Spec me a cheap monopod

[Vertigo1]

Off to the Nurburgring next month and so will be wanting to take some shots of cars on the track. Am thinking a monopod would be better than a tripod for giving some extra stability without restricting movement too much, true?

If so, can someone recommend a decent but cheap monopod as I haven't a clue what's what. Looking at £30-£40 tops here.

Cheers.

[digitalfailure]

Manfrotto 676b ;)

cheap, sturdy and black :thumbs:

[Ross]

Dunno if you've been before or not but here's a link to a thread discussing viewing points and how to get to them

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32232

[Vertigo1]

Been twice before so I know where I'm going, will just be the first time I've had a decent camera worth taking some pics with :)

EDIT: Just read that thread and not sure what you're on about regards Adenauer Forst - we've been up there several times and drove to within 100 yards of the viewing point. Was a bit muddy though :)

[Vertigo1]

Manfrotto 676b ;)

cheap, sturdy and black :thumbs:

Ta for that. Looking at the pics though, how does the camera articulate? It looks like it just has a fixed screw thread in the top meaning you'd not be able to angle the camera up or down? Is this correct and you angle vertically by leaning forward and back a bit?

(As you can tell I know squat about monopods)

[arronbarnes]

I have the Manfrotto 676b and use it every week for covering football. Its sturdy, light and seems well made.

HTH.

[digitalfailure]

All monopods come with a standard screw fitting on the top. If you want a head thats extra :D

I chose to have a QR head on mine, it doesn't allow movement as I just lean the monopod over ;) , but it means I can switch between my monopod and tripod without having to undo the plate from the body or a lens.

[Vertigo1]

So do you reckon I'll be ok with the camera fixed to the top of the monopod or should I look at getting one with a head?

Bear in mind that many of the viewing points are elevated above track level so I'd be looking down on the action - how easy is it to do this with a fixed mounting?

[digitalfailure]

Why not get the monopod now and try it ;)

Then you've got another couple of weeks to sort out a ball head if needed.

[Ross]

EDIT: Just read that thread and not sure what you're on about regards Adenauer Forst - we've been up there several times and drove to within 100 yards of the viewing point. Was a bit muddy though :)

If the gate is open you can drive all the way up. But beware sometimes the landowner has been known to lock the gate leaving people stuck!

[Vertigo1]

Will remember to pack boltcroppers :)

[Vertigo1]

Thinking about it, might I be better off with a tripod?

[digitalfailure]

A tripod can be used as a monopod, ;)

There goes the budget :D

[Vertigo1]

That's what I'm thinking - a tripod would be of more general use than a mono.

What am I looking at for a cheap but not rubbish tripod then, good enough to support a 400D & 70-200 F4L?

[digitalfailure]

Do you value your kit?

If so, don't scrimp on the support :nono:

Make sure you get one that's capable of holding the load, legs with no interconnecting bracing is a preferable option too as getting each leg in the optimum position will improve stability.

The manfrotto 190 range is light and sturdy, but over twice your budget.
slik,velbon,gitzo also do a fine range.

There are also some very good copies of the manfortto 190 and 055 ranges on ebay