Monopods (Again....)

j3w3ll3r

j3w3ll3r

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Stephen
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Evening

I am looking for a monopod with head to suit my 60D with Sigma 120-400 or similar

However I have never used one before and have specific requirement

Im 6ft 3 with a very dodgy back so would need one that doesn't involve bending down too much, and I think I prefer clipped legs as oppose to twist lock

I have been looking at this on http://www.velbon.co.uk/products/monopods/RUP-L43.html

I have read through a few other threads on here and looked at Redsnapper and Manfrotto 681b

budget around £50 give or take

Thanks as usual

Stephen
 
Hi Stephen.
I was in the same boat as you, although I am 2 " shorter.
I decided to go for the Manfrotto 681B after a lot of very good reviews.
It is a great bit of kit, especially for the price.
I use mine to support a gripped D7000 with a Nikon 80-200 2.8, and it has no problem doing just that, very sturdy.
I had an old Ball head which I attached, which gave an extra 3" to the height, but I took it off in the end, as I don't think it was helping me much.
 
There's not much to a monopod. They're not nearly so difficult to choose as a tripod and what you see is pretty much what you get.

All I would say is height vital if you shoot anything aerial like birds or planes. It needs to be very tall to get overhead shots.

That Sigma is a big lump too, so you'll need a good head. Some people don't use one, but that makes a monopod very limited for anything but shooting straight forward. A good ball head can be pressed into service quite well, or one of the monopod heads like Manfrotto or Benro. The best heads from Really Right Stuff, Custom Brackets or Hejnar (ebay) are pricey.
 
Hi Hoppy

it was the height more than anything, but im pretty sure i have found 1 that extends well past the height i require plus the 681b looks good

So im off out today to have a play with them in the shops

Thanks all for your input
 
Have a look at the Giottos 3290 as well. I had the 681B but broke it so needed a new monopod. I decided on the Giottos because it's cheaper, smaller when not extended, lighter and extends further (182cm) plus it has a 15kg load limit. I use it with the 500mm f4 and 1DIV and have had no problems at all

Neil
 
Cheers Neil

That's the other one I'm off to look and my preferred choice in paper
 
As I said I really like mine and prefer it to the 681. I'm 6'2ish and it extends well over my head. I was apprehensive with it being 5 section but even the bottom section is quite solid
 
Just been to Jessops and camera world in chelmsford and neither have them instock to try
 
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