Need recommendations for a monopod and a new bag

If anyone would be so kind, I need some recommendations for a monopod and a new bag.

First off, the monopod. The primary application would be my 20D and a 70-200 f/2.8L currently, but should be able to accommodate a FF Canon (5d II maybe) along with the 70-200 f/2.8L and a 1.4TC.


Onto the bag. I currently have the Canon 200DG, which has served me well, but my recent acquisition of the 70-200 F/2.8L makes me need something more versatile. Here is a list of my current gear, along with gear I expect to get or replace soon.

Canon 20D (may add a grip, possibly upgrade to a FF body)
Canon 70-200 F/2.8L
Canon 100mm F/2.8 macro
Tamron 17-50 F/2.8
--- (hoping to round out the lenses with a 28mm F/1.8)
Canon 420ex (will be upgrading to 580 exII)
a few extra camera batteries
POTN wired shutter release
82mm expodisc
a few filters
a small cleaning kit
8 AA enelops
4 CF cards

Any specific recommondations would be much appreciated. I looked at "my bag" thread for about 2 hours yesterday and my head is still spinning.

Thanks.

Monopods are pretty standard... the feel of it comes down more to the choice of material, leg locks, head or no head, ballhead (ugh) or tilt. If you have a Manfrotto tripod and are happy with it, go for one of their monopods so you're used to the legs. I personally have one and a 3229 tilt head.

The best use of a monopod usually comes from making a tripod out of yourself and it as the third leg... so it doesn't have to support a lot of weight unless you're getting into the bigger glass.

As for a bag, you'll get better recommendations if you decide first on what kind -- backpack, sling, shoulder, messenger, fanny pack, etc.

Take a look at the Domke F-802 and some inserts. I use the Domke 720-230 inserts; other people like Tenba's IIRC.

TheHoff wrote in post #5810143
Monopods are pretty standard... the feel of it comes down more to the choice of material, leg locks, head or no head, ballhead (ugh) or tilt. If you have a Manfrotto tripod and are happy with it, go for one of their monopods so you're used to the legs. I personally have one and a 3229 tilt head.

The best use of a monopod usually comes from making a tripod out of yourself and it as the third leg... so it doesn't have to support a lot of weight unless you're getting into the bigger glass.

As for a bag, you'll get better recommendations if you decide first on what kind -- backpack, sling, shoulder, messenger, fanny pack, etc.

I'm very happy with the Manfrotto tripod/head that I currently have. For the monopod, I prefer the snap-locks to the twist locks. I would prefer a 3 section model vs a 4 section model. I don't have many thoughts about the head, other than I'd like to have another quick release head. I don't think I'd need any panning, so maybe just something that tilts.

I can't see myself getting any bigger glass than the 70-200 F/2.8.

I tend to like shoulder\courier style bags, but I'm slightly worried that the added weight of the 70-200 would start to cause me discomfort it I went with something like the 7MDH. So I guess I should say either shoulder style or a backpack.

Jon wrote in post #5810589
Take a look at the Domke F-802 and some inserts. I use the Domke 720-230 inserts; other people like Tenba's IIRC.

I'll take a look at the Domke's. Is all of their stuff separate from the inital bag purchase (ie inserts)?

The decision depends on how tall you are and how you intend to transport the monopod.

I really like the Manfrotto 681 series which is tall and very sturdy (I am 6'1" tall and it fits me just fine). It is also not excessively heavy for a monopod of that height and stability. It is fairly reasonable also. The 681 or 681B (The B stands for black and is the model now being offered)

Stats:

Maximum Height : 63.4".
Minimum Height : 26.4".
Leg Sections : 3.
Foot Type : Rubber.
Maximum Load : 26.4 lbs.
Weight : 1.7 lbs

This is a 3 section tripod and the only shortcoming is that the 26.4 inch folded length might be unhandy for some uses. You should be able to get one for less than $70 shipped.

The Manfrotto 680 is a four section monopod which has roughly the same weight capacity of the 681 but, retracts to about 20". This may be more convenient for carrying in luggage or transporting by airline. The price of the 680 is a few bucks cheaper than the 681 but, not enough to base your decision between these two pods on price alone.

The amazing thing is that the extremely expensive Gitzo G1588 carbon fiber monopod actually weighs more than than either the 680 or 681. It is said that it is more stable than the 680 but, I don't think that it could be much more stable than the 681(B) and it costs about 4 times as much.

