Tripod/Monopod combo advice needed.

I am looking to buy a tripod and a monopod. I noticed tonight that Sunpak makes one that looks nice. It holds 15.4 lbs as well. Anyone familiar with this setup?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Tripod_Monopod​_with.html

I don't need a $300 dollar tripod and a $100 monopod. All I am mounting at most is a 30D, Battery Grip, Flash, and the biggest lense could be a 100-300mm. Maybe a flash bracket from time to time as well. Is this worth $100, or is it kinda shabby? I need the tripod for long exposure work and a monopod for going places such as the zoo. Its not something I need for work as I shoot for hobby only.

Well, actually the question is do you need sharp photos or exactly why do you feel you need a tripod or monopod? Using any tripod is a hassle. The cheaper ones are more hassle and don't provide in vibration prone situations (the places you use them) good results. In other words, if you are going to suffer the pain, you might as well get the gain.

To use a 300mm lens, you need something that is as capable as a Gitzo 2530/40. I use that as a comparison since they are the only mfg that lists focal length as a tripod spec - a very good idea.

The $100 tripods tend to be junk. You can get a decent monopod (but heavy) for that price.

Here's some reading for you:

http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/t​ripods_&_heads.shtml
http://markins.com/cha​rlie/report4e6.pdf
http://www.prophotohom​e.com …php?userid=3425​2&entry=62

J.

I'll give it a read. I have a hard time shelling out $200+ for something that I will only use from time to time for pure sport. I use my tripod when taking portraits or panos. The mono will be used for all kinds of stuff.

You can also use a tripod like a monopod. Just extend one of the legs. It isn't as sleek as a monopod, but it definitely works like one.

J.

I will not use a tripod....

I will not use a tripod that has leg braces. The leg braces make it difficult, if not impossible, to individually angle out each leg for leveling on uneven terrain or if you want to really spread out the legs to get an extreme low angle.

Adorama has a line of relatively inexpensive tripods marketed under their Flashpoint brand which have received pretty good reviews. However, the Flashpoint heads get pretty crappy reviews.

Usually you can have any two of these three parameters in a tripod but, not all three..

Light weight - Stability - Low Price

I use a pretty nice SLIK 330 Pro tripod for boonie tromping but, I replaced its inferior head with the $150 head that I normally use on my primary tripod, a Gittos MT-8180.. The Slik is smaller and lighter than the taller and much sturdier Giottos but, with a good head and using a RRS L-Plate, I can make do with the smaller and lighter SLIK. This is the setup I am taking to Alaska this summer along with a Manfrotto 681 monopod and Kirk Enterprises MPA-1 swivel head.

RRS L-plates allow the use of lighter tripods because the camera is not cantilevered off to the side when in portrait configuration.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

RPCrowe wrote in post #5784952
I will not use a tripod that has leg braces. The leg braces make it difficult, if not impossible, to individually angle out each leg for leveling on uneven terrain or if you want to really spread out the legs toget an extreme low angle.

Take a look at the Slik U-212 then and prepare to be surprised . . .

RPCrowe wrote in post #5784952
I will not use a tripod that has leg braces. The leg braces make it difficult, if not impossible, to individually angle out each leg for leveling on uneven terrain or if you want to really spread out the legs to get an extreme low angle.

Adorama has a line of relatively inexpensive tripods marketed under their Flashpoint brand which have received pretty good reviews. However, the Flashpoint heads get pretty crappy reviews.

Usually you can have any two of these three parameters in a tripod but, not all three..

Light weight - Stability - Low Price

I use a pretty nice SLIK 330 Pro tripod for boonie tromping but, I replaced its inferior head with the $150 head that I normally use on my primary tripod, a Gittos MT-8180.. The Slik is smaller and lighter than the taller and much sturdier Giottos but, with a good head and using a RRS L-Plate, I can make do with the smaller and lighter SLIK. This is the setup I am taking to Alaska this summer along with a Manfrotto 681 monopod and Kirk Enterprises MPA-1 swivel head.

RRS L-plates allow the use of lighter tripods because the camera is not cantilevered off to the side when in portrait configuration.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

Slik makes some pretty nice, reasonably priced pods. Thanks for the insight.