Monopod recommendation please.

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Steve
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I'm looking for a monopod to use with my D700 and my new Sigma 120-300mm f2.8. That's a fairly weighty combination, but not massively so.

I've never owned a monopod before, and whilst they do seem to vary in price a lot, it looks like Manfrotto are the brand to buy.

Such things can be had from about £18.00 on Amazon, which seems very cheap but the reviews are very good:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0049SU1SK/

However, that does look a fairly compact piece of kit and I think something with fewer joints might be the way to go.

Weight isn't an issue, and nor is stowed length.

Advice much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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If you want to use a big lens like a 120-300 on a monopod then you need to look for three features in the specs:

(1) Monopod with a high load capacity - you don't want the leg to collapse in use if the locking joints aren't strong enough to take the weight.
(2) Head with a high load capacity - you don't want the lens to topple over if the head can't lock tightly enough to take the weight.
(3) Quick release plate with a solid locking mechanism - you don't want the weight of the lens to pull the plate away from the head.

The Manfrotto MMC3-01 has a rated capacity of 1.5 kg which is nowhere near enough.

I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod (£35-ish) with a 486RC2 ball head(£50-ish, but I think now superseded). It's totally solid with a 500mm f/4 and I'd trust it with an even bigger lens like a 400mm f/2.8. The QR mechanism feels totally bomb-proof. I'm sure there are comparable solutions from other manufacturers, and it may feel a little over-engineered for you, but bearing in mind the value of your lens and camera I'd say over-engineered is good. You certainly don't want to skimp.
 
N-Photo are giving away a free manfrotto one if you subscribe
 
StewartR said:
I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod (£35-ish) with a 486RC2 ball head(£50-ish, but I think now superseded). It's totally solid with a 500mm f/4 and I'd trust it with an even bigger lens like a 400mm f/2.8. The QR mechanism feels totally bomb-proof. I'm sure there are comparable solutions from other manufacturers, and it may feel a little over-engineered for you, but bearing in mind the value of your lens and camera I'd say over-engineered is good. You certainly don't want to skimp.
Click to expand...

I've the same set up to this (although not the 500mm lens :D) and would def recommend it

Jjm said:
N-Photo are giving away a free manfrotto one if you subscribe
Click to expand...

Might be worth a look and see which monopod they are offering ?
 
StewartR said:
I have a Manfrotto 679B monopod (£35-ish) with a 486RC2 ball head(£50-ish, but I think now superseded).
Click to expand...

I have just ordered the 679B and the 494RC2 head which is the later model and slightly smaller ball head (4kg) than yours.
 
I bought a Velbon RUP-40 in an idle moment a while ago when I was visiting an RSPB Reserve. I wouldn't recommend this for what you want: The camera screw is set into cork at the top of the monopod, and seems to flex and move a bit when I use a heavy camera/lens combination. It is probably intended for something much lighter - binoculars or spotting scope perhaps.
 
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I have the manfrotto 680 B and use it with a 500mm lens, it is very solid and not that heavy, the locks on it are really robust. I haven't got a head attachment yet but it's on my wish list ! (along with a Nikon d4 ,,,,,,,!)
 
I'm on my second 680B (having left the previous one somewhere :thinking: :shrug:) and find it ideal for my D700/MB-D10/300mm f/2.8 AF-S combo.

A cheap monopod, like a cheap tripod, is a waste of time...
 
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