600mm monpod

I have Mnonopod 679B as well and i used it with my MKIIN + 300 f2.8L IS + 2X and i can't tell it was not good, but it did a job, i know with larger it might not be a good option but i think it is better than handholding anyway, and if you just fold the tripod to its minimum hight then you will get more stable monopod, but as i may end up with some large lenses anytime in the future then i will never think less than 5540 and then never look back, my tripod GT5540T making my life happier and easier now even with no heavy gear yet to use on it but i am ready even for 1200 or 800

i use the 680B with RRS plate with my 400 2.8 never had an issue

Here's a review that I did on Gitzo GM-3550. The only differences between this and the 5 series are height, grip diameter, weight tolearance, and of course the price. All the technology that went into making them are the same:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=441790

Not only the technology that went into this is the tops, but don't forget that these monopods are made of 6 layer carbon fibers that set themselves apart from even other monopods that advertise as "carbon fiber monopod." I decided to pay so much more for the 3550 monopod because my previous Manfrotto monopod only lasted me a couple of years of not so heavy use.

Right I know the differences between the 3550 and 5540. I weighed the options and emailed Bryan over at www.The-Digital-Picture.com as he has a comparison and soon written review between the 3550 and 5450. He said either one worked okay for him but he preffered the 5540 because it was bigger in diameter and did feel a bit more sturdy with his 600mm lens on it. So after a hard swllow of $305 for a monopod it will be here tomorrow, but i know in the end i will be thanking myself for getting the 'right' thing to begin with.

Steve Beck wrote in post #5013905
Right I know the differences between the 3550 and 5540. I weighed the options and emailed Bryan over at www.The-Digital-Picture.com as he has a comparison and soon written review between the 3550 and 5450. He said either one worked okay for him but he preffered the 5540 because it was bigger in diameter and did feel a bit more sturdy with his 600mm lens on it. So after a hard swllow of $305 for a monopod it will be here tomorrow, but i know in the end i will be thanking myself for getting the 'right' thing to begin with.

You made the right choice. I'd have gone the same route if I have the 600mm.

do they offer it in a non CF version? that would bring down the price considerably.

I do not think so. i like CF thought, my 1327 legs are cf and they feel so nice in my hands; especially when it is 25F outside.

Just got all the stuff.

All I can say is WOW, this 5450 is worth red cent i paid for it. It is freaking awesome.

SYS wrote in post #5013927
You made the right choice. I'd have gone the same route if I have the 600mm.

that's a size up from what you got? i'm considering the size smaller. just because it's so portable and i don't own any big guns .

ed rader

ed rader wrote in post #5023894
that's a size up from what you got? i'm considering the size smaller. just because it's so portable and i don't own any big guns .

ed rader

In my opinion the GM-3550, the one that I got, is perfect up to 500mm. But for anything heavier, I'd start thinking about getting the 5-series. I got the GM-3550 because I'm not planning on going any bigger than 500mm, as well as my dislike for holding what feels like a tree trunk of a monopod.

I have the monopod in question and love it. It's like a huge billy club without the weight. And I use a RRS clamp on it to perfection. Couldn't think of a better combo.

mark

Yepper, it is absolutely hands down the best piece of support hardware besides my 1327 legs i have personally ever held.

The G-virus is much like the L-virus ...once you've caught it, it's hard to shake. I bought the 5540 monopod to complement my 5540LS, 3530LSV and 2540LVL Gitzo tripods. The reduced weight and ease of use of the 6X CF g-locks make them outstanding! For some it might seem a bit over the top pricewise for a single leg support, but IMO well worth the price. My longest glass is currently the 500mm f/4 and I use the Monfrotto swivel with the RRS screw clamp on the GM5540. I'll take the g-locks over flip locks any day of the week.

I use the Gitzo 5540. A couple of advantages

Carbon Fiber - does not transfer the cold (to your hand / camera) like a metal monopod will.

The 5540 is wider / thicker - which IMHO gives a more stable platform than the thinner monopods. Unscientific but IMHO my images are better because of the 5540.