Monopod recommendations for 30d set up

Hey all!

I just aquired a second camera set up 30D with grip and 580ex...etc.. I find we have our 24-70L on camera most of the time but Do put on the 70-200L quite alot though. We have a nice tripod but I am looking to get a monopod that will hold this outfit and be good and stable. I have never owned one so I am looking for suggestions.

Also do you recommend a head or just mounting to the monopod etc....

Any help is much appreciated,

Paul

I have used a Manfrotto 680 B on occassions mainly for wildlife primarily with 300D to date but found it to be compact and well built - have never used a seperate head to date.

I use a Manfrotto 681B with a Manfrotto 3229 swivel / tilt head with quick release. If you have your own QR, the Manfrotto 3232 is the equivalent head without QR.

I found the swivel tilt head great for tilting the camera up / down while keeping the monopod straight for better stability. A ball head seems overkill - I can turn the camera side to side without any problem on a monopod.

If budget allows, Manfrotto 685B ($131) allows single handed height adjustment for more than twice the price of the 681B ($51). Prices from Adorama.

The 681B is big, tall and heavy. Check the specs to see if it is suitable for you.

I use a Manfrotto 681B monopod with a 3229 head & quick release plate. Its very sturdy, yet relatively light and extends to all the heights I need. Its a three piece monopod which are sturdier than the four piece versons.

You have all recommended some good ones, but can I get one with a quick release that won't be too expensive? I just spent $250 on a Monfretto/Bogen tripod and head, so I am trying to be economical or my wife will kill me... ;-) --- Robert (Phoenix, AZ) - Canon EOS 30D --- Since the beauty of this world is merely a reflection the Creator's brushstroke, then my hope is to capture but a glimpse of that exquisiteness. This is my passion and endeavor, though I have just begun to nurture my skills in photography.

riversen said:

You have all recommended some good ones, but can I get one with a
quick release that won't be too expensive? I just spent $250 on a
Monfretto/Bogen tripod and head, so I am trying to be economical or
my wife will kill me... ;-)

Click to expand...

Sounds like you don't have a QR on your new tripod?

If you spend another $200 on QR alone, you'd better write your last will and testament, so I won't propose the RRS Arca Swiss style plate and clamp. The Manfrotto 3299 is under $30, and includes clamp and plate. You can use your existing head from your tripod on the 681B ($51) or 680B ($53). Since you're moving the head between monopods, the clamp moves with it, so you'd only need one. Under $80, and shipping. Is that enough to keep you healthy?

You might want to search the other threads in this forum for other alternatives.

Was checking Amazon this morning when it recommended me the Canon Monopod 100. No experience with it, suggest you do a little more research, but at $30 including ball head, I think that qualifies as low price.

I have the Gitzo G1564L with the same Manfrotto QR head everyne else seems to have.

I love it for concerts, where you can't use a tripod and don't want to keep holding the camera at eye level for the entire concert. Outdoor bluegrass festivals can go 8 hours!

--
-wick

The ProMaster System 1 center column doubles as a Mono-Pod and works great. The entire system (with ProMaster 3-way Head) was like $150

I will mention that the mono-pod doesn't have height adjustments, however I have had no complaints (6"0), but my gf doesn't like it to much (5"5")

LOL... I empathize with you. I was able to pick up that Manfrotto monopod/QR head very cheaply on eBay from a professional photographer ... it had never been used because she couldn't fit it into her carry-on luggage. All it takes is a little patience and you can get this stuff at way below cost.

I have the same lenses as you.

I like the Bogen 680B.

I drove down to a camera shop geared to professional and serious shooters, and tried out about a dozen monopods.

It's strong enough that I can use a 300 f2.8 and not have to worry about it. Parts are easy to find (if you managed to break something) because it's Bogen. It's inexpensive, and durable. It's aluminum, so it is slightly heavier than carbon fiber... but carbon fiber is going to be much more expensive.

I like snaplocks more than twist locks. Twist locks take too long to setup and tear down.

Good luck.

--

'In 1983, the game of golf had a firm grip on the waist of my boxers and was administering the death wedgie. I had a dose of the atomic yips and after missing 10 of 11 cuts by a single shot, I was ready to quit and apply for a job as a wringer-outer for a one-armed window cleaner.'

• David Feherty

Take at look at the Feisol CM-1471. I have their CT-3401 CF tripod and really like it. The monopod goes for $99. I'm plan on getting one and I think I'll use this set up for the head:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html
--
dcSmitty