Mono-pod

Need to get a Mono-pod to use with my 40D but not for the usual reasons one uses a Mono-pod. I tore the Bicep Tendon loose from the right elbow, yes it's uncomfortable. So I was thinking that a Mono-pod would help hold the camera up and take the weight and strain off the right arm which will be in a cast after tomorrows surgery. This way I can still take pictures on vacation in Las Vegas in two weeks.
So the question is; is there a big difference in Mono-pods and what should one look for when shopping for one.
Thanks,
Craig

PS
Yes, it take me a long time to type one handed.:o

With your gear just about any pod would do. Take a look at the Manfrotto 679,680, and 681 series. All quite affordable. I use the 679B with the 3232 swivel head.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

I have the manfrotto 685B, it is a quick adjust, just squeeze the trigger on the grip and it locks itnto place, you dont need the twisting motion to lock or unlock... may help in your situation

Now that is something to check out (manfrotto 685B), didn't know there was one that adjusted in that manner. Sounds like a good one for me as I will only be able to use one arm for the next few months.

I have a Manfrotto 964 Magfiber with a 488RC4 head that I use in the usual monpod manner, but I also have a little Manfrotto 676B with a 484RC2 head totalling less than two feet long that I've used in a way that you might find helpful.

With the camera strap around your neck, maybe adjusted a bit shorter, and the closed monopod with its foot braced on your belt buckle, you can hold the stick with your left hand and the camera is completely supported. If your caste allows it, you can then operate the camera with your right hand with no weight on it at all. You can then move freely right or left from the waist, as you normally would just holding the camera with both hands. If you can't use your right hand at all, you could still operate the camera with your left hand, though it would be pretty damn awkward.

If you can rig a harness like they have for flag bearers with the monopod foot in the flag staff holder, it will be even more comfortable and easy. This helped me a lot when I had a bad shoulder and could just barely lift my arm. Makes for a steadier camera for BIF too.

Hope this description makes sense...

great tips will give them all an shot. well in a couple of days, surgury went well but hurts a lot. the doctor did set the cast a little high to help with using a camera, so i just may be able to take pictures on vacation.

thanks,
craig

Good luck on your surgery

I use a Manfrotto 681 monopod which is the aluminum colored version of the 681B.

It is a great pod, tall, lightweight and sturdy. It is also relatively low cost. You don't find that combination in tripods. The only down side is this monopod doesn't fold very small. It is a 3-section pod that only folds to 26.5". This might be too large for traveling but the 3 section pod is sturdier and lighter in weight than an equivalent 4-section pod.

I would not be happy using a tripod without an L-bracket. I use the RRS L-bracket which conforms to the contours of my 30D. This link states the advantages of the L-bracket as opposed to using a ball head without an L-bracket.

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

I use the Kirk MPA-1 monopod head which is a Manfrotto 234 monopod tilt head modified to use a Kirk Arca compatible Q.R. system:

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om/tripods.html#monopo​ds

However the above RRS L-plate / MPA-1 combination is pretty expensive (although I got my L-plate used on eBay).

A compromise might be the Manfrotto 234RC monopod tilt head with quick release

http://www.manfrotto.c​om/Jahia/site/manfrott​o/pid/2376

Use the manfrotto version of the L-plate system on this RC quick release. It is not as slick as the MPA-1 and RRS L-plate system; but it would keep the center of gravity of the camera over the monopod staff while in the vertical position.

http://www.adorama.com …to%20L%20plate&​item_no=40

Thanks again for the suggestions, pick up an Manfortto 679B. It seem good and solid plus is light enough to carry around all day too.

Thanks,
Craig

Hey Craig, thanks to you I just discovered the Manfrotto monopod belt pouch 080, didn't know they made one just for the type rig I described above.

Thanks for that and Happy Bicep Tendon Healing to you!

JohnT,
Glad I could help but next time I think I will try helping without the injuries.

i have a walmart monopod, its cheap, but it works and does what i need it to, theres no ballhead, just screws directly into the bottom. while not top of the notch, it works for pinches.

Ridebmx wrote in post #5932721
i have a walmart monopod, its cheap, but it works and does what i need it to, theres no ballhead, just screws directly into the bottom. while not top of the notch, it works for pinches.

Thought of getting a lighter one but with my current condition (one arm in a casts) I thought a heavier duty mono-pod would be safer for me.