I can easily use the 681 to support a 30D with 400mm f/5.6L lens mounted on a Manfrotto 3421 Heavy Duty Lens Support. That monopod is great as long as you can live with the 26.4 inch folded length.

I don't like a ball head on a monopod. I use a Kirk MPA tilt head which is a Manfrotto 3232 head with a Kirk Arca Compatible Quick release. This fits a Really Right Stuff L-Plate that is IMO, the best way to support a camera with a non-tripod ring lens on a monopod.

If however, you are going to use a tripod ring equipped lens, the Manfrotto 3232 is a very low priced and light weight way to attach the rig to your pod.

I'm also 6'1", which is why I also have the 055XPROB.

I'd definitely prefer a 3 section over a 4 section, even with the additional folded length.

My 70-200 F/2.8L has a tripod ring, so I'm just looking for a good tilt head. The max load on the monopod sounds like it'll be more than enough for my intended use.

http://www.amazon.com …ick-Release/dp/B00006J053

$35 if you don't want to go the (really nice) Kirk/RRS route.

RPCrowe wrote in post #5811257
The decision depends on how tall you are and how you intend to transport the monopod.

I really like the Manfrotto 681 series which is tall and very sturdy (I am 6'1" tall and it fits me just fine). It is also not excessively heavy for a monopod of that height and stability. It is fairly reasonable also. The 681 or 681B (The B stands for black and is the model now being offered)

Stats:

Maximum Height : 63.4".
Minimum Height : 26.4".
Leg Sections : 3.
Foot Type : Rubber.
Maximum Load : 26.4 lbs.
Weight : 1.7 lbs

This is a 3 section tripod and the only shortcoming is that the 26.4 inch folded length might be unhandy for some uses. You should be able to get one for less than $70 shipped.

The Manfrotto 680 is a four section monopod which has roughly the same weight capacity of the 681 but, retracts to about 20". This may be more convenient for carrying in luggage or transporting by airline. The price of the 680 is a few bucks cheaper than the 681 but, not enough to base your decision between these two pods on price alone.

The amazing thing is that the extremely expensive Gitzo G1588 carbon fiber monopod actually weighs more than than either the 680 or 681. It is said that it is more stable than the 680 but, I don't think that it could be much more stable than the 681(B) and it costs about 4 times as much.

I can easily use the 681 to support a 30D with 400mm f/5.6L lens mounted on a Manfrotto 3421 Heavy Duty Lens Support. That monopod is great as long as you can live with the 26.4 inch folded length.

I don't like a ball head on a monopod. I use a Kirk MPA tilt head which is a Manfrotto 3232 head with a Kirk Arca Compatible Quick release. This fits a Really Right Stuff L-Plate that is IMO, the best way to support a camera with a non-tripod ring lens on a monopod.


If however, you are going to use a tripod ring equipped lens, the Manfrotto 3232 is a very low priced and light weight way to attach the rig to your pod.

yep those are two very important considerations. i like a monopod that's just the right height so i don't have to futz around with adjustment.

and i also like a monopod small enough that i can easily carry it diagonally in the back pocket of my domke f-802 or f1-x.

i recently bought the benro MC-66 for about $80 from ebay and i absolutely love it. it has the same twist locks as the gitzos and fully extended it's the perfect height for me (5' 10"). fit and finish are excellent too .

ed rader

Should I be concerned that the 3229 head is only specified for a 6 lb load capacity?

BluewookieJim wrote in post #5812243
Should I be concerned that the 3229 head is only specified for a 6 lb load capacity?

i use the 3229 with my mark III and 100-400L and it's fine.

ed rader

Jon wrote in post #5810589
Take a look at the Domke F-802 and some inserts. I use the Domke 720-230 inserts; other people like Tenba's IIRC.

Are you using 1 or 2 of the mentioned insert?

At this point I'm undecided between the Crumper 7MDH, the Domke F-802, or just scrapping the whole shoulder bag idea and going with backpack.

I only use 1 of the 720-230; it fills about 3/4 of the bag and a 580EX takes up the free space.

I ordered the Crumpler 7MDH, in black, today. I hope that works out. If not, then back to the drawing board.

While I've got this thread going, I have yet another bag question. I currently have this Case Logic SLR Zoom Camera Holster that can hold my 20D, with the 17-50 or 100mm macro attached, along with an extra battery and CF cards. Is there something similar that would support the crop body + 70-200 F2/8?

For the monopod - see this post https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=530016

I'll let someone else handle the bag question...