600mm monpod

I am about ot the pull the trigger on a Gitzo 5540. Anyone used one or have a good alternative?

Why Gitzo for a monopod? I can understand it if you really like the leg locks or don't mind spending the money and just want the best, but it is spendy for one leg where you're not so concerned about weight (carrying a 600mm anyway).

TheHoff wrote in post #5006326
Why Gitzo for a monopod? I can understand it if you really like the leg locks or don't mind spending the money and just want the best, but it is spendy for one leg where you're not so concerned about weight (carrying a 600mm anyway).

i am guessing he is going with Gitzo because he wants the best. i have a manfrotto 679B for my 500 and i can tell you right now that i will not recommend it to anybody. i am on my 4th leg lock now because it keeps breaking off. my next purchase is going to be a nice Gitzo monopod.

Do it. I have one for my 600 f4; it's really, REALLY sturdy especially on loose or uneven surfaces.

Like the guy above; I've had issues with Man leg locks in the past. Not the greatest thing to happen if you have a 600 mounted.

I guess it should be that sturdy as it's spec'd to hold a car or something like that...

I never put that much weight on my Manfrotto so I'm sure you'd find out those special circumstances I'm thrilled with the locks on my 3540LS; so much that I'd probably get a Gitzo monopod too if I had the need for a new one.

TheHoff wrote in post #5006366
I never put that much weight on my Manfrotto so I'm sure you'd find out those special circumstances I'm thrilled with the locks on my 3540LS; so much that I'd probably get a Gitzo monopod too if I had the need for a new one.

well there you go seriously, once you start playing around with the Gitzo stuff, it is VERY hard to go to anything else. just like when you play with the high end ball heads and then try to go back to a 488rc2 head...

Yeah I have the Gitzo 1327 legs and they are truly remarkable. Once you try there equipment it is hard to use anything else.

I also have a Manfrotto it is a 679b and it really is grap IMO. it would be okay for a 70-200 and a smaller body maybe. I tried it with my 500mm and no matter what i did the bottom extensions lock kept slipping nomatter how much i tightened the nut.


Thanks Psdude, Blonde, everyone for the responses.

Steve Beck wrote in post #5006410
Yeah I have the Gitzo 1327 legs and they are truly remarkable. Once you try there equipment it is hard to use anything else.

I also have a Manfrotto it is a 679b and it really is grap IMO. it would be okay for a 70-200 and a smaller body maybe. I tried it with my 500mm and no matter what i did the bottom extensions lock kept slipping nomatter how much i tightened the nut.

Thanks Psdude, Blonde, everyone for the responses.

well DUH !

check the weight rating!

ed rader

I've been using Manfrotto monopods (679 and 680) for several years. They are good sticks. However, I've been seriously considering a Gitzo stick ever since they introduced the g-lock, anti-rotation leg, and twist locks as standard design. IMO, these specific additions to the Gitzo product has made it the best available. Previously, I would not have touched a Gitzo because I hated the rotating legs and twist locks. I found it inconvenient to setup.

I have the 5540, use my 500 f/4 on it all the time and it's great. I don't use a ballhead, I have it directly on a Really Right Stuff B2-Pro/L clamp. In fact, I even have a photo:

jhom wrote in post #5008899
I've been using Manfrotto monopods (679 and 680) for several years. They are good sticks. However, I've been seriously considering a Gitzo stick ever since they introduced the g-lock, anti-rotation leg, and twist locks as standard design. IMO, these specific additions to the Gitzo product has made it the best available. Previously, I would not have touched a Gitzo because I hated the rotating legs and twist locks. I found it inconvenient to setup.

i'm considering one too to take to africa because of it's size and weight and i do have a birthday coming up soon .

ed rader

jhom wrote in post #5008899
I've been using Manfrotto monopods (679 and 680) for several years. They are good sticks. However, I've been seriously considering a Gitzo stick ever since they introduced the g-lock, anti-rotation leg, and twist locks as standard design. IMO, these specific additions to the Gitzo product has made it the best available. Previously, I would not have touched a Gitzo because I hated the rotating legs and twist locks. I found it inconvenient to setup.

Jim,

I just picked up 3530 and I tried the older one, 1325 I think, and G-locks alone are worth the $150 difference.

gymell wrote in post #5008993
I have the 5540, use my 500 f/4 on it all the time and it's great. I don't use a ballhead, I have it directly on a Really Right Stuff B2-Pro/L clamp. In fact, I even have a photo:

Liz,

how do you shoot planes in the air with that setup? Don't you have to tilt the lens, sometimes to the point the monopod doesn't support the lens at all?

Mike

gnrlmike wrote in post #5009356
Liz,

how do you shoot planes in the air with that setup? Don't you have to tilt the lens, sometimes to the point the monopod doesn't support the lens at all?

Mike

I wasn't there to shoot planes, I was with a group watching whooping cranes and we were at the hangar where they keep the ultralights for training them. Since we were all riding around in a van all day, I had to carry my camera with me the entire time. For shooting things at a steep angle, like a bird high up in a tree, I'll sometimes just pick the whole thing up off the ground.

gnrlmike wrote in post #5009356
Jim,

I just picked up 3530 and I tried the older one, 1325 I think, and G-locks alone are worth the $150 difference.


Liz,

how do you shoot planes in the air with that setup? Don't you have to tilt the lens, sometimes to the point the monopod doesn't support the lens at all?

Mike

Mike,

Great choice. I'm sure you will love the 3 series Gitzo. On my scorecard, the new Gitzo design is tops. Before the changes, I was in the camp that other tripods were equally as good as Gitzo.

ed rader wrote in post #5008721
well DUH !

check the weight rating!

ed rader

what about the weight rating? the monopod is rated at 22lbs and even if you take the 500 + 1.4 + 1D + 580ex + flash bracket, you are still not at 22lbs


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