Which monopod to get?

[wkwan]

I am in the market to purchase a monopad. I am interested in one that I will carry with me when I travel. So it must be rather light and small in size when collapsed. What do you recommend?

Thanks,

[Abel]

i have a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod that I've had for years. I forgot what I bought it for since i wasnt in photography back then but I still use it to this day. I think it's a Bogen 3216 and I got it from Houston Camera Exchange back in the day...

Bogen Monopod at BH Photo

I use my Bogen 488RC2 ballhead on it when I go and shoot at the zoo etc etc.

i love it!

[cbuhay]

I think if I were to get a monopod (and I'm thinking of eventually getting one), it would be the Feisol brand that I spoke about in the tripod thread. Here is the link to the ebay auction. I'm thinking perhaps of this monopod plus an acratech ultimate ballhead combo.

[Abel]

very nice...

one thing ive learned is that my tripod does weigh a ton and carbon fiber would be very nice.

that looks very good...

this is the first CF monopod i have ever seen. maybe because aluminum ones dont weigh all that much so people dont complain about the weight like they do with tripods etc.

[Luther Foreman]

Last year I replaced an old Slik EZpod that I had with a Bogen carbon fiber model. I would very much recommend getting CF for the weight factor. It feels extremely strong while being very light. I found a Gitzo ballhead that was quite small to complement the pod and it makes for a very nice combination.

[mmsean]

I used a carbon fiber monopod but mine's a Mamiya brand. Weird that I haven't seen any others besides mine but I love it.

[brewdog]

I have the Feisol, like cbuhay posted, it is carbon fiber, then got a Manfrotto ball head with quick release. It is great lightwiegt, I have taken all over europe. :D

[Jim Victory]

I don't wish to step on anyone's toes but a ballhead isn't really necessary on a monopod. I just use a Wimberley QR plate or an old Bogen swivel head that has been modified. I have used up to a 500 f/4L IS on it with no problems.

It defeats the whole purpose of getting a light weight monopod and putting a heavy ballhead on it when there are better and lighter alternatives.

Also if you look at the weights of most CF monopods they are not that much lighter than a good metal one and they are allot more expensive.

An example: I bought a Gitzo 1564 that weighs 1.96# and packs down to 22.8 inches. Its load bearing designation is 17.5# and it cost $116. A Gitzo 1578CF weighs 1.6# and packs down to 23.6 inches with the same load bearing weight of 17.5#. It cost $250. Your basically paying $134 for a .36# lighter monopod that is .8 inches longer packed.

Don't get me wrong I have paid big bucks for CF tripods but that was for substantial weight differences. It just doesn't exist with monopods.

Here is a link to setting up the Bogen head.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/tutorial...ods/index.html

[mmsean]

I use a cheap quick release plate on my CF Monopod.

[brewdog]

The Fiesol is only $60 for a carbon fiber monpod, is there a better price for a carbon fiber monpod? Chepaer than most non carbon fiber. Maybe there is a better solution for the head than a ball, but I needed something for a trip so it worked only adding .56lbs for a total of 1.35 lb. :D


Max Height : 163cm or 64.2 inches

Closed Length : 53cm or 20.9 inches

Weight : 0.36Kg or 0.79lbs

Max Load : 7Kg or 15.4 lbs

Tube Diameter : 28mm or 1.1 inches

Leg Sections : 4

[eurotrash]

i use the Bogen/Manifrotto 679B with the 3232 head

[Marbean]

Hey Abel. Thats neat, I have a bogen 3218 that I bought in Amarillo about 15 years ago. (made in Italy by Manfrotto). This thing is build to hold a ton. I still use it as heavy as it is. I also use a Tundra Unipod U-2 with a 2 way oil fluid head.

[Hogleg 44]

Something Different!
I have a monopod, that is not really a monopod, that works really well for me.
Actually it is a "Tracks" Hiking Staff. It comes with a 1/4" camera mount screw to hold the hand ball to the top of the staff. (I don't attach the camera to the screw though).
I use it for camera/lens weight support for my slightly self modified "BushHawk". http://bushhawk.shopol.com/Item/BH-220.htm
I fashioned a sort of metal 'L' bracket and mounted it under the ball. I hook the 'L' under the top part of the pistol-grip of the BushHawk, and I can do just about anything with the camera and not have to support the weight. I put the BushHawk neckstrap around my neck and that keeps the back of the rig secure and in shooting position.
It's a terrific setup for shooting my granddaughters Soccer Games. I can stand there for the whole match with the camera in a ready position, and not tire my arms or back at all.
And...it allows me to swing the camera anywhere instantly and start snapping. With the shutter 'Trigger' on the BushHawk, their is no movement of the camera caused by pushing the button. It really works GreaT for me!

[Reptile]

I have a Manfrotto Neotec (carbon) monopod.
I really like it because it's quick and easy.

Check it out :
http://www.manfrotto.com/product/tem...mp;itemid=2042

or

http://www.manfrotto.com/neotec/default.htm