Monopod...3 section or 5 section?

[Carlo]

Looking to purchase a monopod, and have now thought so long about which one to get i can't decide!!!
Narrowed it down to either the 3legged thing Pete (3 section) or the Bob (5 section).
Not had a monopod before so was wondering would the 5 section one be as ridgid/strong as the 3?
Common sense tells me it won't be, but would it be much difference, or not noticeable?
The heaviest combination it'd be supporting would be a 1D3 + 70-200f2.8L IS 2 plus 1.4x converter.

 

[HoppyUK]

5 sections will close down shorter than 3 sections, for a given height. That's it really.

Monopods are not like tripods, and they're not 'stressed' in the same way, and are used differently (ie, you're holding the camera) so strength and rigidity are not so important. Nice to have of course, but much less necessary.

 

[StewartR]

5 sections will close down shorter than 3 sections, for a given height. That's it really.

What he said. I have a 3-section Manfrotto which is around 60cm closed and a 5-section Gitzo which is around 40cm closed. Most of the time I'm quite indifferent, but the shorter one is useful when travelling.

Also worth noting that the 5-section one will take twice as long to extend and retract as the 3-section one. (4 joints to unlock/extend/lock instead of 2.)

 

[Carlo]

Thanks guys, you've reinforced what i was thinking in regards to their pluses and minuses, still can't decide though!:banghead:
Think i'll toss a coin!!

 

[HoppyUK]

Other monopod considerations.

Monopods are great for BIFing and aircraft, just make sure it's tall enough to put the viewfinder a bit above eye-level for over-head stuff. I prefer level-locks to collar-locks for monopods, not so much for speed but for ease of accurate height adjustment, especially if you're moving locations. Personal thing perhaps, I extend the bottom sections fully, then adjust final height with just the top section lock that is close to hand.

Choice of head is important, or no head at all. FWIW, I like a biggish ball head rather than a monopod head, though YMMV.

 

[OldCarlos]

Have you looked at the Manfrotto 685B Neotec?

 

[andyred]

I've a Manfrotto 3 section monopd with a ball head on and have no issues with the size ...

I suppose a 5 section is more compact, but then there are more levers to release to open / close it

 

[HoppyUK]

Have you looked at the Manfrotto 685B Neotec?

Yes, perfect for quick set-up and adjustment. But quite big and heavy, and more expensive.

 

[mickledore]

Have you looked at the Manfrotto 685B Neotec?

Yes, perfect for quick set-up and adjustment. But quite big and heavy, and more expensive.

I use one. One handed extension and retraction, but it is a bit big and heavy. Don't think I'd use one with 3 or 5 legs to be extended and retracted every time I wanted to use a monopod, but this suits my style perfectly.