Monopod Help

Hello. Right now I am using the Canon 40D and the 70-200mm F/4L (hope to upgrade soon to the 2.8 ).
I am looking to get a monopod , I have some best buy rewards so I was hoping to get it there. This is the one I had in mind, please tell me if it will support my combination. I have never used one so I don't know exactly what I am looking for.
Also, this is probably a really stupid question, but, do I need a tripod ring for the 70-200 F/4L?

http://www.bestbuy.com …uct&cp=1&id=117​3577559959

Thanks for your time.

I don't think you NEED a tripod ring, but it's always a thought. Are you going to use a head on it? Even an inexpensive swivel/tilt one from Manfrotto?

Looks decent, not sure about the tripod screw as per one of the user reviews on the best buy site.

I bought manfrotto, it's nice. I don't think you need tripod ring. I have the same 70-200.. it's not that heavy.

I would only buy a Bogen/Manfrotto, but since you're wanting to use your rewards bucks (which I understand, and don't blame you), how about this one... it has a good working weight capacity (17lbs I think) and you'll like the quick release cam-lock style adjustments better than the screw-type.
http://www.bestbuy.com …uct&cp=1&id=119​6470448773

The tripod ring will help to balance your camera and lens and won't stress your camera/lens connection as badly.

+1 for getting a tilt head... they're worth their weight in gold!

I got a ring for my 70-200/4 just because it makes pivoting on the monopod a bit easier and more fluid
It's not my monopod-using season right now, but soon I'll order a 486RC2 head for it to take advantage of the quick-release stuff

May not help much, but I recently went with a Manfrotto 680B monopod and 234RC (aka 3229) tilt head. With my Sigma 150-500 mounted via it's tripod ring you can use the ring for vertical/horizontal orientation and the tilt for changing your elevation angle. Works out well for me. You may want to look into a ball head if you don't go w/ a tripod ring, but it depends on how you use the monopod I guess.

I've never used the 70-200 F/4L but based on my experience in using lens of simular size I would highly recommend a tripod ring for the lens. Mounting the monopod to the camera would not be a good idea imho. It would be far more steady with a lens mount.

+1 on the previous poster's recommendation for the swivel head on the monopod. The Bogen is good, the RRS one is the best I've found but very pricey.

Regards,

Roger

caroleigh wrote in post #7212476
Hello. Right now I am using the Canon 40D and the 70-200mm F/4L (hope to upgrade soon to the 2.8 ).
I am looking to get a monopod , I have some best buy rewards so I was hoping to get it there. This is the one I had in mind, please tell me if it will support my combination. I have never used one so I don't know exactly what I am looking for.
Also, this is probably a really stupid question, but, do I need a tripod ring for the 70-200 F/4L?

http://www.bestbuy.com …uct&cp=1&id=117​3577559959

Thanks for your time.

Thank you all for the help as I haven't a clue!

Samclark , I know you stated quick release is better, which the one you showed has... but will that monopod work for me? There is a big price difference.

Please excuse my ignorance.

From what I can tell on bestbuy's site, yes. You'll need to buy a separate head for the monopod though.

I highly recommend a MUCH less expensive alternative - the Manfrotto 680B.

Top it off with one of several options that would give you a quick release and the ability to rotate and/or rotate/tilt the camera while mounted. My preference is the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head for maximum versatility of my 680B.

For what it's worth, I would vote FOR a tripod ring.

If you can afford to wait, apparently Kirk are (were) planning to introduce a range of Canon lens rings similar to their Nikon range "in the Spring". I say "were" because the state of the global ecomomy might make them change their plans. If they proceed, then the rings would presumably include a built-in Arca Swiss lens plate.

Thank you, this is the one I am going with

SkipD wrote in post #7233509
I highly recommend a MUCH less expensive alternative - the Manfrotto 680B.

Top it off with of several options that would give you a quick release and the ability to rotate and/or rotate/tilt the camera while mounted. My preference is the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head for maximum versatility of my 680B.