Reading mode: Light Dark

What should I look for in a monopod?

Go to last post
neww2dig

neww2dig

Leading Member
Messages
707
Reaction score
3
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, US
I am 5' 10" so I want a least a 6 Ft but note sure about any thing else. I mainly shoot my kid at play and portraits and a hopefully an airshow or two in the future. I looking for something to help support larger lens or when doing portraits to help reduce camera shake.
--
Tony

A100, A700, Tam 17-50, Sony 16-105, Beercan, Tam 55-200
 
Well you won’t get anything near to 6 foot height from the Manfrotto 680B. I don’t know whether the Camlink CM2 is available over there but that one goes to 6 feet and is half the price of the Manfrotto. It is rated at 1 kg load but that surprises me. It is absolutely sturdy and feels capable of much, much more.

It even comes with a carrier case and, when combined with the Manfrotto 234 tilt head (rock solid), the outfit is still cheaper than the Manfrotto 680B, which of course is a fixed head and doesn’t have a tilt head (essential for portait mode). On top of all that the Camlink weighs under 50% of the Manfrotto’s weight. It’s a clear winner.
 
Agree re: 5' is plenty. A 5' 10" photographer can't use a 6' monopod without a step-stool.

I use and recommend (as good values) both the Giottos 9160 5-section monopod and the Manfrotto Neo-tech (not sure of current model number) 3-section monopod. The Manfrotto 234RC (already mentioned in thread) is sturdy and helpful (I keep it on the Neo-tech). I also use a Manfrotto pistol-grip head on the 9160 -- useful, but not at all necessary.

The extra leg-feet which come with some monopods (to make them ad-hoc tripods) are said to be unstable. I wouldn't leave my a850 or my 70-400G on one unattended for even 15 seconds.

The things which count are
  • length when collapsed (the Neo-tech is long; the 9160 fits on the back of my pack)
  • weight (lighter is good, lighter is expensive)
  • ease/speed of changing height (the Neo-tech is champion, afaik)
  • compatibility with your current mounting system
Something like the Manfrotto 234rc is necessary if you are mounting the camera body to the monopod without an L-bracket and want to be able to use the camera in a portrait orientation. With the 70-400G, you will mount the lens to the monopod using the lens collar. The lens collar allows you to rotate the camera/lens, and has setting marks for portrait and landscape orientations.

HTH.
 
Don't just look in photo gear either - there are some very interesting monopod ideas out there, some of which are quite nice and serve as camera pods too. The Primos Trigger Stick is one I've actually used (a friend has one) and it's a nice piece:

http://www.amazon.com/Primos-Trigger-Stick-Tall-Mono/dp/B0016SKF4G

Adjusts nice and tall, has a simple twist lock for the lower leg segment, but most importantly has a trigger grip for the upper leg for easy one hand height adjustment while shooting. It's designed as a gun monopod, but works extremely well for camera pod work - with the gun v-mount being removable and a standard camera thread mount on top. It's reasonably light, and can be used as a walking stick too - as it's built quite sturdy, and a reasonable price.

It won't be as compactable for airplane travel as other styles, but very nicely adjustable and strong and reasonably priced.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg
 
Just make sure the monopod can comfortably handle the weight of your camera/lens when fully extended. If you're using a P&S, then a less sturdy monopod will do. On the other hand, if you're using a A900 w/grip, and a 300mm f/2.8, then get one that can handle the weight, so it'll be more stable.
 
neww2dig said:
I am 5' 10" so I want a least a 6 Ft but note sure about any thing else. I mainly shoot my kid at play and portraits and a hopefully an airshow or two in the future. I looking for something to help support larger lens or when doing portraits to help reduce camera shake.
Click to expand...
The Manfrotto 682 might be a good choice:



Its supporting legs allow you to use is almost like a tripod. If your camera and lens are balanced correctly, you can let go of them if you need to (probably most useful when taking portraits, and the lower the better).
 
Note that the height of the monopod should be to eye level not the top of your head. Add to that the distance from the top the monopod to the viewfinder and you will find that a monopod 5' 6" is more than enough for someone 5' 10" tall. I am 5' 11" and my 5' 6" monopod is too tall when extended all the way. The monopod I use is a Targus that cost me only $15 and is very light, stiff and sturdy. The problem with it is the cheap camera mount on top so I have a Smith Vector BH5 ball head installed on it which cost $48. This combo makes an excellent and cost effective combination. This combo actually seems better than monopods I've seen that cost a lot more.
--
Tom

Look at the picture, not the pixels

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25301400@N00/
 
I had a MF 680B ... replaced with a Gitzo GM5561T ... chalk and cheese.

If height is an issue the GM3550 is longer.
 
That rifle mount top (the V-mount) unscrews and the threading is underneath. It says it can use 3/8 or 1/2 inch threaded mounts - I'm not 1000% sure if both are there, or if it can be swapped out to the one preferred - the friend of mine who shoots with one of these has the camera mount screw there. I really liked how sturdy the unit was, and the pistol-grip trigger for up and down adjustment.

--
Justin
galleries: http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg
 
Another vote for the Manfrotto 680B. I'm 5'9" and it works well for me. I do have a Manfrotto tilt head on it with an RC2 quick disconnect plate -- for convenience, not added height.

I looked into graphite monopods, but they are much more expensive and only a few ounces lighter.

--
Phil
Canon 7D: Canon 15-85 IS, 70-300L IS, Others
Sony A55: Tamron 10-24, Sony CZ16-80, Sony 70-300G, Sigma 18-250OS, Primes
http://www.pbase.com/phil_wheeler
 
That one looks good. I have the Giottos version (IIRC Manfrotto and Gitzo are owned by the same company (Manfrotto was known as Bogen in the states), but I'm not sure who owns Giottos) and while it's a good idea, the head and the "tripod" implementation are unwieldy. If you own the Manfrotto, is it easy to get the tripod legs out/on?

--
Rich

http://philosurfer.zenfolio.com/
 
I use an REI hiking stick with built in spring shock absorber which can be tightened to stiff (cost is about $60 USD - http://www.rei.com/product/745686 ) from which I unscrew the cork ball top and screw on a Manfroto 234 tilt head quick release. Because its a walking stick, it is very lightweight and collapses pretty small. I am 5'10" myself. Total cost is about $80. I take this everywhere - even backpacking as my hiking stick. I have an A850 and CZ24-70 and it handles the weight very well. Getting the proper tilt head with quick release is key even though it may throw off the "balance" of the lightweight hiking stick and make it top heavy. Don't go for a lighter weight ball head as they are not strong enough for a heavy camera with substantial glass such as the CZ 24-70.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Which lenses should I keep? Streamlining my kit for better coherence
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
wheresrunnicles
W
Myles Baker
RF lenses. What I have & what I'm looking at
2 3
Replies
47
Views
1K
picturetime2
P
Edgar_in_Indy
Samples of telephoto vs main lens cropped (digital zooming)
Replies
8
Views
2K
Panino Manino
Panino Manino
Z
  • Question Question
What Should be my Next Fuji Lens?
2
Replies
36
Views
806
Aristide Rutilant
A
Meeces
The XF500/X-T5 goes to the Blue Angels airshow . . .
Replies
8
Views
307
Morris0
Morris0

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top