Cheap vs expensive monopod, what so special

Hello my friend just got me a thoughtful gift, a targus 67 inch monopod. I googled it to make sure he didnt spend an arm and a leg (as he has in the past) for my gear. What differentiates a cheap monopod and a great 150 monopod. can this cheap monopod hold a 70-200 2.8 and 7d, my friend was using his with a d300 and a 70-300 G lens which is similar size to the 7d and it felt pretty sturdy to me.

I'll be using it for sports so does a quick release, or swivel head or carbon build do anything for me?

It comes down to build quality, weight, and depending on the system features. The essential function will be roughly the same, its a pole. But on the inexpensive tripods/monopods over time the legs are less secure, and they may also be a bit less rigid. Quick release and swivel or ball heads are pretty much dependent on lens/body mount and intended use.

I have a cheaper Canon monopod I use with my P&S. And I have an REI walking stick monopod without a head, just the screw top. When I need a sturdier monopod, I grab the more expensive one with the ball head so I can adjust my 7D with 70-200 2.8 IS attached to the exact position I need. Cheaper monopods cannot carry the weight of heavier set ups and also, the heads offer a lot more flexibility/angles, etc. The quick release is a must for me, as I continually have changing conditions. But these are all choices you have to make. If you need the pro gear, and it makes life easier, that's the way to go. I hardly use my monopod, only on the soccer sidelines these days.

What makes the difference between a cheap monopod and an expensive one? Try leaning on it. Do the legs collapse? They do on my cheaper Manfrotto, but my wife was using my Gitzo 3551 as a support while hiking today.

Jon wrote in post #10818734
They do on my cheaper Manfrotto

Adjust the tension on the snap locks a bit
I do that on my Monfrotto every once in a while...

(The reason I prefer twist locks)

I think a monopod is less critical than a tripod. While I now have a good manfrotto carbon monopod, for years I used a VERY cheap and nasty one, held together with sellotape but it did the job.

I've worked with a magazine staff 'tog and his kit is dreadful. But he gets the job done and thats all that matters.

SuzyView wrote in post #10818650
I have a cheaper Canon monopod I use with my P&S. And I have an REI walking stick monopod without a head, just the screw top. When I need a sturdier monopod, I grab the more expensive one with the ball head so I can adjust my 7D with 70-200 2.8 IS attached to the exact position I need. Cheaper monopods cannot carry the weight of heavier set ups and also, the heads offer a lot more flexibility/angles, etc. The quick release is a must for me, as I continually have changing conditions. But these are all choices you have to make. If you need the pro gear, and it makes life easier, that's the way to go. I hardly use my monopod, only on the soccer sidelines these days.

well prior to this monopod, i used a friends mono pod alot with a d300 and sigma 70-200 2.8 so it held up the weight just fine, but it was poorly designed as it had a really stupid locking and unlocking mechanism.

So the only way i could get the camera in vertical position, is if I had a ball head?

I went with a monopod that was "Firmly Average" a Manfrotto aluminum that was at the time under $100.00,. (they've all gone up considerably, I think it's about $120.00 now and doubtless the model numebrs have cahged as they are apt to do)

..solid aluminum tubing with flip locks,. it is heavier than a fancy Gitzo carbon fiber, but so light compared to a tripod, it seems great to me. It is strong enough when opn that I would assume it would still be a deadly weapon without much chance of bending, and can certainly hold my 500mm rig with out breaking a sweat.

So i was able to get a pod sturdy enough for the heaviest lenses in the industry,. for under $100.00
Seems to me for lighter loads, one could still get one in the $80.00 price range today that would suffice..

In a 'pod, I advocate for one that is solid enough that it is not flexing, with locks strong enough that they won't slide.
All else is gravy IMHO.

Cameranerd,

I use a ballhead on mine certainly, although others swear that its possible to manage either without one at all, or with a basic "tilt in one plane" head. Yes, if you want the camera in portrait mode, then you must either use a head of some kind OR an "L" bracket OR use a lens with a tripod ring mount.

Thoughts on monopod use and why a head is helpful:

http://www.nikonians.o​rg/monopods/what_monop​od_3.html

http://www.outdooreyes​.com/photo5.php3

i have a $15 walmart monopod that ive used with xsi and 400mm f5.6, including hiking with it over my shoulder and it worked great.

johnandbentley wrote in post #10824472
i have a $15 walmart monopod that ive used with xsi and 400mm f5.6, including hiking with it over my shoulder and it worked great.

you're either really brave...or really....well, I won't finish that comment :P but seriously, I would never do that.

Cheapy $50 bogen monopod is more than enough for 1 series body and big supertele like 400mm f2.8 IS. No need to spend any more money. Now don't go to walmart and buy $35 one, they are no where near bogen entry level ones.

1stGenRex wrote in post #10824477
you're either really brave...or really....well, I won't finish that comment :P but seriously, I would never do that.

you can say it=) im probably more careful now but the point was i hiked miles, stupid or dumb, with a cheapo that said its weight limit was greater than my load and had zero issues

Good question, cheap vs. expensive! I use a Gitzo GM2541 carbon fibre, which is a $260 monopod, but to be honest I'm not really sure why. It is a stick, no more, no less. Ok, it's light and it has a nice clip so that you can carry it in your belt and the Gitzo twist locks are great, but still. Tripod design and weight is much more important, that you really have to think through before you buy!

So why did I get ther Gitzo you might ask? Well, I guess it's also a question of which brands you have experience with and what you trust! I have always used Gitzo and I love it. In my mind, the extra money is worth using something you know is good in beforehand. However, I am almost certain a Manfrotto monopod for $50 would do the job just as well, or at least almost just as well, but I'd rather stick with something I know...

I can also add that I do not use a ballhead on my tripod and since I never use a monopod with a lens which doesn't have a lens mount, shooting portrait mode has never been a problem for me.