Monopods ! What would you suggest for one?

[w1ljmm]

I am interested in getting a mono pod but do not know much about them. I am interested in using it for my canon Xsi w/ a sigma 70-200 f2.8 which tends to get heavy after awhile.
I would like a monopod that is quality made, easy to slide open, and is to carry on my person or camera bag. Any recommendations? Does any one know of any great deals on a one?

[Frog]

I'm not an expert but this is the one I want and would have if the necessity for a better tripod hadn't got in the way.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_Deluxe.html

Might be too heavy if you're a backpacker or something.

[Loupey]

You could simply walk into a store and buy the first monopod you see; or study every aspect in great depth - you may be perfectly happy with the choice in either situation. It comes down to how you use it, how hard you use it, and how often you use it. These we can't answer for you.

3-section, 4-section, 5-sections
twist-lock legs
screw-lock legs
aluminum construction
carbon fiber construction
$20
$200

I have a one year old carbon fiber one (~$200) with a heavy-duty ball head on it. I also have a 15 year old aluminum one ($40) with a cheap tilt-head on it. I use both.

I recommend playing with them at a store to see which features are more important to you.

[Frog]

or http://www.metacafe.com/watch/104194...se_the_tripod/

[JamesV]

As Loupey mentioned, all those things are questions that you need to answer.

On the other hand I purchased this one, this year and have been happy with it. It is a nice 4 section and fits great on my backpack. I have the 100-400 with the XTi but haven't use the combo too much with the mono pod. I really got it for walking around Chicago and still getting steady shots with all the foot traffic.

James

[Don Schaeffer]

I bought a cheap one ($40)
its good even with my 500 mm mirror lens

[krissears]

there are so many mono pods for canon on ebay did you check them out. ones that are compatible to your canon.. i gotta see it or research about it for yourself.. thanks!

[Frog]

I don't think monopods are made for specific camera brands.

[gryphonslair99]

I am interested in getting a mono pod but do not know much about them. I am interested in using it for my canon Xsi w/ a sigma 70-200 f2.8 which tends to get heavy after awhile.
I would like a monopod that is quality made, easy to slide open, and is to carry on my person or camera bag. Any recommendations? Does any one know of any great deals on a one?

You want a monopod that will support at least 2 times the weight of your heavist gear. As for materials. Aluminum will be the cheapest, but weigh more than a composit like carbon fiber. Leg locking mechanism is of your choice as well, whether they are twist lock or lever lock. Test the monopod you plan to buy to make sure what ever leg lock you choose locks securely.

Buy a monopod that is your eye height. That will make it too tall. Nothing says you have to extend the legs to their full amount. You can extend them the length you need. If you get one that is too short you will be stooping over constantly and your back will complain.

If you are looking at aluminum I suggest the Manfrotto 681 or 681B. In carbon fiber the Gitzo GM5541 will support almost any lens that you would ever get. It is what I use for my 400f2.8. Another sturdy Gizto at a cheaper price is the GM2541. An excellent travel monopod that supports as much as the Manfrotto 681.

[AgingEyes]

On the other hand I purchased this one...

Yup, don't bother about those questions and just get the 680B and be done with it. I have ten pounds of stuff on it and then some of my body weight as I like to lean on it sometimes to rest a bit when I have been standing long enough. You can even use it as a self-defense - or offense - weapon if necessary. That manfrotto 680B is cheap and strong. You don't need a gitzo, which likely is over-prized and don't necessarily do anything better than the manfrotto.

[straightarm]

If possible you need to see and handle one before you buy. You can compare the specs to your heart's content, but you need to see if fit feels right to you. In particular, how easy is it to extend or compress? esp if you're wearing gloves. Does it have some kind if lever to lock the leg, or is it a twist lock?