will be heavier than your zoom. I am sure it would take a lot more weight than that also.

It is a well respected make, you should have no problems.

I am ordering the Gittos (here) this morning:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

It is quick release,holds more weight,has a tilt head,and is 70 plus inches max. I am taller so that is important to me. It is a bit larger unfolded due to being 5 section.

Best of luck shopping!

Trique Daddi

Roy Mathers wrote in post #2954433
Do you find the 680 quick to adjust?

Actually I don't often change the length of my monopod once I have it set up to use. I normally use it to hold the weight of the camera/lens rig for long periods of time while waiting for something to happen.

That said, it's rather easy to adjust the height by loosening the upper clamp and letting the monopod drop out a little longer or lowering the camera (shortening the monopod) and then tightening the clamp.

I plan on using the 680B as a walking stick on future trips, and don't think the automatic monopod would work as well for that.

Thanks for your input folks.

Lester - a good tripod, but a little expensive for the use it will get.

Trique - I am obviously nowhere near as tall as you! I'm a bit surprised that, for a five-section monopod, it only collapses to 23 inches (obviously because of its extra height!)

Skip - I think you may have persuaded me to go for the 680B. By the way, on holiday in the US last year, we visited your state and had a great time at Wisconsin Dells.

Roy - another tip....

I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 on my monopod because it gives me the ultimate in versatility. I use the monopod in many ways - not just standing up straight with the monopod vertical. The ball head allows me to have the monopod and camera at any angle that I care to use it at while seated, standing, leaning against something, etc. The ball head also adds a few inches to the height of the monopod which isn't a bad thing.

I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 on my most-used tripod, and thus the quick release plate that is always on my camera fits either head (and other heads I own and use too).

SkipD wrote in post #2954956
Roy - another tip....

I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 on my monopod because it gives me the ultimate in versatility. I use the monopod in many ways - not just standing up straight with the monopod vertical. The ball head allows me to have the monopod and camera at any angle that I care to use it at while seated, standing, leaning against something, etc. The ball head also adds a few inches to the height of the monopod which isn't a bad thing.

I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 on my most-used tripod, and thus the quick release plate that is always on my camera fits either head (and other heads I own and use too).

Skip - I already have a Manfrotto 484RC2. Would that be good enough for a 30D+70-200 f/4L?

Roy Mathers wrote in post #2955062
Skip - I already have a Manfrotto 484RC2. Would that be good enough for a 30D+70-200 f/4L?

If you have a tripod mount ring for the lens, it should work fine.

I also have the 484, and it is a little short on being able to hold heavier equipment off to the side as compared to the 486 (and, of course, the 488 ).

The 484 would be worth trying, of course.

SkipD wrote in post #2955173
If you have a tripod mount ring for the lens, it should work fine.

I also have the 484, and it is a little short on being able to hold heavier equipment off to the side as compared to the 486 (and, of course, the 488 ).

The 484 would be worth trying, of course.

Thanks for all your help Skip - and my regards to Wisconsin Dells!

Roy Mathers wrote in post #2955240
Thanks for all your help Skip - and my regards to Wisconsin Dells!

Any time.

We get over to the Dells once in a while (we live just north of Milwaukee), but usually drive through with our hands covering our pockets. It seems they have some huge vacuum cleaners over there that just suck the cash right out of your pockets if you aren't being really careful!

By the way, I don't know where Hertfordshire is, but I spent over a year in the UK while in the U.S. Army. I was stationed at Menwith Hill Station, just west of Harrogate. Nice area around there. I was there in the 1965-1966 time frame. As a matter of fact, that's where I got deeply interested in photography.

I've had 3245 for about 2 years now. One feature that this monopod has advantage over non-automatic ones is its height adjustable grip. I use this feature ALL the time. It's so convenient to just press on the grip to lengthen or shorten the height while shooting without having to mess with the locks.

If you don't need or use this feature often, then I'd recommend other non-automatic monopods already mentioned, as they tend to be sturdier and hold more weight and cheaper.

Thanks sys.