Monopod - which mono pod and why?

Hi all

I will be going to Yellowstone soon. i have no intention of using a tripod for the "longer studies" but want to use a monopod to help witht he stability in 200mm+ relatively quick shots.

pls can people recommend certain brands/models/tips etc that will save me some time in trawling through the web, only to buy the wrong one!

do they all have different heads like the tripods? if anyone knows a general buyers guide thread or websites that have all this info, a link would be much appreciated

any particular features i should look out for/avoid?

thanks

i will be using a 40D, 70-200mm + 1.4x TC (so reasonably heavy)

i've had a few but my current Slik pro 600 is easy the best. Strong, light, easy to put up and take down, padding for throwing it over my shoulder. Nice price too.

Manfrotto makes several popular monopods that are inexpensive but do a good job. You might consider the 679, 680, or 681 depending on your preferences. Anyone of these will easily handle a 200mm lens. If you are getting into the 300+ range, then I would consider the 680 or 681.

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. I've used it for a 300 f/2.8 with a 1dm2n and was not an issue. I love it for uneven terrain, simply because it is so fast to work once unlocked, I just step in the foot thingy at the bottom and pull to the height I want - and it locks right there. A trigger mechanism allows instant collapse (it does have a safety...) - I really never need to take my eyes off my subject...

Gitzo G-1564L monopod w/a Markins screw clamp - Light, rock-solid, tall - a tad slow to set up and adjust. Much better for sports-sidelines where constant adjustment and or collapsing is not required. This was my first - and is a great unit - but the manfrotto is just so quick...

The Gitzo collapses a bit shorter, but for me, nothing to write home about.

many thanks all