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Monopod

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j0hnny

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can someone recommend a sturdy monopod. Looking for something compact and sturdy that i can carry around easily. also need something with quick release

i want to spend under 200 and i have no idea whats decent

I have a 40d with battery grip. thanks

Johnny
 
plus a tilt head - would also look at the optional retractable legs - stores inside the monopod and can come in handy at times.
Brit
Bob Howland said:
The 680 retracts to a shorter length. Some people will suggest a ball
head for a monopod. I've always found them to be a real disadvantage.

--
Bob
Click to expand...
 
I have the Manfrotto 681B. It's sturdy, but it is not light.

For head and QR, I use a Manfrotto 3232 with Manfrotto 3299. If your main purpose is to change between portrait and landscape, you may just want to get the 3229 (which is a combo of 3232 + 3299).

The 3232 allows you to attach a different QR system. RRS used to have a page describing how to attach an Arca Swiss QR to it, but my link is broken.
 
thanks guys, i think im gonna go for the manfrotto 680 + 3229 head.

thanks for the replies

Johnny
 
Johnny,

I use the Manfrotto 3245 with a Manfrotto 3228 with a quick disconnect feature. The 3245 has a a hand grip release that lets the monopod change length by just squeezing the grip with the same hand you use to stabilize it. Very convenient. The tripod is longer that it has to be for me a six feet which gives options not available to cheaper made, shorter mono-pods.
--
Bob,

'A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words.' - Ansel Adams
Canon 40D
Sony R1
Canon Pro1

 
When using a monopod, what exactly is the difference between using a tilt-head (like the 3229), a ball head (like the 486rc2), or no head at all (just the monopod alone)?
 
Either a tilt head or ball head is important to have on a monopod – it allows you to have the monopod at an angle to the ground – or at a different angle than the plane your camera is shooting (for better stability). It can be very awkward without one. I think for a monopod, use of either the tilt head or ball head is more a matter of personal preference – unlike a tripod where the ball head is much more important. It’s easy enough to twist/tilt the monopod shaft around to a different angle it you want. I originally had a ball head on my monopod and, for me found it to be less convenient when making quick changes than the tilt head.
SoundsGood said:
When using a monopod, what exactly is the difference between using a
tilt-head (like the 3229), a ball head (like the 486rc2), or no head
at all (just the monopod alone)?
Click to expand...
 
I use the gitzo 1588 carbon fibre monopod. It's a little more than you budget but is a fantastic monopod especially if you have or are thinking of getting big glass.

If you're going to be using the monopod alot I'd definelty get a carbon fibre model.

--
http://www.pbase.com/pwh
 
You won't be sorry. I've had that combo for several years and really like it. It's not the most expensive but very well made and functional.
Jerry
 
Marc Liberts said:
I just got a Manfrotto 681B and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!
Click to expand...
I know what you mean - that's one sturdy monopod. It can be used to beat off wild animals if you get attacked by them while hiking :-)
 
hhasan said:
I'll be getting the Bogen/Manfrotto 680B with a Kirk MPA-1 (which is
a modified Bogen 3232 swivel/tilt head) since I use the Arca style
quick release ballhead.
Click to expand...
Here's the RRS instructions for a DIY solution using the 3232. Kirk's price looks reasonable, but for those who prefer RRS or uses other types of QR, maybe this will be useful.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/tripods/03.html
 
i don't have a monopod but have a tripod, was thinking of getting a monopod for portability. Am wondering what kind of pictures you are getting with your monopod that perhaps you could not with hand holding or tripod.

I know the obvious benefits of a monopod but was curious in real life examples

thanks
 
this is hard to show photographically as you woulnd't typically see the "blurry shot i missed" vs the "shot i got". the monopod also relieves you of the weight of equipment while shooting from a stationary position (ie. sports, etc.)

Anyways the affordable/popular 680b is quite a heavyweight imho: 1.69 lb (0.77 kg)

anyone have anything bad to say about the SLIK PRO381 13.4 oz (380 g) (under $100)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278565-REG/Slik_618_381_Pro_Pod_381_Carbon.html

???
929406 said:
i don't have a monopod but have a tripod, was thinking of getting a
monopod for portability. Am wondering what kind of pictures you are
getting with your monopod that perhaps you could not with hand
holding or tripod.

I know the obvious benefits of a monopod but was curious in real life
examples

thanks
Click to expand...
 
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