monopod usefull?

Has anyone got experience using a monopod with a longer range zoom (like a 100-400L)?

Previously on day hikes I would carry my 70-200L alone or with a 1.4 converter mounted and would hand hold my shots (braced on a tree if possible). I am taking fleeting wildlife (little to no time to set up) and scenery shots in moderatley rough (no trails) terrain so I am trying to avoid a full (properly sized) tripod. I am quite sure the long end of my new 100-400L will be too long for my hand holding skills so I am considering a monopod like the Gitzo GM5561T for my ultralight needs and for travel. I would also be using the monopod as a walking stick. Would this be a waste of money or usefull with such a long lens? Is it usefull without a ball head?

I like monopods a lot for my 400 5.6. I'm currently in the market for a better one though.

Tilt/swivel head is good enough, since you can turn the pod itself easily. I love the mobility it gives, as well as taking some of the weight off my hands and adding stability. Definitely a great option for hiking.

Useful, useful, useful.

As PG said, stick with a tilt/swivel or no head; ball-heads are accidents waiting to happen on monopods. Since you're at such a long range, all you have to do is lean your body forward or back slightly and you are doing all the tilting you really need.

I have a Gitzo tripod but Manfrotto monopod.. I'd like a Gitzo mono as well but they're so expensive and I don't hike to justify it... but yea, that would be my choice, too.

For the record I think I'm going for the Manfrotto 685B monopod + 234RC head. I LOVE the pistol grip action of that monopod - it's so much faster than flips or twist knobs.

I use mine a lot with my 70-200, but occasionally use it for my 24-70 and 50mm. When a tripod is too much and too slow, the monopod is the way to go.

Not a fan of the pistol grips here, but YMMV.

Very useful. I use up to 420mm on my monopod; I don't like using a ball head with it as it's too loose when you have free movement, a tilt head is excellent imho. Helps when you're pushing low shutter speeds and don't have IS!

Thank you for the quick sanity check. I was a B&H last week when I was in New York and fell in love with the Gitzo GM5561T. While in the store I was still suffering from sticker shock but that has finally worn off.

TheHoff wrote in post #6932174
Not a fan of the pistol grips here, but YMMV.

Just to be clear, it's not a pistol grip head, the monopod itself uses a pistol grip to extend and retract the leg, instead of flip or twist locks. You press the trigger, and the legs can extend or retract, but once you let go, it locks into place.

I have a plain jane manfroto monopod ($50) and take it with me-- but rarely use it--- typically use it for football games/marathon races-- or places that I am stuck in one spot taking tons of photos.
I do not see much use for a head on it--- but that might just be my limited use.

very useful for long glass. I rarely use my 300/2.8 without a monopod when I need to be mobile.

I have a gitzo with a wimberley QR clamp.

Pilot Dane wrote in post #6932325
Thank you for the quick sanity check. I was a B&H last week when I was in New York and fell in love with the Gitzo GM5561T. While in the store I was still suffering from sticker shock but that has finally worn off.

woa...... $350 monopod -- that is a bit pricy.

stathunter wrote in post #6932474
woa...... $350 monopod -- that is a bit pricy.

You would think it should cost only 1/3 of their tripod price, not 1/2!

If I hiked 50 days a year, it might be worth it... otherwise, Manfrotto for me.

stathunter wrote in post #6932474
woa...... $350 monopod -- that is a bit pricy.

That is a hardcore monopod. most people will never need a monopod that supports that kind of weight. i have a 2 series that works great. check out my gear link.

col4bin wrote in post #6932499
That is a hardcore monopod. most people will never need a monopod that supports that kind of weight. i have a 2 series that works great. check out my gear link.

You list everything in your gear.....are you sure you did not miss anything?