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ok.....

I am going to Japan and Hong Kong in Feb and I need to keep weight to a minimum but I want to get sharp photos.

I have a tripod that is going to be way too heavy to carry around
(considering I am going to be lugging around 30 odd kgs of snow gear)

So what to get a Monopod or a super light tripod?

What would other members recommend?
Do I need a head with the monopod? or is it better to get an L bracket?

olrac wrote:ok.....

I am going to Japan and Hong Kong in Feb and I need to keep weight to a minimum but I want to get sharp photos.

I have a tripod that is going to be way too heavy to carry around
(considering I am going to be lugging around 30 odd kgs of snow gear)

So what to get a Monopod or a super light tripod?

What would other members recommend?
Do I need a head with the monopod? or is it better to get an L bracket?

If you're heading to Japan or HKG, then lust them overthere in HKG.
Yes, you need to have a head with monopod for flexibility in shooting with lens as 70-200 etc..
Why do you consider in the L bracket with the monopod? without the head and A-S, the L bracket won't work well on the monopod.

I thought I would have the base plate on the monopod and the QR adapters on the camera/Lplate and be able to swap from portrait to landscape quickly.

What Monopods should I be looking at? what kind of features?

If I buy over there I dont want to not get one cause i cant find one i like so i need to be well researched prior to leaving.

I have a monopod with a simple head. I use this for most of my travelling as it is light and also I can use it as a walking stick!! Plus it is small enough to be taken as carry on with the rest of my gear.
Not actually sure of the type but the brand is Manfroto. Can not fault it.
There have been times when I need the tripod but by wedging the mono in with some rocks or bages I have been able to get some good shots.

This is the set up I have plus many more forum members, regarded by some as the ultimate set up, whilst others view it as the most expensive!
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutorials/monopods/index.html
My monopod is the Manfrotto 679B (Approx $80) which suits me for my height, the Fiesol carbon fibre maybe another option.
You might want to look at the mini tripod that Manfrotto makes, ideal for travel and hidding in your backpack.
All depends on what lens your using of course..

olrac wrote:I thought I would have the base plate on the monopod and the QR adapters on the camer/Lplate and be able to swap from portrait to landscape quickly.

What's the base plate? and the base plate is not working by its own, it requires to have a head or one similar to the Manfrotto # 234 with the QRP as following:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/tutoria ... index.html

Then it'll be easier for you to switch between landscape or portrait if needed.

What Monopods should I be looking at? what kind of features?

Can't answer this question! depend on how deep your pocket is from 100 bucks to 400 bucks.

If I buy over there I dont want to not get one cause i cant find one i like so i need to be well researched prior to leaving.

You'll find ones which you like overthere, they have thousand of photographic shops and you can try them all, and find one suitable for you.

But make sure you pay it prior to walk out the stores

But make sure you pay it prior to walk out the stores

Come on Birdy a free mono pod is the best monopod

That article is very interesting.

Maybe I should go down to my local shop and check out some monopods and see what suits (height and weight)

How many sections is optimal?

olrac wrote:
Maybe I should go down to my local shop and check out some monopods and see what suits (height and weight)

Yes, do it and you'll have an idea of what you should look once you're overthere.

How many sections is optimal?

I always prefer 3 sections.

Yes have a look at them is better then you can see what you want and weight is the best bet. I got a Benro from Birdy and is ok but i find it very short, just as well i got a ballhead on it as i would be bending down to use it, yet my other old pod has plenty of height. If not like Birdy said look at them over there if you get the chance.

What are you shooting?

If it is night shots, you need a tripod. Monopod won't cut it. You'll get maybe 2-3 extra stops over the 1/focal length "rule" with a monopod, but that's it.

If you just want some steadying on daylight and low light (not dark) shots - then a monopod will suffice.

Even better - take both.

Grab something like my baby Manfrotto tabletop tripod.

About 8" long, including its mini ballhead, will fit in your pocket, but sturdy enough to support a 70-200VR, although you certainly wouldn't be expecting to shoot panos with it.

Fold the legs and you have a tabletop monopod, you can use this just about anywhere yiu have a flat surface to place it on.

well I am going to be taking shots at all times of the day including night....

I think a monopod and a table top tripod is all I am going to be able to afford in weight.

that should suffice just means I have to get creative with where I set up the camera and what I use for the mini tripod support....

I just went to Camera Exchange and saw the Gitzo G1098 tripod, that thing looks like a fantastic travel tripod small and light.

Does anyone have one or maybe recommend an alternative.

olrac wrote:I just went to Camera Exchange and saw the Gitzo G1098 tripod, that thing looks like a fantastic travel tripod small and light.

Does anyone have one or maybe recommend an alternative.

Benro C127/C128 or C027/ C028.

Olrac - the Gitzo 1098 is one of the new Basalt series

where would I be able to see some of the Benro gear in melb?