Manfrotto or Giottos (do I need to exchange?)

Peter69

Peter69

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I'm in a dilemma.

I went to LCE to buy a Giottos 3290 monopod. The manager persuaded me they weren't any good compared to the Manfrotto 680, which I ended up buying (£49).

Now I see LCE don't sell Giottos. The Giottos is cheaper longer, shorter, greater capacity, lighter.

Its well within my ability to get a refund on this but do I really want to?

What I'm concerned about it that using the Manfrotto as a boom, it is heavy. The Manfrotto is only just the right height for me on level ground but any kind of incline and I'm crouching. Can I put up with these short falls if the Giottos isn't as good or as stable as the Manfrotto?

Any help much appreciated, obviously quick action is needed.

Thanks
 
The most important thing for a monopod (IMHO) is that it extends high enough to use in most circumstances. You will find a short monopod as much use as a chocolate teapot. How on earth a shop can say Giottos are no good beggars belief.
 
If the Manfrotto doesn't suit then I'd say take it back and get a refund then order the one you want elsewhere. You're only going to continue thinking that you should have got the other one anyway.
 
Thanks guys - as I said its just big enough (I'm 1.85m). I will gain a little with the 234RC on top but Wales is hilly.
I just didn't want to swap it if he was right about the Giottos
 
Peter69 said:
Thanks guys - as I said its just big enough (I'm 1.85m). I will gain a little with the 234RC on top but Wales is hilly.
I just didn't want to swap it if he was right about the Giottos
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For aircraft or BIF'ing, you really need a monopod that will put the camera a bit above eye level, so I'm guessing that one would be a bit short for you in that case. Remember that with a head, the viewfinder will be 6-8in above the top of the monopod.
 
If anyone has the Giottos can you confirm the last leg has a big enough diameter. Not just as a monopod but think holding it by the foot above your head
 
HoppyUK said:
For aircraft or BIF'ing, you really need a monopod that will put the camera a bit above eye level, so I'm guessing that one would be a bit short for you in that case. Remember that with a head, the viewfinder will be 6-8in above the top of the monopod.
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Manfrotto = 1.54m + .17m(7") = 1.71m to eyepiece which is just about where I want it on level ground although monopod is a bit upright.
 
I don't own this monopod but do have a Giottos tripod. imho I think the manager was talking [PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BYPASS THE SWEAR FILTER] to get a sale. The clamps on the monopod look to be the same as on my tripod and they are very secure. Whilst I can't comment on the strength of the last leg section if it's a worry you could use the 4th section instead, it's still going to be roughly as long as the shorter monopod anyway.
 
I've just picked up a Manfrotto 679B for a lad who's leaving work this week - same model as I already had, very good and I'm very pleased with it...
 
Peter69 said:
Manfrotto = 1.54m + .17m(7") = 1.71m to eyepiece which is just about where I want it on level ground although monopod is a bit upright.
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The 679 is slightly taller @ 1.62m - it is only a 3 section though, so not as compact when closed (64cm v 51cm) - not sure if this is an issue for you...
 
andyred said:
I've just picked up a Manfrotto 679B for a lad who's leaving work this week - same model as I already had, very good and I'm very pleased with it...
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Thanks Andyred. Its not that the Manfrotto is poor quality but to me all the negatives (height, load, weight, compact size, & price) I think I would prefer the other one. You live & learn (sometimes a quick sale can cost you bigger sales in the future)
 
I now have my Giottos. Much stiffer then the manfrotto and easier to handle.

Well worth the ag to change it. LCE came up trumps
 
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