Fingerpicking 101
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I'm looking for a monopod that will primarily be used for the 180-600 5.6-6.4. Light weight for travel is a consideration..
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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Monopod Recommendation - 180-600
- Thread starter Fingerpicking 101
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PLShutterbug
Veteran Member
I have one and never use it. I’ve found it really doesn’t help much with today’s VR.
You might look at the small hiking tripods where you can unscrew one leg and screw the center column to it, so you have both a tripod and a monopod in one.
I never cared for monopods either, but last year I injured my right forearm a few days before I had a 3 day reigning event. Those events go from sunrise well into the eventing, so I bought an iFootage Cobra III mono that really worked out will for me. I was able to make it through all three long days with a very sore arm.
One of the pluses to it is that it has a small tripod base with a ball head. It is detatchable and can be used as a table top or ground level tripod. The entire package seems to have been well thought out, and I still use it occasionally.
I ended up giving it to my wife, She prefers shooting with a monopod.
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ChallengerLastCall
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Three legged thing Alana or Lance. Either in CF or Magnesium. Strong, lightweight and decently priced.
Awkward_Swine
Well-known member
I brought a Leofoto MP-285C monopod with a Wimberley MH-100 gimbal head on a Kenyan safari earlier this year. I mostly used it with my D850+150-600 lens combo. It was invaluable, comfortable to use, quick and simple to connect/disconnect as needed. Our open sided vehicles made it ideal for using a monopod. When you are spending 8-10 hours a day shooting, you really benefit from a monopod.
PaulDunlopPhotography
Forum Enthusiast
This one is nice and light
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1291107-REG/manfrotto_mvmxproc5us_carbon_fiber_xpro.html
feet are removable
this head is good for sports - since it is basically horizontal or vertical - no ball head massive adjustments
Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head for Monopods, with Quick Release
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1291107-REG/manfrotto_mvmxproc5us_carbon_fiber_xpro.html
feet are removable
this head is good for sports - since it is basically horizontal or vertical - no ball head massive adjustments
Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head for Monopods, with Quick Release
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Snapshotx7
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I got this combo for my 180-600.
Monopod: Leofoto MPQ-404C. Beefy monopod while still being lightweight.
Monogimbal: Leofoto MPG-01. Similar to the Wimberly MH-100.
Peter3579
Leading Member
Gitzo GM4562 + Wimberley MH 100
ajr images
Senior Member
I also have this Gitzo monopod and Wimberley head from my D6/500mm f4VR days, but have never used it with my Z telephotos (including the 180-600). I find them to be hand-holdable on my Z9's for my use, but for low light situations the monopod could be useful.
DustBuster Sr
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I have a variety of monopods and have found that the smaller monopods (in diameter) tend to collapse if you put weight on them. If you think you will be sitting or kneeling most of the the time, go with a small diameter. I like the Benro Supadupa models. The top flip control is quite handy.
But if you will be standing, I suggest a larger diameter unit like the Leofoto MPQ-404C - this is one beefy monopod. Also the case it comes with is quite usable with an expansion portion to accomodate a head.
Top with either the Wimberly Monogimbal or the Leofoto MGP-01.
But if you will be standing, I suggest a larger diameter unit like the Leofoto MPQ-404C - this is one beefy monopod. Also the case it comes with is quite usable with an expansion portion to accomodate a head.
Top with either the Wimberly Monogimbal or the Leofoto MGP-01.
rumple
Senior Member
Monopods are inhernetly light / travel well. But stick with any Gitzo Carbon Fibre and you'll be good.
For your somewhat heavy lens, I suggest the Wimberley MonoGimbal Head. Light, simple, compact, stable, and works very well. Also, no pinched fingers. https://www.tripodhead.com/products/monopodhead-main.cfm
I see that Leofoto has ripped-off that design. Well, supporting innovation and service is how you get innovation and service, so I'd stick with the Wimberly.
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ajr images
Senior Member
Agreed. Support the company that invested the R&D time and money.
I also have the RRS monopod head, and have tried the ProMedia Gear head. The Wimberley is so much smoother and balances like a gimbal head.
I also have the RRS monopod head, and have tried the ProMedia Gear head. The Wimberley is so much smoother and balances like a gimbal head.
AlainCh2
Senior Member
Leophoto is an RD - Designer company that sells/licenses Designs to the production company.
Manfrotto is one of their Customer for instance.
They have their own line.
Usually, 150% priced over the other company where they sold the design
( usually better materials - better mechanics )
--
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Mid of French/Italian Alps - Hardiness Zone 8A
I Love all Carnivores, I have mostly Red Dioneas.
https://eu.zonerama.com/AlainCH2/1191151
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ajr images
Senior Member
I don't dispute your detailed knowledge of Leofoto's operation, but looking at their website, I find it strange that many of their products look very similar to those from Gitzo, RRS, and Wimberley. The Wimberley monopod head is a case in point where Leofoto has also gone for the side mounting configuration.
Having said that, they do seem to have some products that bear little resemblance to other manufacturers, so I assume that they do actually invest in R&D to some extent.
Full disclosure, I have not used any of Leofoto's products so can't comment on how well they operate.
--Alan
Having said that, they do seem to have some products that bear little resemblance to other manufacturers, so I assume that they do actually invest in R&D to some extent.
Full disclosure, I have not used any of Leofoto's products so can't comment on how well they operate.
--Alan
AlainCh2
Senior Member
I don't own ONE single LEOPHOTO product.
Times ago doing a completely disconnected research,
by chance, it happened to get the info that a Big name commissioned them a study/design/engineering for a new innovative product.
The name stuck and later I did some fast investigation "Who was that".
I was quite surprised by the results.
I have no inside information.
As you demonstrated with what you saw,
similarity by too many other company products may lead to two different conclusions:
They generate the basic design on commission
or
they copied the other's products.
Being their product more expensive ... usually copies are cheaper
( that's a piece of public information, may be enough to get a correct idea )
wilberforce_1
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I have a Gitzo GM2541 monopod (with Sirui L-10 tilt head) and I think it is overkill for the 180-600.
I also think Gitzo is great for tripods and arguably worth the expense, but overkill and not worth it for a monopod. I also think twist-locks are a nuisance on a monopod (unlike a tripod). I think buying the Gitzo monopod was a mistake.
I would get something lighter and cheaper.
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AstigmaticOwl
Senior Member
I second the Wimberley MH-100 mono gimbal head.
Neil Schofield
Leading Member
I concur MH100 is the way to go which ever monopod you choose
rumple
Senior Member
Could be, in certain cases. Regards the subject of this thread, they have clearly ripped-off the Wimberly design.
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