Monopod for 40d

I have read and read about monopods but still can't make up my mind on what to get. (It gets cluttered when you start looking at all the options) I have a 40d and will mostly be shooting with 100-400 and 70-200, but would like it to handle the 500 or 600 if I am renting them. Not wanting to spend 1000, but definitely not expecting to spend 100. Whatever it takes to get "THE" monopod I need to handle my situation. I do think the carbon fiber is important based on most people say it is lighter. My second concern is I do travel quite a bit and would like to be able to take with me on planes with my carry on. So if it can get "small" it would be a major benefit. I am also 6'5" so it needs to be tall enough for me.

Suggestions??
Bart

I have the Gitzo GM5540 which is rated to 55 lbs and easily supports the 500mm (and should certainly also support a 600mm.) I've used it with the lens mounted directly on the monopod with a RRS clamp, and recently got the RRS high capacity monopod head. I'm not sure if it would be tall enough for you though, as it only extends up to 63.8". I see that the GM3551 goes to 75.6" and supports 36.9 lbs, which I'd think should still be plenty of support for those lenses.

I have searched for RRS clamp but can't find anything? What is it?

Any other suggestions as heads that might work well with GM3551?

Bart

How about the Manfrotto 560B? I have one and love it. I am also shooting 40D and use it with my Panasonic DVX100B video camera also.

http://www.amazon.com …RJCQXJ&colid=WP​HJQPJQCGEE

Darkdragon, It is a little short for me.

I think the GM3551 would work, but need a good head to go on it.

Bart

bstamper wrote in post #6295409
I have searched for RRS clamp but can't find anything? What is it?

Any other suggestions as heads that might work well with GM3551?

Bart

Really Right stuff, here's the high capacity monopod head:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/tripods/04.html

And the B2-Pro/L clamp:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …c.asp?ic=B2-Pro/L&eq=&Tp=

You can use the clamp by itself directly on the monopod, which is what I did for a while. The high capacity head adds the ability to swivel up and down on the monopod. They also have another monopod head and different clamps, but I mention these because you were talking about the possibility of using 500mm and 600mm lenses.

For your height and demands, I think you'll like the GM3551. I have the GM3550 which is essentially the same thing. The stuff from the reallyrightstuff above look very interesting. I use a much cheaper 3229 Tilt Head QR...

RRS recommends the 3229 with a RRS quick release plate for a low-capacity monopod solution. However it's only rated to 5.6lb. So if you're talking about using a super telephoto like the 500mm, you either need to put a clamp directly on the monopod, or use their high-capacity head. As far as I know, it's the only such monopod head around that can support these heavy lenses.

gymell wrote in post #6298561
RRS recommends the 3229 with a RRS quick release plate for a low-capacity monopod solution. However it's only rated to 5.6lb. So if you're talking about using a super telephoto like the 500mm, you either need to put a clamp directly on the monopod, or use their high-capacity head. As far as I know, it's the only such monopod head around that can support these heavy lenses.

Yea, right now the 3229 suffices with my 70-200 and 100-400, but eventually I'll be getting the 500. Then I'll have to graduate to something like the reallyrightstuff. I bookmarked the product link for that purpose. Thanks for the link.