monopod recommendations

hey guys and gals,
I'm looking for some monopod recommendations.
I would like something out of carbon so it can go in the water and not corrode, also for the weight.

I went to my local photo shop and saw a good manfrotto model and a gitzo model too. One was made out of aluminum and the other out of carbon and the weight difference was negligible to be honest.
The manfrotto had a snap like locking system while the gitzo had a rotating ring which I like a bit more. Is there a preference out there for one or the other locking system?
The price range that I would be willing to pay is no more than 150 to 200 at the most.

The manfrotto model I say was $60, it was made out of aluminum. The carbon was $150 and weighted the same as the aluminum. Both had the snap locking system.

The Gitzo that I saw and like the most was made out of carbon 6x had the ring locking system, was not much lighter than the manfrotto but cost $300. Which sucks to be honest, but the story of my life.LOL!!!!

So what do you guys think??

R.

At a guess, the Gitzo you saw was the 3551. I have that and, unlike my Manfrotto monopods, I can use it as a walking stick - the locks are that solid. Yeah - I take it anywhere I take my gear now. It's responsible for my having a 1541T tripod and planning on a 3541 whenever I can talk myself into it . . .

I own a 1541 and am huge fan of Gitzo, but could not justify the expense of a CF monopod that I won't use very often. I bought a Giottos 9180 aluminium monopod - it has a very similar lockng system to the Gitzo and is rated to 15kg. Rock solid.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …5-REG/Giottos_MM9180.htm​l

NOTE: The 9180 extends to a whopping 177cm - there are other, shorter variants such as the 9160.

This is a cheaper alternative to the Gitzo and an excellent product.

Jon wrote in post #10764329
At a guess, the Gitzo you saw was the 3551. I have that and, unlike my Manfrotto monopods, I can use it as a walking stick - the locks are that solid. Yeah - I take it anywhere I take my gear now. It's responsible for my having a 1541T tripod and planning on a 3541 whenever I can talk myself into it . . .

+1.

I've had pretty much the range of available monopods. My favorite that caused me to sell the others was the Gitzos. Best by far.

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #10766319
+1.

I've had pretty much the range of available monopods. My favorite that caused me to sell the others was the Gitzos. Best by far.

J.

John,
You have the 3551? If so, I guess you're happy with it?

R.

Only one Slik left on amazon, I wonder who's going to get it.

rickp1 wrote in post #10768484
John,
You have the 3551? If so, I guess you're happy with it?

R.

I have the 2541 which I believe is one segment sorter than the 3551. I also have the 2940 basalt one. The 2541 is terrific (actually, they both are). I've had several Manfrottos as well, but these two are much better.

J.