I`m after some recommendations for a monopod.

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Subaru_WRC

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I`m after a monopod but with their being so many out there its like a minefield trying to choose one, something that feels good and sturdy and is good value for money. Feel free to make some suggestions :thumbs:
 
I used to use a Jessops one and it did pretty much everything I wanted it to. I really only updated when I decided I wanted all my supports to share a QR system, so I went for a Manfrotto 679 Monopod with a Manfrotto 234RC2 head on top. A little while ago, Ffordes were doing a lot of Manfrotto kit at "ex-demo" clearance prices.
 
Redsnappers and Giottos get my vote, and they support heavy gear unlike many of the more expensive ones available (top tip check this out before buying one, I bought a Jessops one a while back and the weight of my camera + Bigma closed the leg)
Cheers
Brian
 
I use a Manfrotto 681 (the 681B is the black version) and absolutely love it. It is sturdy and light and will compare very well with the much more expensive carbon fiber monopods. YES, I would purchase the black 681B if I were buying today but it was just not available when I purchased the 681.
http://www.amazon.com/BOGEN-681-B-Manfrotto-Monopod-Camera/dp/B00006IS2W

One reason that the 681(B) is light and sturdy is because the 681(B) is a three section (rather than four section) monopod. However, the drawback to a three section pod is that it doesn't fold as short. This may or may not be a problem for you.

I like a quick release clamp to adjust the monopod leg because I use it like the monopod that is shown in this youtube video. A twist release would not be as easy to adjust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pth9aKWh3Go&NR=1

I DON'T USE A BALL HEAD ON A MONOPOD!

1. If you are shooting with a lens which is equipped with a tripod ring, the ball head is not necessary. A simple Manfrotto monopod tilt head will do very well and is lighter and less expensive.
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964749955&rf=froogle&dfdate=5_1_2009

2. If you are shooting with a lens which doesn't incorporate a tripod ring, then use a Kirk MPA-1 which is the Manfrotto Swivel Tilt Head with a Kirk Arca Compatible Quick Release System:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/tripods.html#monopods

An Arca Compatible Quick release System allows the use of either a Kirk or Really Right Stuff L Bracket when shooting with a camera/lens that doesn't have a tripod ring. The L bracket balances the camera/lens atop the monopod when the camera is in the vertical position rather than hanging the camera/lens cantilevered over to the side.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

BTW: The Arca Swiss Compatible tripod/monopod mounting systems are expensive but, they are well worth it. Once you start using this type of system you will wonder how you managed without it for so long.

Really Right Stuff also distributes two types of monopod swivel heads, which look very interesting (especially the MH-01), although I have had no specific experience with that type of head. I would be willing to bet that these heads are very good since every piece of equipment I have seen from RRS is extremely well made.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/search....ORID:11&ie=UTF-8&q=monopod+tilt&sa=Search#926
 
rpcrowe said:
I use a Manfrotto 681 (the 681B is the black version) and absolutely love it. It is sturdy and light and will compare very well with the much more expensive carbon fiber monopods. YES, I would purchase the black 681B if I were buying today but it was just not available when I purchased the 681.
http://www.amazon.com/BOGEN-681-B-Manfrotto-Monopod-Camera/dp/B00006IS2W

One reason that the 681(B) is light and sturdy is because the 681(B) is a three section (rather than four section) monopod. However, the drawback to a three section pod is that it doesn't fold as short. This may or may not be a problem for you.

I like a quick release clamp to adjust the monopod leg because I use it like the monopod that is shown in this youtube video. A twist release would not be as easy to adjust.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pth9aKWh3Go&NR=1

I DON'T USE A BALL HEAD ON A MONOPOD!

1. If you are shooting with a lens which is equipped with a tripod ring, the ball head is not necessary. A simple Manfrotto monopod tilt head will do very well and is lighter and less expensive.
http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964749955&rf=froogle&dfdate=5_1_2009

2. If you are shooting with a lens which doesn't incorporate a tripod ring, then use a Kirk MPA-1 which is the Manfrotto Swivel Tilt Head with a Kirk Arca Compatible Quick Release System:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/tripods.html#monopods

An Arca Compatible Quick release System allows the use of either a Kirk or Really Right Stuff L Bracket when shooting with a camera/lens that doesn't have a tripod ring. The L bracket balances the camera/lens atop the monopod when the camera is in the vertical position rather than hanging the camera/lens cantilevered over to the side.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html

BTW: The Arca Swiss Compatible tripod/monopod mounting systems are expensive but, they are well worth it. Once you start using this type of system you will wonder how you managed without it for so long.

Really Right Stuff also distributes two types of monopod swivel heads, which look very interesting (especially the MH-01), although I have had no specific experience with that type of head. I would be willing to bet that these heads are very good since every piece of equipment I have seen from RRS is extremely well made.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/search....ORID:11&ie=UTF-8&q=monopod+tilt&sa=Search#926
Click to expand...

Thanks for such a detailed reply, thats helped me quite a bit.
 
I have a heavy Old manfrotto monopod and It often just sits in the car.

However I also have a Brasher Hillmaster walking pole that doubles as a monopod it has a 1/4 screw on the top which I use to attach a light ball head.

Its biggest advantage is that it comes with me anyway when I am walking. And it is quite steady enough for most uses. After all it will support me from falling.
 
I have a Benbo Trekker, if i could balance I'm convinced it could support my bodyweight lol. I think its on warehouse express for about £30.
 
Good thread. I'm interested on one too...Had a look at the Jessops one, and it did nto feel sturdy, but then again it was light.
 
Subaru_WRC said:
Hi mate, i`m 6ft..... Is this suitable for my heght ?

Also, does anyone know any of these amazon sellers, they have the above Manfrotto 681 monopod in silver rather than black, i just think scratches would show up on the black finish.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-li...w?ie=UTF8&qid=1241544149&sr=8-1&condition=new
Click to expand...


Yep, I'm 6ft and it's ok.

Disadvantage with shiney silver is the sun reflects off it. So if you ever decide to take pics of wildlife you're snookered!

That's why they brought out the black version.

Just measured it, 161cm plus another 13cm from base of camera to viewfinder, will give you an idea.

I bought mine from Amazon.
 
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