please talk to me about monopods and heads

I'm doing some thinking and research on monopods. I'll start by mentioning that I have the much recommended 055XPROB tripod and 488RC2 ballhead - heavy but sturdy. I am very happy with it, and suspect it will last me for many years. I don't use it that often, but when I do I'm glad I spent the money on this.

I don't shoot much where I have need for a monopod in the traditional sense. I would like to get more into birding with my 100-400 come Spring and Summer here. I don't shoot sports, and am only a hobbyist/amatuer.

One thing I do shoot a lot is macro. Never used tripod for it, never will. Bugs move too quick etc. However, now I am shooting higher magnifications (1:1 to 5:1 with MP-E 65) I'm finding it hard to hold steady.

I have tried LordV's beanpole trick with a broom handle, and it really does help. You can adjust height very quickly, and just rock back and forth to focus and compose. It does work, and is very cheap. But a 6 or 7 foot beanpole is not very easy to transport around if shooting at parks or travel etc.

So I got to thinking about a monopod being able to collapse. Started doing some research and saw the commonly recommended ones here. But my requirements are a little different and specific I think.

I have been reading here where many are recommending the 680 (or 679 or 681) Manfrotto monopods. Notice they're not light, but sturdy, and cheap. Good. Assume the leg extension system is similar to my tripod, where you have to open and lock each segment to extend or close. This would be painful if I had camera mounted on the monopod and was constantly changing height, which I do. Probably not a problem if I just treat the monopod like a beanpole fully extended, and just accept the benefit of it being able to collapse at the end of the day.

Also seeing many recommendations for the Gitzos like the GM5540, GM2540, and 2561. Light, but expensive. I don't know about the extension and locking mechanism, but did read something about it being a twist system, and read somewhere else that you can very quickly extend etc. How does it actually work? If you could hold camera with right hand, and just twist something with left, adjust length, and lock it again - I reckon that's worth the money for the speed and ease of extending.

Are there other monopods that are quick to adjust lengths like that?

And now for the heads. This is assuming that the monopod can quickly be adjusted height and I would mount camera on monopod, as opposed to just using it like a collapsible beanpole. I like my 488RC2 ballhead, but was thinking that something like the grip 322RC2 or 3265 ones would allow easy adjustment. Any opinions on the 3265? I like the look of it, and think it'd give me a little more height?

Summarising my thoughts:

If the Gitzo traveller can indeed be quickly adjusted to any length with one twist, suspect I'd try the 2561 or 2541 with 3265 grip head.

If not, might just get the bare 680 and use it like a beanpole, save the money on head and just use my 488 head if/when use it as a typical monopod.

Sorry for the lengthy post. Just trying to explain all my thinking.

Take a look at the Neotec monopod from Manfrotto. It basically just has a trigger handle that you squeeze to adjust the length of the pod. I've got the 3232 swivel head on my pod, but many members seem to like the 486 ballhead.

I prefer the twist locks over flip locks.
Depending on how much variation in height you need, a Gitzo will work quite well. If you need huge heighth adjustments often, fast (more then the upper leg section difference), you might want to look into the mentioned Manfrotto Neotec (never thought I'd ever say that )

Thanks guys. I'll look into that Neotec monopod.

So the Gitzo twist mechanism - how does it work? You hold the grip with one hand, and twist just the bottom section? Or is it every segment that you need to twist to extend?

Rene - you seem hesitant about recommending the Neotec? Bad experience? Something I should know?

With the new ALR and g-locks each section of a Gitzo extends independently.

Gitzo: You hold the higher section, and turn the twist lock.
The ALR (Anti Leg Rotate) makes sure that the leg won't turn, even when the section isn't firmly closed. Other twistlocks (without ALR) were more difficult in that respect.

Neotech: Mostly I find it too heavy and too long when collapsed, and for most uses, it doesn't offer any real advantage IMO.

Definitely not a standard ball head...

A standard ball head throws the camera off at an angle when shooting vertical compositions with a non tripod ring equipped lens. This makes the unit somewhat unstable.

I use a Kirk MPA-1 which is a Manfrotto Monopod Tilt Head equipped with a Kirk Arca Swiss compatible quick release.

I then use a really Right Stuff L-Bracket on my 30D which, when used with an ASD QR will allow you to switch from horizontal to vertical composition and keep the camera centered over the monopod.

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

The MPA-1 and RRS L-Bracket is an expensive way to go but, it works great!

The RRS heavy duty tilt mount will do the same job (and perhaps support a heavier payload) as the Kirk MPA-1.

However, if you are only using a tripod ring equipped lens, the need for the MPA-1 and RRS L-Bracket is eliminated. Simply use a standard Manfrotto Monopod Tilt Head and switch from horizontal to vertical with the tripod ring.

I use two monopods. The ultralight Gitzo 2560 for travel and the Manfrotto 676B when I need a more robust monopod. Both are quick to open and close. I use a Manfrotto 484RC2 head with quick release heads.

Monopods are great friends to me and I usually take one with me most places I go. I find them a great help in taking photos, not just for the extra stability but also I find I take more time to frame the shot and make fine adjustments when using one.

The heavier Manfrotto doubles as a walking staff for me with a rubber foot from a crutch on the bottom. I thought it would not last long but it has lasted several years. It has been used several times to protect me from feral dogs in Greece and I also think it has probably caused one or two would be muggers to change their minds.

Long live the monopod!

From the Flickr Strobist group about what people do
to protect their gear from thieves...

"FWIW, I would always keep a flash charged and on 1/1 full power
when walking through a rough area at night. SB in left hand,
Gitzo monopod in right. Never had to use them, but I always felt
pretty good about the advantage they would have both given me.

(POP! ... sound of flash recycling, punctuated whoppity,
whoppity, whoppity sound of the Gitzo being used...)"