Favorite Monopods?

I was just wondering, what are you guys' favorite monopods? Also, do you pick them based on overall quality, weight, price, or what? Thanks!

I bought a Manfrotto Carbon One (449), based on length, weight and price.
If I had to do it again, I'd go for a Gitzo M3550.

For me, I worked my way up through a number of them and am currently (and finally??) using a Gitzo GM2540 (recently replace by GM-2541)

I have two:
Manfrotto 334B monopod with the RRS lever clamp - fast, fast, fast. One control to extend, collapse. or adjust. Wicked-quick. Love it for wildlife. If a bird takes off, flip the QR clamp and the monopod falls off allowing me to track BIF.

Gitzo G-1564L monopod w/a Markins clamp - Light, rock-solid, tall - but slow to set up and adjust. Much better for sports-sidelines where constant adjustment and or collapsing is not required.

Sweet, thanks guys!

I currently own a Bogen 680B, but I will probably end up selling it and upgrading to a Gitzo Traveler one soon.

Like John, I've had several monopods over the years. I liked the Manfrottos, 679, 680, and 681. They are great monopods for the money. I now have a Gitzo GM5540. IMO, it is the top of the heap in regard to monopods.

Here is my 680 next to the 5540:

I have a monostat with a little manfrotto tilt head.
Very strong and light weight but the twist lock is difficult to undo when it is tightened and they are expensive.

I do like the big foot, it sort of like an inverted ball and socket allowing free rotation of the monopod from a nice firm base.

jhom wrote in post #5836999
Like John, I've had several monopods over the years. I liked the Manfrottos, 679, 680, and 681. They are great monopods for the money. I now have a Gitzo GM5540. IMO, it is the top of the heap in regard to monopods.

Jim, how have you liked the 680? I was thinking of getting it.

manutd101 wrote in post #5837154
Jim, how have you liked the 680? I was thinking of getting it.

It is a great buy. It will easily hold most gear without problems. I would higly recommend it.

I got a Gitzo 3550 when some children dismantled my manfrotto. I really like it. The G-Locks are great for monopod they don't lock up but are able to deal with downward pressure very well. I put a large Gitzo foot on it and like that as well. A bit pricey but I use a monopod a lot.

The leg lock on that manfrotto are good as well (they can be tightened when they wear in a bit) but not on the one I had (it was a low end model not the 680), they got slack after a bit of use. Once dismantled they could not be put back together.

680 with a 308 ProBall head

Ok, I don't want to start another thread...
Is 680 with ballhead overkill for me? 70-200 with 1.4 tc is the biggest lens I have plus I am only 5'5" tall...
I am torn ... 676, 679, 680...

If you cant decide I would roll down to your nearest camera shop and try them out, I like the 680 because of how big the grip is.

^^ good idea, long weekend... something to do. thanks!