Inexpensive Monopod??

Hello all,
I just got started in serious photography last year, and kind of took most of the winter off from it so I am getting back in gear now. I am starting to look for a monopod to use for wildlife photography, maybe some sports, etc. I don't want to break the bank, but don't want junk either. What are your suggestions for a good monopod and head (I assume most people use a ball head of some sorts?) for a reasonable price? I searched the classifieds hoping to find something used there, but missed out on the only good looking deal I saw. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd

I use a Manfrotto 681B + 234RC2 tilt head. I wouldn't use a ballhead on a monopod personally. Some don't use a head at all, but for birds or other times pointing up or down a lot I feel a tilt head is useful.

I can put a large part of my (too much) weight on the monopod, not gonna break anytime soon. I'm not sure what you consider "reasonable price" but it isn't what most would consider expensive.

by the way.. I forgot to mention, my body is a Canon 50D, and I would like the monopod to be able to support at least my 70-200 2.8 IS, and my Sigma 120-400.

phreeky wrote in post #10157331
I use a Manfrotto 681B + 234RC2 tilt head. I wouldn't use a ballhead on a monopod personally. Some don't use a head at all, but for birds or other times pointing up or down a lot I feel a tilt head is useful.

I can put a large part of my (too much) weight on the monopod, not gonna break anytime soon. I'm not sure what you consider "reasonable price" but it isn't what most would consider expensive.

Yeah, I just looked those two items up and I could swing that price. Looks like about $100 for the set. That seems pretty reasonable to me. I just do photography for a hobby so I don't need anything crazy. Any other suggestions in this price range? I also may want to upgrade my tripod setup as well, but I will probably start a new thread for suggestions on that as well.

Well you can spend a little more for 4-section rather then 3-section so it packs shorter.

I'm not a massive RC2 quick release fan but there aren't many other tilt-head options, certainly not in that price range anyway. I have had 20D+TC+400mm F/5.6 on it, and macro setups too (including DIY flash brackets etc) and there is no way you'll have an issue with your setups.

Feisol makes a couple of nice cf monopods for dirt cheap.

Tragus monopod and 234 RC Head.About $55 for the set.Look at Staples or Walmart for the monopod.

phreeky wrote in post #10157455
Well you can spend a little more for 3-section rather then 4-section so it packs shorter.

I'm not a massive RC2 quick release fan but there aren't many other tilt-head options, certainly not in that price range anyway. I have had 20D+TC+400mm F/5.6 on it, and macro setups too (including DIY flash brackets etc) and there is no way you'll have an issue with your setups.

I thought 4-sections were shorter which is why they added 3+1 to make the max extendable match a longer 3-section monopod. I have the manfrotto 3-section, and although it is nice, I kinda wish it was shorter and was looking into 4-sections.

Gometang wrote in post #10163113
I thought 4-sections were shorter which is why they added 3+1 to make the max extendable match a longer 3-section monopod. I have the manfrotto 3-section, and although it is nice, I kinda wish it was shorter and was looking into 4-sections.

You're right, I got that the wrong way around when typing. Thanks for picking it up, will edit now!

golfingguy27 wrote in post #10157383
Yeah, I just looked those two items up and I could swing that price. Looks like about $100 for the set. That seems pretty reasonable to me. I just do photography for a hobby so I don't need anything crazy. Any other suggestions in this price range? I also may want to upgrade my tripod setup as well, but I will probably start a new thread for suggestions on that as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com …iewItem&item=13​0387437635

Although they say that it comes with the older 3229, mine shipped with the newer 234RC instead. I'm not sure what the differences are between the two but this is the best price I've seen for a 680B + 234RC combo

phreeky wrote in post #10157331
I wouldn't use a ballhead on a monopod personally. Some don't use a head at all, but for birds or other times pointing up or down a lot I feel a tilt head is useful.
.

This

want something super cheap that still works with a 40D + 70-200 f2.8 non IS.

Check my monopod review down there \/ \/ \/