Manfrotto Monopod

I'm in the market for a monopod for my 40d gripped + flash + 70-200 f/2.8. I was looking into the manfrotto 679b/681b. I think I would probably go for the 679b unless someone can tell me why I need the extra 2kg and .2kg of weight. I actually wanted a light / compact monopod. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

I forgot to mention, any head recommendations would be appreciated too.

Have you considered the 680B also?

681 and 486 ball head.

I'm using the metal Manfrotto 680B under the 5D w/battery grip, 70-200 2.8 with and w/o tele extenders and think it's exceptional. But I'm tall and thinking of getting the 681 which I think is 3 3/4" taller. I don't use a head on it and don't need it with the larger zoom and it's bracket. It's got a nice fat grip on it and it feels really solid in hand. It seems plenty light under the camera and it's very steady.

Got the 679B here and zero complaints, not really a fan of BHs' so all I've got on mine is a Markins A-S clamp.

For a few dollars more, I would recommend the 680 or 681. They are more sturdy.

680 is actually sturdier than the 679b? I thought the more sections the less sturdy it was.

For the head I was thinking of the 234rc. The only problem is I weighted my gear and its at 6-7lbs. (40d gripped, 70-200 2.8 + hood + tripod collar, 430ex)

I don't really need a ball head, I was thinking if I needed one I can put on my amvona ath-a04 tripod head and use that as a ball head. Of course the release plate is different and the tripod head is double the size, but I suppose it would still work if I really needed it.

ooo wrote in post #6479851
680 is actually sturdier than the 679b? I thought the more sections the less sturdy it was.

For the head I was thinking of the 234rc. The only problem is I weighted my gear and its at 6-7lbs. (40d gripped, 70-200 2.8 + hood + tripod collar, 430ex)

I don't really need a ball head, I was thinking if I needed one I can put on my amvona ath-a04 tripod head and use that as a ball head. Of course the release plate is different and the tripod head is double the size, but I suppose it would still work if I really needed it.

Yep. Larger tubes.

I have both the 679B and the 681B
I decided to get the 681B when i got my 100-400 L.
The 681 is sturdier compared to the 679.
More solid feel.
Being 5'11" tall, the 680 is too short for me.

I use and like my Manfrotto 680B monopod, topped with the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head. The head provides a little extra height and a tremendous amount of versatility in how I can use the monopod. I use my monopod in MANY ways other than merely standing vertically behind a vertical monopod with the camera aimed in the horizontal plane.

By the way, I am 5' 10" tall.

ooo wrote in post #6476934
I'm in the market for a monopod for my 40d gripped + flash + 70-200 f/2.8. I was looking into the manfrotto 679b/681b. I think I would probably go for the 679b unless someone can tell me why I need the extra 2kg and .2kg of weight. I actually wanted a light / compact monopod. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

I forgot to mention, any head recommendations would be appreciated too.

You probably don't need a head. What is the application?

I have a 795B for sale if you're interested, very small, very compact and light.

J.

ooo wrote in post #6476934
I'm in the market for a monopod for my 40d gripped + flash + 70-200 f/2.8. I was looking into the manfrotto 679b/681b. I think I would probably go for the 679b unless someone can tell me why I need the extra 2kg and .2kg of weight. I actually wanted a light / compact monopod. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

I forgot to mention, any head recommendations would be appreciated too.

i used the 676b with my 1d mark III and 100-400L and it was perfect. i wanted something more compact but also very light and now use the benro mc-66 n6 which is about the same weight, but is more compact and stiffer.

http://cgi.ebay.com …Q_trksidZp1742.​m153.l1262

my thought on monopods is unless you are using a big gun get a light, stiff, compact monopod or it won't be with you when you need it .

ed rader

Oh I totally agree, I'm going to head down to B&H tomorrow and pick myself up a 680b. Anyone have suggestions for the head, I really don't want to spend $60 for a ball head (486rc2), but I don't know if a tilt head would be able to hold my camera + lens.

Well I'm off to bed and I'll check this thread before I leave tomorrow, hopefully I wake up early enough to make it to the store before closing. Last time I wanted to get a lightstand I got to the store right as the gates were being pulled shut.

My husband and I share a 680B and find it ideal as a 3 section monopod is smaller and fits into camera bag/suitcase for travelling.
I use the 486RC2 ball head and find it ideal for my lens combos.

ooo wrote in post #6484833
Oh I totally agree, I'm going to head down to B&H tomorrow and pick myself up a 680b. Anyone have suggestions for the head, I really don't want to spend $60 for a ball head (486rc2), but I don't know if a tilt head would be able to hold my camera + lens.

Well I'm off to bed and I'll check this thread before I leave tomorrow, hopefully I wake up early enough to make it to the store before closing. Last time I wanted to get a lightstand I got to the store right as the gates were being pulled shut.

of course it would. i'd use a tilt head or no head...

ed rader